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

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Description

(SOLD) This incredible, first-generation XKE outside bonnet latch roadster is undergoing a restoration to the highest standards of show-level correctness! It's not every day that a first generation E-Type with such a high degree of patina, originality, and sought-after features like flat floors and welded louvers comes along, but Classic Showcase has found such a car, and were very excited about restoring such a rare and unique piece of Jaguar history. Classic Showcase has performed a comprehensive restoration to this rare XKE to the highest Show level possible. Included in the restoration process, the vehicle has been dissembled, and the interior has been removed and documented, the body has been stripped to bare metal and placed on a rotisserie, the body has been body worked, metal finished, fitted, and leaded as needed, and all body parts and chrome were fitted to the car in bare metal; It has been primered, sealed, had a base coat and clear coat applied, and then color sanded and buffed to a beautiful finish. All body parts were painted off the car separately. All systems have been gone through and were restored or replaced as necessary. The transmission, clutch, and hydraulic systems were fully restored, or replaced, and the car has received all new rubber, grommets and seals. In addition, the britework has been fitted and re-plated to Show level quality. The car received all new upholstery, and has been fitted and installed in the correct materials by master upholsterers in our Upholstery Department. The roadster's parts and components have restored in the proper colors and finishes as well, and NOS parts were used wherever possible. Extreme attention to detail has being given because of the importance of this early, highly original E-type. A DVD of the restoration process, along with a Heritage Certificate of Authenticity accompanies the vehicle. This is a magnificent color combination that enhance the natural lines and beauty of this E-type. This first generation XKE is truly an amazingly preserved time capsule, and is sure to cause a collector and enthusiast sensation at future Concours events; truly for the discerning Jaguar collector demanding the best!

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.