1961 Jaguar XKE Series 1 3.8 OTS Outside Bonnet Latch

E-Type 65th Anniversary Special: Receive a $6,500 purchase credit toward the purchase price or eligible accessories. Please inquire for complete details! Classic Showcase is pleased to present this rare numbers-matching 1961 first-generation Jaguar E-Type roadster with outside bonnet latches - restored to the highest show-level possible by our team of master craftsmen. These early outside bonnet latch examples are getting increasingly harder to find with the passage of time, so needless to say we jumped at the opportunity to acquire and restore such a special classic Jaguar such as this!

This particular roadster was numbered 360 in early E-type production history and includes all of the most sought-after features that collectors look for like flat floors, welded louvers, and outside bonnet latches. The XKE held long-term ownership by a family who routinely drove the car for a number of years before letting it rest in a climate-controlled facility. Classic Showcase was elated to find an example such as this for sale and purchased it with the intent of restoring it back to its original glory. Our team quickly got to work after acquiring the roadster, starting the restoration process by first documenting the entire car with detailed photos before starting the disassembly process.

*Please note: This E-Type currently has 34 test miles since its restoration - however final road testing will be tailored to the buyer’s intended use of the car: If the E-Type is to remain as a show car, then limited additional test mileage will be added. If the new owner intends to drive and enjoy the Jaguar, approximately 100 miles of additional road testing will be completed prior to delivery.

As with all of our early E-Type show-level restorations, strictest attention to detail was given due to the importance of this early, highly original car. This example proved to be a great core car for a show-level restoration, and was restored to its original color combination of Opalescent Dark Blue with a Red interior per its JDHT certificate.

Included in this restoration process of this Outside Bonnet Latch Roadster: a complete, fully documented vehicle disassembly with the vehicle body fully worked, metal finished, fitted, and leaded where needed, with all body parts and chrome fitted to the car; It was then primed, sealed, and had a base coat applied along with receiving a clear coat, and finally color sanded and buffed to a beautiful finish. All major systems were gone through and were restored and/or replaced where necessary. The engine, transmission, clutch, and hydraulic systems were fully restored, and the E-Type received all new rubber, grommets, and seals. The XKE’s upholstery was also completely restored by our master trimmer in its of original color of Red, and the roadster's other parts and components were restored in the proper colors and finishes as well, using the finest NOS parts available wherever possible.

An MP4 video of the restoration process, along with a Heritage Certificate of Authenticity accompanies the sale of the vehicle. This first generation XKE is sure to delight those looking for a formidable, rare classic Jaguar example to compete in Concours events, or to collect as a Blue-Chip investment. Own the best, drive the best, and experience the excitement that only a first-generation E-Type restored by Classic Showcase can deliver!