1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Flat Floor

Launched at the 1961 Geneva Motorshow the E-Type was an instant global sensation with sporting lines aerodynamically formed in the same fashion as fighter planes, a screaming 150mph top speed all with a price tag that didn’t break the bank.

On its release Enzo Ferrari himself famously quoted the Jaguar E-Type to be “The most beautiful car ever made” and surpassed most top 100 lists for many decades.

The all-new Jaguar XKE-series design owed that to the incredibly successful racing D-Type. It was built around a monocoque tub forming the main structure with a tubular spaceframe extended forwards to support the legendary 3.8 litre triple SU carburetted 265hp inline six-cylinder motor.

Regarded amongst collectors and enthusiast alike the earliest variation of the E-Type, the “Flat Floor” is considered the purest of them all. It featured a fighter plane influenced aluminium central console, enclosed front headlights, 3.8 Litre motor and a bulletproof racing Moss gearbox. What we have here is a very rare opportunity to own an original flat-floor, full matching numbers, factory right-hand drive, fixed-head coupé.

Offered is a 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 FHC “Flat Floor” presented today in stunning Opalescent Burgundy Metallic over Biscuit leather trim restored to the highest standard and regarded as one of the best examples in Australia.

With nearly all of these early cars built for LHD export markets just 532 right hand drive flat floors were produced.

The car is the 134th of 138 right-hand drive cars made for inaugural year of 1961 - the 4th last car to be built in the first year of production of the E-Type and with just 175 right-hand drive, fixed head coupé flat floor cars built, this Jaguar E-Type is something quite special indeed.

That’s not all though… it gets better.

Distributed through Henly’s London, sold new by the dealer Friday’s Ltd (original dealer plate remains in door sill) and then only shortly after in 1968 did this car come half way around the world landing in the small town of Devonport off the north coast of Tasmania, Australia. It remained in Tasmania for next 45 years.

After being stored underneath a house since 1982, it was in 2009 the owner of the E-Type had commissioned an award-winning restoration specialist Dean Causley of Classic Auto Metal to restore the Flat-Floor to world-class standard.

A painstaking 4-year nut and bolt restoration took place which was documented by a host of receipts and a beautifully made book with 2000 photographs.

A few tasteful upgrades were made during the restoration to improve drivability, these upgrades included: a brand-new steering rack, Custom Aluminium Radiator/Thermostat (made to look like the original steel radiator), High Torque Starter Motor, a modern Alternator hidden within the original generator housing, a genuine 4.2 Series 1 synchromesh gearbox was installed for ease of use and a set of Dayton Triple Laced Jaguar Competition Specification Wire wheels were fitted at a later stage which were a period correct dealer fitted accessory when new.

The Jaguar was finally completed in 2013 and was tasked to compete in the up and coming Motoclassica 2013. The results were in and the E-Type won best in its class and runner for Best in Show – a huge achievement.

Today the E-Type has travelled a mere 965 miles since the restoration, it has been owned and cared for by meticulous Jaguar enthusiasts and maintained with a well-regarded NSW- based Jaguar specialist.

Accompanying the car is a wonderful fully documented history since new complete with a Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, servicing receipts and historic photographs.

In addition to its history the car is accompanied by a Jack and Hammer, Tool Roll and its original E-Type Series 1 Gear Box (Moss Box).

One of the finest right-hand drive, flat-floor E-Type Coupés in the country this leaping cat will not disappoint and a viewing is a must to comprehend the high-quality craftmanship and man hours put in to bring this Jaguar back to its former glory.