Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 – History, Provenance, Technical Specifications and Condition

Built on 31 May 1963, this distinguished Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8  was dispatched on 14 June 1963 to Jaguar’s French distributor, Delecroix, which handled its importation through the official Jaguar network. Through the Jaguar dealership Royal Élysées in Paris, the car was subsequently delivered to its first owner, Mr. Peter Beneville.

As evidence of its remarkable provenance and traceable history, the vehicle is accompanied by its original Royal Élysées dealership sales fiche, an important historical document listing the vehicle’s original specifications and the address of its first owner. The survival of this original documentation significantly enhances the car’s authenticity, historical importance and collector appeal.

An Automotive Icon

Introduced in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type is universally recognized as one of the most beautiful and influential automobiles ever produced. Its groundbreaking styling, advanced engineering and exceptional performance immediately established it as a benchmark in the international sports car market.

Enzo Ferrari famously described the E-Type as “the most beautiful car ever made,” a statement that has become part of automotive history.

Cars produced during 1963 belong to the highly sought-after Series 1 3.8-litre generation, regarded by collectors as the purest expression of Malcolm Sayer’s original design. These early examples feature a number of exclusive details, including:

• Aluminium dashboard and centre console.
• Original Series 1 seat design.
• Specific early interior trim panels.
• First-generation Smiths instrumentation.
• Legendary 3.8-litre XK engine.
• Four-speed Moss manual gearbox.
• Original Series 1 styling features.

Technical Specifications

The Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 is powered by the legendary Jaguar XK inline six-cylinder engine, derived directly from Jaguar’s successful competition programme.

Main Specifications

• Engine: Jaguar XK inline six-cylinder
• Displacement: 3,781 cc
• Induction: Triple SU carburettors
• Power Output: 265 hp
• Transmission: Four-speed Moss manual gearbox
• Drive: Rear-wheel drive
• Construction: Monocoque chassis with tubular front subframe
• Brakes: Four-wheel disc brakes
• Top Speed: Approximately 240 km/h (150 mph)
• 0–100 km/h: Approximately 7 seconds

At the time, the E-Type ranked among the most technologically advanced road cars in the world, featuring independent rear suspension, four-wheel disc brakes and aerodynamic principles developed from Jaguar’s experience at Le Mans.

Rarity and Collectability

Early-production Series 1 3.8-litre E-Types are today considered among the most desirable examples of the entire E-Type range. Cars retaining historical documentation, known ownership history and correct original specifications are particularly sought after in the international collector-car market.

The presence of the original French dealership documentation, together with the identification of the first owner and the preservation of period-correct specifications, significantly enhances this car’s historical and collectible significance.

Maintenance and Mechanical Works Performed in 2026

In 2026 the vehicle underwent an extensive programme of maintenance and mechanical refurbishment aimed at ensuring reliability, efficiency and presentation.

Major Works Performed

• Brake servo replaced.
• Two brake fluid reservoirs replaced.
• Two reservoir caps with float sensors replaced.
• Two protective rubber float covers replaced.
• Clutch fluid reservoir replaced.
• Clutch reservoir cap replaced.
• Two front headlamp seals replaced.
• Two front lamp seals replaced.
• Two rear lamp seals replaced.
• Three carburettor gaskets replaced.
• Three air filter gaskets replaced.
• Two manifold gaskets replaced.
• Two exhaust gaskets replaced.
• Cooling system serviced with 3 litres of coolant.
• Brake system serviced with 2 litres of brake fluid.
• Brake hose replaced.
• Alternator heat shield replaced.
• Six new spark plugs installed.
• Comprehensive engine tune-up.
• Detailed engine bay cleaning.
• Full professional polishing of the vehicle.

Previously Completed Works

• Complete replacement of the exhaust system and silencers.

Installation of an electronic distributor/ignition system to improve reliability, running quality and starting performance.