1961 Jaguar E-Type

Chassis 875941, one of the highly desirable early ‘Flat Floor’ models, was manufactured on 28th October 1961. Originally finished in Cream with a Red interior, this Open Two-Seater was supplied new via Jaguar Cars New York, USA. Whilst little is known of the car’s earliest years, records show that by March 1979 it was owned by Omar Edwin Rood Junior of Crookstown. Remarkably, 875941 would remain in his ownership for at least 37 years before being sold in 2016 to Beverly Hills Car Club. Two years later, in April 2018, the car was acquired by its current owner as a restoration project for the sum of $110,000, at which point it was finished in yellow.

Following its purchase, this particular E-Type was repatriated to the UK, where it formed part of a charming private collection of 1960s and 1970s classics alongside numerous Aston Martins, Ferraris and Porsches. After a period in storage, restoration works commenced in 2022 under the care of the collection’s in-house mechanic. Undertaken as a gentle three-year process, the restoration saw the car refinished in the ever-attractive Old English White, complemented beautifully by a Grey leather interior.

During the restoration process, the decision was made to send the car to a reputable Jaguar specialist. The objective of this decision was to ensure the car was in correct order and the restoration be finished to the right mechanical standard. Following initial discussions in 2024, in April the following year 875941 was entrusted to renowned Classic Jaguar specialists WinSpeed of Guilford to make the car ‘right’.

Works undertaken included removal of the engine and gearbox, with the engine subsequently stripped and overhauled. The cylinder head was skimmed, the block honed, main and big-end bearings machined, and the crankshaft balanced before reassembly. The differential was also rebuilt, alongside fitment of a new clutch and flywheel prior to the engine being refitted.

Further works included overhaul and refitment of the steering rack, removal and refurbishment of the rear axle assembly including rebuilt shock absorbers, replacement front lower ball joints, wheel hubs and bearings, driveshaft universal joints and handbrake overhaul. The throttle and choke systems were adjusted alongside carburettor setup, rear brake adjustment and fitment of an electric cooling fan, in addition to new ignition components including points, condenser and rotor arm. Considerable further fettling and refinement was also undertaken throughout.

In total, nearly 165 hours of specialist work — amounting to £28,936 — were invested to bring the car to the mechanical standard expected of such a desirable early E-Type. Following completion, the car was registered, MOT tested and prepared for the road.

Recently completed and now ready to be enjoyed, this beautifully presented ‘Flat Floor’ E-Type represents a wonderfully usable example of one of the most sought-after British sports cars ever produced. Offered for sale solely as part of a wider collection reduction due to health reasons, this exceptional early E-Type presents a rare opportunity for its next custodian.