The Jaguar E-Type is one of the most beautiful and collectible cars of the 20th century. These svelte British sports cars exchange hands for big money, particularly the earliest vehicles from 1961.
Seen here is one of the earliest examples of the breed. Offered for sale by Gooding & Company, this ’61 E-Type Series I Fixed Head Coupe is one of just four right-hand drive examples built with hood latches on the outside. Why is that important? Amongst collectors, these rare units – with welded louvers and a flat floor – are the most coveted, which explains the high estimated sale price of £1,000,000 – £1,400,000 (approx. $1.26 million – $1.77 million).
Ferrari Enzo famously called the E-Type the most beautiful car in the world. Jaguar tried to replicate it with the F-Type but failed to capture the original magic.
This particular model, chassis no. 860001 was the first-ever RHD coupe produced in Coventry. It left the factory on July 10, 1961, looking resplendent in Opalescent Dark Blue paired with a red leather interior.