1963 Jaguar E-Type Series 1

Launched at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, the Jaguar E-Type became an instant global sensation.

With its sleek, fighter jet-inspired lines, a top speed of 150 mph, and a surprisingly affordable price tag, it was an engineering and design marvel.

Upon its release, Enzo Ferrari famously declared it “the most beautiful car ever made”, and for decades, the E-Type consistently topped global ‘greatest car’ lists.

The all-new XKE-series design drew inspiration from the racing-proven D-Type, constructed around a monocoque tub forming the central structure, with a tubular space frame extending forward to cradle the legendary 3.8-litre, triple SU carburetted, 265 bhp inline six-cylinder engine.

Among collectors and enthusiasts, the earliest examples of the E-Type are considered the purest – and this one may be the most meticulously restored and beautifully specified we have ever seen.

Offered here is a 1963 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 Roadster, finished in its original factory colour combination of Opalescent Gunmetal over Light Blue leather, complemented by a Blue hood. This example has undergone a full nut-and-bolt, concours-winning restoration, carried out by none other than Concours Sportscar Restorations – widely regarded as one of Australia’s premier Jaguar specialists.

Built on 30th July 1963 and delivered new on 16th August 1963 via Bryson’s Jaguar Sydney, the car was first owned by Mr J.G. Sample, a resident of the prestigious suburb of Vaucluse in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs – a suitably grand setting for such a car.

When acquired by its current owner around 2017, the car was in a rather derelict state, then finished in British Racing Green over a Cream interior. Crucially, the original colour combination was discovered during research – and it was decided the car must be returned to that specification, no matter the cost.

In July 2018, the car arrived at Concours Sportscar Restorations, where master Jaguar restorer Gavin King was commissioned to carry out a no-expense-spared, ground-up rebuild.

Over the course of seven painstaking years, every salvageable component was restored – including the original bonnet. The car retains its matching-numbers head, block, crank, and flywheel. Other original components such as the Dunlop brakes, distributor, cooling fan, generator, and starter motor have also been retained, all date-stamped and correct to the car.

The goal was to create a vehicle that not only looked as-new but could also be driven regularly with improved reliability and usability. To this end, the car was converted to negative earth and now features a modern Retrosound radio with Bluetooth, electronic ignition, electric thermofan, upgraded front brake callipers, and a more user-friendly all-synchromesh gearbox derived from a 4.2-litre E-Type – replacing the original Moss gearbox.

Completed in 2025, the restoration was finished just in time for the Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance, where it was awarded Best Restoration among a field of 40 of the country’s finest classic cars.

This remarkable example is accompanied by an extensive file of receipts, a comprehensive photo documentation of the restoration, and a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust (JDHT) certificate verifying its matching numbers and original specification.

An early Series 1 in a highly desirable specification, restored to the highest standards and ready to be driven and enjoyed. Rather than undertaking a lengthy and costly project yourself, here lies a turn-key opportunity to own one of the finest E-Types in the country – available now on our showroom floor.