1961 Jaguar-XKE Series 1 3.8 OTS, Outside Bonnet Latch

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Description

(SOLD) It is very rare to find an original and unmolested E-Type, let alone a convertible model with outside bonnet latches, welded louvers and flat floors, but Classic Showcase has acquired such an example and is pleased to present it here. This numbers-matching roadster is number 206 in early E-type production history, and was delivered on August 24th, 1961 to Jaguar Cars of New York. The car has a fantastic and storied history, including participation in Concours and regional vintage automobile events, and has benefitted from a strong maintenance history. Recently, the XKE has been the recipient of a comprehensive show/driver level restoration by master technicians at Classic Showcase, where the car was stripped to bare metal and professionally restored. Included in that process, the vehicle was dissembled, and the interior was removed and documented, the vehicle body worked, metal finished, fitted, and leaded as needed, with all body parts and chrome being properly fitted back to the car; It has been primed, sealed, and has had a base coat applied, and is in the process of receiving a clear coat, which will then be color sanded and buffed to a beautiful finish. All systems are being gone through, and are being restored and replaced as necessary. The engine, transmission, and rear end of the vehicle were thoroughly checked, serviced, and improved as needed, and have been brought up to proper specifications. The car will receive all new rubber, grommets and seals, and the britework will be replaced or restored as needed. The roadster's parts and components are in the process of being restored in the proper colors and finishes as well, using NOS parts wherever possible. Master trimmers in our upholstery department have restored the car’s interior, including the bows and top, each in their proper and original materials. As is often the case with our early Series 1 E-Type restorations, a strong attention to detail has been given to its restoration efforts, and a pictorial DVD of the restoration process, along with a Heritage Certificate of authenticity will accompany the vehicle. This highly collectable 1961 E-type OTS OBL is the quintessential model for the discerning Jaguar Collector.

History

The Series 1 was introduced, initially for export only, in March 1961. The domestic market launch came four months later in July 1961. The cars at this time used the triple SU carbureted 3.8 liter 6-cylinder Jaguar XK6 engine from the XK150S. The first 300 cars built had flat floors and external hood (bonnet) latches. These cars are rare and more valuable. The outside bonnet latch is the most sought after of all the Series I E types. Only 500 external bonnet latch cars were made, of those, 385 were left-hand drive roadsters, 20 left hand drive coupes, 91 right hand drive roadsters, and 4 right-hand drive coupes. After that, the floors were dished to provide more leg room and the twin hood latches moved to inside the car. The 3.8 liter engine was increased to 4.2 liters in October 1964. This is a California car that is complete and has the features that so many collectors look for, which are: flat floor, welded louvers, outside bonnet latches, low number production car, and matching numbers.

Authenticity