1961 Jaguar-XKE Series 1 3.8 OTS
Outside Bonnet Latch

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Description

Classic Showcase is pleased to offer this first first-generation E-Type, numbered 360 in the first-year production run, which exhibits all the early sought-after features like flat floors, welded louvers, and outside bonnet latches, among other notable features.

This numbers-matching example is running, but should be serviced before taking out on the road; this Roadster would make an excellent candidate for a Classic Showcase comprehensive restoration. These first-generation outside bonnet latch models are quite possibly the most sought-after of all E-Type iterations, and as such we recommend a Show-level rotisserie restoration to a vehicle of such stature and importance. Extreme attention to detail would be given because of the importance of this early, highly original E-type.

Should the purchaser decide to commission Classic Showcase to perform a restoration on this E-Type, we will completely disassemble and document the entire vehicle, strip it to bare metal, work the body, then primer, seal, add base & clear coats, then color sand and buff to a beautiful finish. We’ll then go through all systems and restore or replace as necessary. The transmission, clutch, and hydraulic systems will be fully restored, or replaced, and the car will receive all new rubber, grommets and seals. In addition, the britework will be fitted, and re-plated to a high-quality level. A new interior will be fitted and installed in the correct materials by master upholsterers in our Upholstery Department. The Roadster's parts and components will be restored in the proper colors and finishes as well, and NOS parts will be used wherever possible. The entire restoration process will be documented by photographs and video that will be included with the vehicle.

History

The Series 1 Jaguar XKE 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.

Authenticity