1961 Jaguar E-Type 3,8 ltr. OBL Roadster

One of the first Outside Bonnet Latch E-Types – the 77th LHD Roadster

Ch.no. 875077
To find an early E-Type with a production number below 100 is virtually impossible. This early E-Type is an example of the much-loved and very exclusive “flat floor” E-Types. More precisely, the 77th LHD Open Two Seater built 5th June 1961, just two months after presentation at the New York Motor Show. It can be considered the Holy Grail, as historically the most important period of early E-Type production was the Summer of 1961.

“77” is totally Heritage correct in original Opalescent Dark Blue color, blue hood to match - and all matching numbers for chassis, body, engine, and gearbox. It is absolutely concours condition and without doubt one of the very best early E-Type Roadsters for sale in the World.

Early production
The first 500 E-Types were virtually pre-production cars – with well over 50 points different to proper production E-Types emerging around Autumn of 1961. Most striking are the external bonnet locks and the Lucas tripod headlamps mounted in housings painted body color – seen only on the initial 500 cars.

The first E-Types were largely hand built with construction being slow and dated. For instance, bonnet front openings were hand hammered making them slightly individual. Only a few roadsters were built per day, and “77” may have taken even longer, as it was a special order by the first owner with rarely seen white leather upholstery and matching dark blue carpets. A stunningly elegant and tasteful combination, now perfectly restored by Peet Classics last year.

Early features
Production history of the very first 500 E-Types of 1961 is fascinating. “77” obviously has all early features significant to the OBL – Outside Bonnet Latch series. Naturally flat floors and bonnet with spot welded-in louvers, but also two-piece door skins, the super rare “Butlers” number plate lights, the wider chrome trim below the wind screen, Bakelite covers on brake/clutch fluid bottles – and pumpkin colored cylinder head, giving a dramatic color contrast - a great conversation point when opening the bonnet – only the earliest engines were so colored before receiving the more mundane gold color.

Ultimate level restoration
This quality level was awarded in 2020 at the Antwerp Classic Salon Concours d’Elegance, winning the title “Best of Show”. Since then, significant work has been carried out taking “77” to the ultimate level both mechanically and cosmetically by Peet Classics of Voorschoten, Holland.

The car is now totally historically correct and as it was delivered to the Jaguar dealer in New York 28th June 1961 for the first owner – with a few improvements to enhance the driving experience. So “77” must be one of the best OBL E-Type in the World – Peet Classics are confident you won´t find a better one.

Your E-Type
It’s very easy to fall in love with this Jaguar E-Type. The elegant styling of the Series 1 is exactly what designer Malcolm Sayer – an aeronautical graduate – had in mind when he designed it. Pure beauty, shaped by the wind. The interior is a succession of beautiful elements. Just look at the clocks, or the rocker switches in the center of the dashboard, or the aluminum trim around the gear lever. And then there are the bucket seats, that wouldn't look out of place in a museum of modern design. In fact The Museum of Modern Art in New York exhibited an identical early 3,8 E-Type a few years ago – even in the same opalescent dark blue color!

This is a unique opportunity for you to add one of the very first and most desirable Jaguar E-Type to your classic car collection. Peet Classics will be happy to welcome you in our showroom, to have a look at this unique E-Type.

https://www.peetclassics.nl/aanbod/jaguar-e-type-3-8-ots-1961/