Early E-type found – and now set for restoration

| 14 Apr 2014

 

A Jaguar E-type from the first year of production has returned from America and is now due to be fully restored, C&SC has learned.

Any flat floor E-type is a rare find in itself, but this 1961 3.8 Roadster was just the 34th to roll off the production line. It is one of the few right-hand drive E-types not to have already been restored.

Nick Goldthorp, who is heading up the project at Classic Motor Cars of Birdgnorth, told C&SC: "Overall, the bulkheads front and rear are in good condition. The bonnet is a bit worse for wear, but we have actually found an original 1961 E-type bonnet that we can use. Otherwise, it is complete with its original engine, transmission and axle."

1961 Jaguar E-type Chassis 34

The car was first finished in Opalescent Dark Green with Suede Green interior and was completed on 19 June 1961 before being despatched to the distributor, Mann Egerton & Co, of Norwich, on 14 July of the same year.

The firm undertaking the restoration has good form when it comes to E-types, having previously rebuilt Lofty England's chassis No.4, the Lindner-Nocker Lightweight and "1VHP", the first right-hand-drive Coupé to be built.

But is the flat-floor 3.8 really the best E-type? James Elliott isn't so sure: click here to find out why.

Or click here for a full list of Jaguar E-types for sale.