PROVENANCE Executive Car Leasing Corp., Los Angeles, California (acquired new in November 1961) Second Owner (acquired late 1960s) Kirk Fry, Palo Alto, California (acquired from the above in 1976) Current Owners (acquired from the above in 2002) THIS CAR In May 1961, Jaguar’s new E-Type stunned crowds at the Geneva Motor Show when factory driver Norman Dewis drove 611 miles overnight from London to the event. The car caused such a sensation that a second E-Type had to be sent over for display. Spectacular E-Types still draw crowds 55 years later, and this early Series I Roadster is no exception. A California car, it received a fully documented restoration by noted marque expert Dave Ferguson, and represents a labor of love for both owner and restorer. Aircraft designer Malcolm Sayer penned the monocoque D-Type that won Le Mans three years running, beginning in 1955. Jaguar chief Sir William Lyons wanted to adapt the D-Type’s technology for street cars and charged Sayer with its design. The E-Type had four-wheel independent suspension with torsion bars up front and coil springs at the rear. Steering was rack and pinion, and brakes were Dunlop discs. The bodywork was a central tub, with front and rear subframes carrying the suspension, engine, and rear axle. A one-piece tilt nose allowed unparalleled access. Powered by a 265 bhp, 3.8-liter DOHC six-cylinder engine, the E-type was good for 150 mph and was surprisingly quiet. Assembly of this E-Type was completed on October 2, 1961, and the vehicle was sold new in Los Angeles. Two documented owners enjoyed the E-Type before it was acquired by the consignor, who had grown up with a similar car. Carefully disassembled, the car was stored for several years until Ferguson performed the concours-level restoration that was completed in 2013. Ferguson rebuilt the car from the ground up, painstakingly recording and photographing the process. Accompanying videos illustrate the car’s story and depict the extraordinary attention to detail the vehicle received. The drivetrain, body, and chassis were expertly restored; the coachwork was repainted in the original bronze, and a correct Tan leather interior (which can more accurately be described as “pumpkin”) and a new black canvas top were added. To enhance the E-Type’s driving experience, larger front disc brakes were fitted, and a five-speed synchromesh gearbox was installed; the original four-speed Moss gearbox is included with the sale. Today, the car rides on new wire wheels, and the electronic ignition system has been changed to negative ground. The enthusiastic owners of this Roadster attest that the vast majority of the car’s original parts were used in the restoration, including headlight covers, glass windscreen, fluid bottle, nuts, bolts, and washers. This elegant E-Type has been driven a mere 1,500 miles since the restoration’s completion but has gained many admirers along the way.