1961 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 'External Bonnet Lock' Roadster

• Chassis No 875119 was built on 15 June 1961 before being despatched to R Donan in Excelsior, Minnesota
• Flat-floor, external bonnet lock, E-type production began with Chassis #875001 so this is the 119th E-Type built
• Finished in its original livery of Gunmetal complemented by a Light Blue interior
• Period-correct but non-matching 3.8 engine with a later, all-synchro gearbox
• Being offered directly from a UK private collection
• Had a light restoration whilst in the US retaining many original features
• Regularly maintained and kept on the button in recent years
• One of the most coveted of E-Types, on offer with a very sensible guide

Resplendent in its original colour combination of Opalescent Gunmetal with a Light Blue interior, Chassis #875119 is one of the earliest Jaguar E Types produced and consequently, one of the most desirable. Delivered new to Jaguar Cars New York on 28 June 1961, its first owner is recorded on the accompanying Jaguar Heritage Certificate as being R Donan, Excelsior, Minnesota and, from there, we are led to believe that the majority of its life, until returning to these shores in recent years, was spent in California. We are also told that prior to repatriation a light restoration was carried out to a proficient and very presentable standard and this is how this ‘external bonnet lock’ E-Type stands today. We understand that the engine is period correct but not original so this is not a matching-numbers, Concours trophy hunter but a superb example of the Holy Grail of E-Types. Many instantly recognisable original features still remain such as the welded-in bonnet louvres, additional drain holes in the boot channel and fuel filler aperture as well as many other correct and date stamped components. With usability in mind, several upgrades have been utilised such as the later, all-synchromesh gearbox and an aluminium radiator. Accompanying the E-Type is a history file containing photographs, various invoices, Heritage Certificate and the original hand book.

We would advocate an early and detailed inspection of this early Jaguar to feel completely comfortable with this rare car.