1962 Jaguar XKE XKE Series I 3.8 Roadster

The E-Type Jaguar burst on an unsuspecting world at the 1961 Geneva Auto Show—the first coupe having been driven there directly from London. After the stodgy, portly XK150, it was a revolution, the obvious successor to the Le Mans-winning D-Type of six years before, with all-new monocoque construction, a nose that tilted up for easy engine and drivetrain maintenance, and fully independent suspension. To many enthusiasts, the first generation E-Type, with its covered headlights and dainty taillights, is the definitive example of the model. The Open Two Seater (OTS) model has come more generally to be known as the Roadster. The boot lid on the Roadster model consisted of a gently curved panel with the edges turned over a cruciform pressing to add torsional stiffness. This model also had screen pillars that ere given a chrome finishers, chrome trim ran around the base of the screen as well as the top of the doors. Chrome plated door handles, three piece chrome beading around the top and sides of the tonneau panel edge in the number plate area, a ‘JAGUAR’ chrome plated script on the boot lid, and the E-type was fitted with a combined sidelight and indicator unit in a chrome plated casting. The seats were trimmed completely in leather and the cushions were removable.