Description
KEY FACTS
This Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Flat Floor 3.8 Roadster is a sought-after and elegant classic British open-top sports car, which benefits from an extensive previous restoration.
Under the bonnet sits a naturally aspirated 3.8-litre straight-six, fed by triple carburettors, which sends its power to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission.
This E-Type Series 1 was originally a US-delivered model, which was purchased by its second owner in 1962. They kept the car for 20 years before it was acquired by the third owner, who kept it for an impressive 31 years.
After spending over 50 years in Texas, it was imported to the UK in 2013 before being treated to a ‘ground up’ restoration by marque specialist, Fullbridge Restorations in Essex.
An HPI check shows that the car was first registered with the DVLA in September 1973.
It was acquired by the seller in June 2015
The odometer indicates 21,801 miles, though this is not warranted.
EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES
As an early E-Type, this model features the sought-after flat floor, larger rear drive shafts and wishbones, an aluminium centre console section, and an air-intake assembly box without grooves.
This example is finished in the striking shade of Carmen Red with a black soft-top roof, over a black leather-trimmed interior, punctuated by chrome trim highlights.
It rides on a set of 15-inch chrome cross-spoke wire wheels with two-spoke knock-offs, shod in Pirelli Cinturato tyres.
Equipment includes a wood-rimmed steering wheel, dashboard toggle switches, bucket seats, Smiths gauges, heater and ventilation controls, and a Radiomobile push-button radio.
The seller notes that the car is an original ‘Flat Floor’ car, though it has been fitted with ‘drop floors’.
The car comes with the V5C, a Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate, a previous sale advert, the Texas Certificate of Title, a dyno print-out, and a folder containing a large selection of maintenance invoices and restoration documents.
CONDITION
Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition.
Specific notes from the seller include: the car was resprayed as part of the previous restoration, though there are now paintwork blisters of varying sizes across the bodywork. The interior was also retrimmed during the restoration and now shows some minor signs of wear.
The car’s last MOT test was conducted on 4 August 2021 at an indicated 21,754 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories.
This vehicle is now believed to be exempt from mandatory MOT testing due to its age.
SERVICE HISTORY
This E-Type’s most recent maintenance was carried out in July 2025 at an indicated 21,800 miles by Hilton & Moss, which consisted of a major service, including a coolant system flush, a fuel system flush, a new fuel pump and battery being installed, the 123 ignition system being rewired, new engine mounts fitted, the gearbox mounts reshimed, a carburettor tune and road test, and a full car detailing.
In April 2021, the brake callipers were upgraded, the 123 ignition system was fitted, the water pump was replaced, new tyres were fitted, new steering column UJ and front damper/lower bushes were fitted, and the carburettor diaphragms were replaced.
SUMMARY
This numbers-matching Jaguar E-Type Series 1 ‘Flat Floor’ 3.8 Roadster is an iconic and timelessly stylish classic British roadster, which benefits from an extensive previous restoration. Presented with a bold colour scheme, effortlessly elegant styling, and a lively straight-six engine, it would make a fine addition to any assembly of iconic classics and a wonderful companion for weekend cruising and classic car show visits alike.
