Chassis No. 880085

According to its Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, this 1963 Jaguar E-Type Roadster was ordered by Runnell "AJ" McCrea through Jaguar Cars Ltd. of Manhattan for European Delivery. Completed on 4 September 1963 and finished in Opalescent Dark Green over Beige leather interior trim and a French Grey soft top, McCrea reportedly kept his new Left Hand Drive E-Type in Europe throughout 1963 and into 1964. At a point during prior ownership, the original 3.8-liter XK straight-six engine and Moss transmission were replaced. In their place, a 4.2-liter engine (serial number 7E1484–9) and a full synchromesh four-speed manual transmission were installed. It is noted that the cylinder head is without a serial number stamp. The 4.2-liter's 265 hp peak arrived at 5,400 rpm, versus 5,500 for the original 3.8-liter straight-six with torque increased by 18 percent, a boon to everyday driving.

Regarding its subsequent ownership history, period photography indicates that this Series 1 Roadster was repainted red and trimmed with black upholstery during the time of its thorough nut-and-bolt restoration beginning in 2013. Armed with the knowledge of its original build specification courtesy of its Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, restoration photography reveals a complete disassembly of all major mechanical systems, trim, and interior. The body was completely stripped to bare metal and necessary repairs were made with a complete refinish in its original delivery color of Opalescent Dark Green, a fantastic verdant shade offered between 1961 and 1967. The engine cradle received similar treatment, while the gleaming, refreshed 4.2-liter engine with which it was found, was reinstalled. Opalescent Dark Green was available with a wide selection of five interior colors and, when new, McCrea smartly chose Beige leather paired with a French Grey soft top. Naturally, the car has been restored to its original specification inside as well with the early Series 1 seats and matching door panels trimmed in fresh Beige upholstery with wool carpets to match.

A covered-headlight Jaguar E-Type Roadster is one of the great British "special-occasion" sports cars. While the coupe-versus-roadster debate remains eternal, it is undeniable that an E-Type Roadster with the top down, on a clear day is one of life's best experiences, automotive or otherwise. A jack, tool kit with a grease gun, owner's manual, and service handbook are included.