Early E-types had a variety of distinctive styling features that complemented the elegance of their lines, though not all of them were practical
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The new E-type had understandably received rave reviews at the Geneva Auto Show in March 1961, so Jaguar Cars Inc. geared up for another public relations coup as the new model arrived in the U.S. The launch was accompanied by all the pomp and circumstance Jaguar and the auto show management could muster, an acknowledgement of the importance of the U.S. market.
The New York International Auto Show was held in April 1961, and to say that the two cars shown-the roadster and fastback coupe-were the show sensations is an understatement. Six cars were sold within 30 minutes of the show’s opening, and the E-type was an immediate hit.
Owing to a lack of supply, it was some months before journalists were allowed to drive the E-type. The first Road & Track road test appeared in the September 1961 issue. Under the header “Sensational is the word for this Coventry Cat,” the introduction read as follows: “If a new car ever created greater excitement around our office than the new Jaguar XKE, we can’t remember it. And to sum up this car in the third sentence of a report may be unusual for us, but it is easy to do. The car comes up to, and exceeds, all our great expectations.”
The E-type offered here is an outstanding early example, built on January 26, 1962, and delivered to Mr. E. Lagerquist of East Crescent Ave. in Ramsey, NJ. Now offered by the fourth documented owner, it has traveled approximately 1,200 miles since its complete and thoroughly comprehensive restoration five years ago. The restoration file that accompanies the car totals approximately $95,000 in receipts and includes the original ID plate.
This stunning car also comes with a jack, hammer, hood cover, original manual, recent service records and Jaguar-Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate. Showing virtually no signs of age, this Jaguar has been recently maintained and is in excellent order. The engine bay is well detailed and all mechanicals are fully operational and ready to go.