Only 7,200 miles from new
1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I 'Flat Floor' 3.8-Litre Roadster
Registration no. 128 YUH
Chassis no. 875103
Engine no. R1137-9

Introduced in 3.8-litre form in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type (XKE in the USA) caused a sensation when it appeared, with instantly classic lines and 150mph top speed. While, inevitably, the car's stupendous straight-line performance and gorgeous looks grabbed the headlines, there was a lot more to the E-Type beneath the skin. The newcomer's design owed much to that of the racing D-Type. Indeed, the E-Type would be one of the last great sports cars developed directly from a successful competition ancestor. Just as in the D-Type, a monocoque tub formed the main body/chassis structure while a tubular spaceframe extended forwards to support the engine. The latter was the same 3.8-litre, triple-carburettor, 'S' unit first offered as an option on the preceding XK150. With a claimed 265 horsepower on tap, the E-Type's performance did not disappoint: firstly, because it weighed around 500lb less than the XK150 and secondly because aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer used experience gained with the D-Type to create one of the most elegant and efficient shapes ever to grace a motor car. Developed from that of the original XK120 sports car and refined in the racing D-Type, the double wishbone, independent front suspension was mounted on the forward sub-frame that supported the engine. At the rear the E-Type's suspension broke new ground for a large-capacity sports car, being independent at a time when most of its major rivals relied on the traditional live rear axle. Dunlop disc brakes were fitted to all four wheels; those at the rear being mounted inboard alongside the differential to reduce un-sprung weight. Only in terms of its transmission did the E-Type represent no significant advance over the XK150, whose durable four-speed Moss gearbox it retained. Despite the E-Type's gorgeous appearance, taller drivers could find its interior somewhat lacking in space, a criticism addressed by the introduction of foot wells (and other, more minor modifications) early in 1962. But of all the versions of Jaguar's long-lived and much-loved sports car, it is the very early 'flat floor' 3.8-litre cars built prior to February 1962 which, for many enthusiasts, remain the most desirable. Its accompanying Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate confirms that left-hand drive chassis number '875103' was despatched from Browns Lane on 27th June 1961 bound for Jaguar Cars, New York. The original colour scheme was opalescent dark green with Suede Green leather interior, which the car retains. Its first owner is listed as G E Kling of Dayton, Ohio. George Kling owned the cement manufacturing company, Moraine Materials. According to correspondence on file, he bought the Jaguar on a whim after seeing a newspaper advertisement in the local paper announcing the new XKE Roadster at the local dealer, J-V Motors. It was the second XKE sold in Dayton. Approximately two or three years later, with the odometer showing 3,374 miles, Mr Kling drove the car to the home of Dayton industrialist, George Walther, for cocktails. George Walther's company was a major manufacturer of steel wheel assemblies for the trucking industry. Their race team, 'Dayton Steel Wheel Specials' competed in the Indianapolis 500 for over 25 years, though with little success. Mr Walther showed interest in the Jaguar and offered to buy it if Mr Kling wanted to sell. Mr Kling confessed that he did not fit in the car very well and would sell it for $1 for every mile shown on the odometer. A deal was struck for that amount. After driving the E-Type infrequently himself for several years, George Walther put the car in a storage barn at his family's marina/race-car shop. It sat there with several Duesenbergs, Ferraris, assorted Indianapolis cars, 'unlimited' hydroplanes and other Walther family interests. The car was retrieved from the building after George Walther's death and subsequently passed via his son, D'Arcy, to John E Higgins, President of Lexus of Dayton. It subsequently came to the UK and was purchased by the current owner from the highly respected marque specialists, JD Classics, circa two years ago. Since acquisition the car has been kept in professional storage. Effectively unused since 1965, although it has been MoT'd, this very early E-Type retains matching numbers and is completely original and un-restored – a rare find indeed. Representing a wonderful opportunity to acquire an unmolested example of the Jaguar E-Type in its earliest and purest form, the car is offered with aforementioned documentation, current road fund licence, MoT to June 2014 and Swansea V5C document.