1964 JAGUAR E-TYPE CABRIOLET 3.8L
Chassis no. 880353
French registration
- Important Invoice File
- Hard top
- Beautiful patina
- Mythical car
- Matching Numbers
- Newly refurbished engine and running gear
The Jaguar E-Type was unveiled at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show. Media excitement was at an all-time high,’ recalls the brand, ’and the short ride offered to journalists was so popular that Jaguar's founder, Sir Williams Lyons, realised that one car was not enough. He ordered a test driver to leave immediately for the Jaguar workshops in Coventry and to return to Switzerland, at night, at the wheel of another E-Type.
Legend also has it that Enzo Ferrari, on discovering the Jaguar E-Type for the first time, said ‘This is the most beautiful car in the world’.
The sublime British car is an object of myth, legends, stories and memories. For many, their first encounter with such a machine left an indelible impression. In fact, its sensual, sleek lines have earned it the status of a true work of art: the E-Type has a permanent place in New York's MOMA! Because it is the purest, the most authentic, and also the wildest, the first production 3.8-litre E-Type is the most sought-after by collectors.
Our example was delivered new to the USA in 1964, so it's one of the last 3.8s produced. In the early 1990s, the car was imported into France. A restoration was then undertaken, with the bodywork and transmission being redone at Cecil Cars. During the restoration, the car was acquired by the current owner's father. He completed the restoration by rebuilding the engine and running gear. Thereafter, the car was regularly maintained, as evidenced by an impressive file of invoices. Most recently, in 2021, the current owner carried out a complete overhaul of the engine (cylinder head, cooling, seals, carburettors, etc.), running gear and braking system.
Importantly, the original corked dashboard is supplied with the car, as is a hard top.
The test drive revealed a pleasant car, with a good engine and precise running gear.
With its charm, this car is ideal for those who wish to drive a Jaguar, as the old restoration gives the car a beautiful patina.