One of the earliest and most-significant Jaguar E-type coupes will be offered by RM Sotheby’s during its 14th annual London auction, this year held as an Online Only sale due to pandemic restrictions.
The 1961 Jaguar E-type Series 1 3.8-liter fixed head coupe, the 10th example built and retained by the factory as a press and development car, will be auctioned October 31 on RM Sotheby’s Online Only platform.
The auction is held in conjunction with one of England’s most-celebrated antique-car events, the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, sponsored by RM Sotheby’s, which takes place October 31 and November 1. Called the “Emancipation Run,” the event commemorates the 1896 lifting of onerous restrictions for motor cars. Only vehicles produced before 1905 are permitted to participate.
The Jaguar, registration number 6162 RW, was one of three early E-types kept by the automaker for publicity and testing. As such, it was seen in numerous new-car road-tests by important publications, including the UK’s leading automotive magazine at the time, Motoring News, and Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport.
The car also underwent a number of upgrades and improvements by Jaguar during that time, and was prepared to competition spec to raise its top speed.
“In the hands of legendary test driver Norman Dewis, the car was used for extensive high-speed testing and suspension evaluation and benefited from a number of modifications to enhance its refinement,” according to a news release from the auction company.
In November 1963, the Jaguar was sold into private ownership and in recent years has been totally restored to “world-class condition,” the release says.
“In 2008, the E-type’s owner and consignor entrusted to a marque specialist to undertake a comprehensive four-year restoration,” according to RM Sotheby’s. “No expense was spared in returning the historically significant E-type to factory condition, with emphasis placed on preserving the car’s unique modifications.”
The Jaguar coupe is finished in its original shade of Opalescent Dark Green and retains its upgraded engine. The pre-auction estimated value is £395,000 to £495,000 ($503,000 to $630,000).
“The Jaguar E-type is an icon of automotive design and tightly woven into the fabric of British automotive history,” said Tonnie Van der Velden, car specialist for RM Sotheby’s. “Quite simply, this historically significant example is amongst one of the very best E-Types in existence and has undoubtedly played a part in building the legacy that the model commands by enthusiasts and collectors all over the world.
“With 2021 marking the 60th anniversary of the E-type, this exquisite car would be well received at any concours event.”
For more information about the London auction, visit the RM Sotheby’s website.
Strange that a beat up Porsche 356 that needs paint and interior to restore it to original condition gets a bid of over $325,000 on BAT and it’s reserve is not met but this beautifully restored to concours condition E Type is only expected to get between $500,000 and $600,000.
I have noticed that older cars, in not restored condition, and are working, well kept are selling for a lot more than restored cars. They are rare indeed, perhaps the reason. Imagine, if you will, a 1961 xke with 47K miles, minor dings, driver seat in usable condition selling for how much more than a restored e-type? So what I’m saying is that the Porsche you speak of will probably sell a lot higher than you would expect.
I find it interesting that this very early E-Type has the later hood latch setup, but I guess it was kept by Jaguar and was upgraded by them. While mine is a later dark blue S1 Coupe and is in rust-free original condition other than a sympathetically done new paint, it won’t be worth a patch on this one, even if she has factory air conditioning!