Mark Miller, San Francisco, California
Lee Smith, Blackhawk, California (acquired from the above circa 1994)
Jonathan Segal, San Diego, California (acquired from the above circa 2010)
Current Owner (acquired from the above)
Chassis: 875038
Engine: R1078-9
The Most Collectible Example of Jaguar’s Iconic 1960s Sports Car
The 38th Left-Hand-Drive E-Type Roadster Built
Desirably Equipped with External Bonnet Latches, Flat Floor, and Welded Louvers
Recipient of a Concours-Level Restoration by Images European
Accompanied by JDHT Certificate, Tool Kit, Hardtop, and Owner’s Manual
3,781 CC DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Three SU HD8 Carburetors
265 BHP at 5,500 RPM
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
4-Wheel Servo-Assisted Dunlop Disc Brakes, Inboard Rear
Front Independent-Wishbone Suspension with Torsion Bars and Telescopic Dampers
Rear Independent Suspension with Coil Springs and Telescopic Dampers
Reporting from Geneva in March 1961, Autosport magazine declared, “The E-Type Jaguar has made its electrifying appearance, and at one stride Britain takes the lead in the Grand Touring market of Europe.”
As indicated by its chassis number, this outstanding 1961 E-Type Roadster is the 38th left-hand-drive E-type built. As such, it possesses all three of the important hallmarks of the earliest E-Types: external bonnet latches, welded bonnet louvers, and a flat floor. Surviving examples with all three of these characteristic early features are among the most collectible, historic, and valuable E-Types.
According to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate on file, chassis 875038 was dispatched from the factory on June 20, 1961, and shipped to California, where it was sold to San Bernardino resident Mr. Wikoff. During the mid-2000s, notable Jaguar collector Lee Smith commissioned Jaguar expert Dave Ferguson of Images European in Campbell, California, to perform a complete restoration of this important E-Type. At this time, the bodywork was stripped to bare metal and refinished in the correct Opalescent Dark Green.
Circa 2010, noted collector Jonathan Segal of San Diego acquired the E-Type from Mr. Smith. From there, the restoration resumed at Images European in spring 2012 and progressed to completion in May 2013. Due to its early production status, 875038 was treated as a historical artifact, with its numerous interesting and unique characteristics – many found only among the first 50 cars built – carefully preserved or painstakingly restored for posterity.
The cockpit was restored with the Suede Green leather upholstery, and all chrome brightwork was triple-plated. Star Machine in Emeryville, California, rebuilt the engine, British Motorsports Inc. refurbished the gearbox, and Images European restored the independent rear suspension, installed the wiring, and completed the final assembly process.
Beautifully restored and meticulously prepared by a respected marque specialist, 875038 was offered at the 2014 Gooding & Company Pebble Beach Auctions, where it was purchased by the consignor. The E-Type has since been treated to doting care, with the goal to keep the Jaguar in concours-quality condition. Desirably outfitted with a fully restored hardtop, it is accompanied by a JDHT Certificate, tool kit, and an owner’s manual.
As offered, this significant Jaguar has not yet been exhibited or judged at a concours event since restoration, providing an exceptional opportunity for the new owner. With outstanding provenance and the most desirable factory specifications, this E-Type Roadster is unquestionably one of the earliest, finest, and rarest extant.
