1961 Jaguar E type 3.8 OTS OBL

Jaguar E type 3.8 OTS obl
We are proud to offer you, on behalf of the owner, this fully restored Jaguar E-Type Series 1 OTS OBL. We are known for our high-quality restorations of Series 1 E-Types, but this one was also a challenging and particularly enjoyable assignment for us. This open two-seater was built in June 1961, making it a very early example of the E-Type. It features an outside bonnet lock and concerns chassis number 289, thus belonging to the so-called “first five hundred”. The car is entirely matching numbers and matching colors, a matter of course for such a unique car.

A few years ago, this car was offered to us for a complete restoration. It was brought to the attention of an investor by a well-known auction house, who, on the recommendation of the auction house, decided to entrust the car to us. Although the car had matching numbers and was in particularly good condition, a previous restoration had failed to bring back the specific features and details that make a car from the first five hundred examples so special and distinguish it from the other Series 1 E types. These types of details include, for example, different models of the license plate lighting, windshield trim, chrome door moldings, ashtray, trunk drainage, drive shafts, welded-in hood louvres, and of course the characteristic exterior hood latch, as well as numerous other small details. This is where the challenge lay for us; we took all the time necessary to determine exactly which details needed to be restored. We began by completely stripping the car and having it painted, after which we restored the body details as they were used in 1961. Subsequently, the car was straightened and painted in Carmen Red by us. Standox, our paint supplier, collaborated and searched with us, finding the original color recipe and creating it for us. The entire technical system was overhauled and revised down to the last detail by our mechanics, making as much use as possible of all the information they could glean from documentation and manuals. The engine was completely overhauled to original specifications, and the gearbox underwent the same treatment. After being fitted, all chrome parts were re-chromed by G&R Chroming, known for their top-quality chrome work. Once the entire car was reassembled, a new interior was created in collaboration with our upholsterer, again making as much use as possible of the original materials.

The result is impressive; this car not only looks like new but also drives exactly as you would expect from a car of this caliber. The six-cylinder engine has fully regained its power, and the gearbox is easy to operate. Although the first series E-Types were not known for their tremendous braking performance, our car performs more than adequately. We treated ourselves to a small upgrade for the cooling system with an aluminum radiator (in the original shape with the louvers on the sides) combined with an electric fan controlled by a Revotec fan controller.

The complete restoration is supported by an extensive dossier including invoices and photos, and the car also has Dutch registration. Apart from our test kilometers, the car is entirely new and will be delivered with a valuation report. We cordially invite serious interested parties for a detailed introduction, during which we would be happy to tell you everything about this unique Jag.