1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 'External Bonnet Lock' Roadster - Chassis 64

The story of the E-Type requires little introduction, however, what perhaps may need some explanation is the position in the market of the very early cars and their importance to collectors and marque enthusiasts alike. In common with Works of Art, Furniture, Philately, Fine Wines and all the other things people collect, the rarest and best quality items tend to attract collectors' interest and inevitably, the harder they are to find, the more expensive they can become. Should there be a number of well-heeled collectors chasing a particular painting, for example, then the result can be a serious clash of egos and wallets. This is equally true of Classic Cars and the E-Type is a perfect example. The most sought after of all the E-Types are the first 92 right-hand drive cars produced and these are easily distinguished by their external bonnet locks (EBL).

Rolling off the production line on 30th May 1961, this particular, left-hand drive, ‘External Bonnet Lock’ E-Type Roadster was despatched just two weeks later to its first owner, Dr JD Rudolph of Santa Fe Springs, California, finished in Opalescent Dark Green with a Beige interior and a French Grey hood, the colour scheme in which it remains to this very day. Fully restored in 2012, ‘Chassis No 64’ returned to the UK some years ago in need of a degree of refreshment to bring it back up to a level that was acceptable to the present owner. This involved a complete rework in 2019 - '22 by Ken Verity, an independent E-Type specialist based in Rotherham, of the earlier restoration, attending to all mechanical aspects as required to the very highest of standards including the refitting of the original engine block recently repatriated from the USA. A complete retrim was entrusted to ‘GB Classic Trimmers’ of Nuneaton and, all told, we understand that In excess of £70,000 has been invested in the last five years.

This is a rare opportunity to own what is often described as being the ‘Holy Grail’ of E-Types and what is possibly one of the earliest left-hand drive examples remaining. Your early inspection is welcomed and encouraged to satisfy yourself with regards to the outstanding restoration that has bought #875064 back to life.