Jaguar E-Type (1961)

The Jaguar E-Type is a British automobile legend, manufactured by Jaguar between 1961 and 1975. A combination of good looks, high performance, and competitive pricing ensured the car was an instant legend. In period, a Ferrari cost three times more and supplied less horsepower which established the marque as an icon of 1960s motoring. The model became a great success for Jaguar, with more than 70,000 E-Types being sold during its lifespan. On its release, Enzo Ferrari called it "The most beautiful car ever made".

The model was made in three distinct versions which are now generally referred to as "Series 1", "Series 2" and "Series 3". A transitional series between Series 1 and Series 2 is known, unofficially, as "Series 1½".The most desirable of all E-Types is often regarded as the early Series 1 "Flat Floor" 3.8 Roadsters.

DK Engineering is sad but proud to offer our first year E-Type for sale. This flat-floor, 3.8 roadster was delivered to new to Max Hoffman, the US importer in November 1961.

The car’s original specification was Carmen red over a Black interior and of course left-hand drive. Leading a charmed life stateside, the car found its way back to the UK in around 2011. A thoroughly solid and original example, DK decided to embark on a complete nut and bolt restoration to Homologation ‘34’ like the ZP cars that were specified new to the likes of Coombs and Sopwith.

In 2011, before the creation of the Kinrara trophy, the car was built to be as versatile as possible. The brief was a car that could do circuit racing, tours and rallies; such as Tour Auto and Modena Cento Ore, but still remain equally usable on the road whilst sharp enough for Concours events and shows.

Fortuitously, in time with the completion of the restoration, there was increasing popularity and awareness of the Pre-63 GT series, with regular fixtures including the prestigious Tourist Trophy at Silverstone. The cars race debut came at the Donington Historic Festival in 2013, where it showed great pace from the off. It finished 4th overall, just behind the Ferrari 250SWB piloted by ex-Formula 1 driver, Jackie Oliver.

The car has never finished a race outside of the top five. The success and popularity of the Pre-63 GT series lead to a special one-off race at Goodwood for the 72nd Members Meeting. Invited by the Duke of Richmond to the inaugural event, with James at the helm, after another thrilling race, secured a podium finish.

Following the success of the race at the members meeting, Goodwood decided to make the Kinrara Trophy a permanent feature of the Goodwood Revival Meeting and now becoming quickly, the highlight race of the weekend. Twice a Kinrara trophy winner, this car placed 2nd at the 2016 event, pipped again by a 250 SWB, this time the car was driven by nine-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen.

With over a dozen podium finishes and race victories throughout its short career, this is the most successful Pre-63 E-Type. Constantly maintained and developed to be kept up to speed with the DK standard, this car represents a fabulous opportunity for the new owner, proven to be competitive and reliable.

Remarkably, the car retains its matching numbers engine and will be supplied with its comprehensive history file and of course its valid FIA papers. This E-Type is eligible for a great deal of racing in 2020; including the Goodwoods, Pre-63GT series, the Equipe Pre-63 series as well as the Pre-63 class in Jaguar Challenge and a host of other events including 60s Endurance with Peter Auto and the famous Spa 6hrs in September.

Arguably the fastest pre-63 E-Type around this car has proved its competitive status on circuits around Europe.