1961 Jaguar E Type Series 1 3.8 Litre Roadster

1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8-Litre Roadster
Sold for $214,500 Including Commission
RM Auction, Amelia Island, Florida 2014
Chassis no. 875494
Engine no. R1652-9
Body no. R1609
Gearbox no. RB755JS
265 bhp, 3,781 cc DOHC inline six-cylinder engine with triple SU carburetors, four-speed manual gearbox, torsion bar independent front suspension, coil-spring independent rear suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 96 in.

•Matching-numbers example with only three owners from new
•Recent comprehensive restoration to JCNA standards and original factory specifications
•A superb example of a desirable early “flat-floor” E-Type Roadster


With the debut of Jaguar’s sensational new sports car, the E-Type, at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, Jaguar had once again proven to the world that it could build an incredible performance car with svelte looks to match, which was a hallmark of the brand. From the moment of its introduction, dealers could hardly keep their E-Types on the showroom floor. The car was universally and exaltedly praised by many people (including, notably, Enzo Ferrari himself), remarking that it was the best-looking car ever made. It was the stuff of dreams.

The E-Type was intended as the next generation replacement to Jaguar’s XK120-150 series of sports cars, and it was the culmination of lessons learned from that series in road use, as well as from lessons learned in the heat of competition with the revolutionary D-Type sports racer. It was powered by Jaguar’s venerable 3.8-liter, straight six-cylinder engine, which first appeared in the XK150S the year before. Its horsepower was rated at a respectable 265, and it could muster a top speed of 150 mph. The E-Type was also equipped with a modern independent rear suspension that masterfully mixed precise handling, comfort, and grip. The design of the suspension proved to be so effective that it remained in various Jaguar models for over 25 years.

According to its included Jaguar-Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, this early production flat-floor E-Type was built on September 6, 1961, and was sold new to a R.E. Semnis, of Memphis, Tennessee, on October 30, 1961. Semnis owned and enjoyed the car for the next 28 years, and in 1989, he finally sold it to a C. Messiner, of West Palm Beach, Florida. Messiner had the car fully restored to JCNA national standards by marque specialists Classic Jaguars, of Austin, Texas, in 2003, and it was brought back to as-new condition.

Looking just as stunning as the day it left the factory, in its original color combination of black with a red leather interior, this E-Type is certainly a head turner. Under the stewardship of its current owner, the car was freshened and detailed prior to participation in the Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s, Michigan, in 2011. As with any E-Type restored to concours standards, the correct jack, hammer, and bag are present, as well as the top boot. The undercarriage is impressively detailed and also to the same level of near flawless presentation.

As Jaguar’s most iconic sports car, ownership of an E-Type Roadster should be a requisite for any collector or enthusiast. Since the completion of its full restoration in 2003, the car has covered a mere 2,700 miles and is both sorted and ready for open road events and detailed for concours. This rare early flat-floor E-Type example, in its factory-original black and red, with matching numbers, is in spectacular mechanical and cosmetic condition, and it is certainly worthy of close inspection.

Robert Myrick Photography