| Automobiles of Arizona Thursday, January 21, 2010 - Friday, January 22, 2010 |
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| Friday | ||||||||
| 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I Roadster | ||||||||
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265 bhp, 3,781 cc dual overhead camshaft inline six-cylinder engine, four-speed manual gearbox, four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 96" Anyone considering the purchase of a Jaguar E-Type must certainly concur with Enzo Ferrari that it is truly the most beautiful automobile ever conceived and offered to the true motoring aficionado. Automotive journalists and enthusiasts alike have praised its design and sensuous lines since its introduction at Geneva in 1961. With its monocoque passenger compartment and tail section, square tube-framed engine bay and tilting bonnet, this new sports car was clearly descended from the D-Type. A well-appointed interior, civilized 3.8-liter XK engine (directly from the XK 150S) and compliant suspension made William Lyon’s masterpiece into an ideal two-place touring car and worthy replacement for the XK 150. Most of all, its performance was as breathtaking as its appearance, with the magic 150 mph barrier finally broken by a standard production sports car. With thoughtful consideration of the aforementioned, we are honored to offer one of the rarest of all E-Types extant – chassis number 875088, the 87th roadster built. This beautiful car is a matching-numbers example that has had just three registered private owners from new and sets itself apart from the majority of earlier E-types with its flat floors, outside bonnet latches and welded louvers. It was fully restored to show quality between June 1999 and October 2000 by marque specialist Dan Mooney at Classic Jaguar in Texas. A proverbial barn find, its rarity and significance warranted a complete “money is no object” restoration costing approximately $150,000. The restoration was careful to maintain authenticity throughout. The engine had previously never been apart since it was assembled at the factory in 1961 and was completely rebuilt during the restoration. It is mated to a 1966 E-type synchronized gearbox, although the original matching-numbers unit accompanies the car in its sale. Mooney acquired the car from the first owner’s estate before beginning the restoration, which is documented in photographic detail on the CJ website. The objective was to return the car to original specification and appearance while including certain subtle mechanical upgrades that would allow the car to be driven reliably in modern traffic. Chassis no. 875088 was never titled in Mooney’s ownership and, after its restoration, was sold to a doctor in upstate New York, from whom the current owner purchased the car. Finished in Opalescent Dark Blue with a tan top and interior, it was judged in a JCNA concours event, receiving 99.76 points. In addition to an all synchro gearbox, other modern features that did not affect the judging process included modern dampers, updated brakes, an aluminum radiator and an electric fan, fitted for reliability. In addition to its large history file, this highly desirable, very early E-Type comes with a Jaguar-Daimler Heritage Certificate, reproduction and original owner’s manuals, restored original jack and tools (in their correct pouch) and a custom fitted leather suitcase in the boot. These early 3.8 liter cars are among the most desirable of the breed as they represent the purest and most unadulterated E-Type with the sought-after styling of the first series. This rare example is certainly one of the finest extant, restored to show quality by marque specialists, yet eminently drivable. |
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