40-Years-Owned 1961 Jaguar XKE Series I 3.8 Coupe

Description

The 1961 Jaguar E‑Type Series I Fixed Head Coupe was introduced in March 1961 and incorporated design and engineering elements derived from Jaguar’s D‑Type, including a monocoque structure, independent rear suspension with inboard disc brakes, rack‑and‑pinion steering, and a front subframe supporting the engine and suspension. Early cars were powered by the 3.8L inline‑six shared with the XK150S, with factory‑quoted performance figures including a 150‑mph top speed and sub‑seven‑second 0–60 times. The coupe debuted alongside the roadster as one of two initial body styles. Early 1961 production examples, featured flat floors and external hood latches; features discontinued shortly after.

This example was purchased by the current owner in 1986 showing evidence of an earlier 1970s restoration which included removal of the factory welded‑louver hood. A complete rotisserie refurbishment began soon after and was completed in 1999, with photo documentation. Mechanical work included engine rebuilding, blueprinting, and balancing by Terry’s Jaguar, installation of a later all‑synchromesh 4.2‑era gearbox with aluminum flywheel, and a rebuilt rear assembly.

The factory 3.8‑liter engine's factory stamping matches the included Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, and is fitted with electronic ignition, an aluminum radiator with electric fan, triple SU carburetors with chrome K&N filters, and a GM alternator. Additional features include a rebuilt independent rear suspension, 6‑inch wide Dayton stainless steel wire wheels with Pirelli tires, and brakes upgraded with front Wilwood brake calipers and stainless‑steel lines.

This early-build, 40-years-owned XKE Series I 3.8 Coupe is now offered in Montana by the consigning dealer with restoration and service records, a Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, the removed Moss four-speed manual transmission (matching numbers per Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate), and a clean Arkansas title in the current owner’s name.

Highlights

• Early production “Flat Floor” Series I XKE

• Documented rotisserie restoration completed in 1999

• Under current ownership since 1986 (~40 years)

• Numbers-matching engine (per Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate)

• Later 4.2-era transmission installed

• Numbers-matching Moss transmission included (per Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate)

• Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate included

Factory Equipment

• 3.8L DOHC inline‑six engine

• Triple SU carburetors

• Left-hand-drive configuration

• Independent front and rear suspension

• Aluminum‑faced dashboard and console

• 3‑spoke wood‑rim steering wheel

• Aircraft‑style toggle switches

• Glass-enclosed headlights

• Cream with Black leather

• Smith's instrumentation

Modifications

• Original welded‑louver hood removed

• Refinished in Opalescent Silver Blue (originally Cream)

• Reupholstered with gray leather (originally Black)

• All‑synchromesh 4.2‑era transmission

• Cockpit‑adjustable MSD/Mallory electronic ignition

• Griffin aluminum radiator and electric cooling fan

• Front Wilwood brake calipers and stainless-steel brake lines

• 72‑spoke Dayton stainless‑steel wire wheels

• DENSO Gear Reduction Starter

• GM 100 amp alternator

• Chrome K&N air filters

• AM/FM/CD stereo

Servicing & Documentation

• November 2024:

  • Installed new Wilwood brakes

  • Replaced upper and lower master cylinders

  • Replaced clutch slave cylinder

  • Adjusted carburetors

  • Compression tested engine

  • Pressure tested cooling system

  • Replaced oil pressure sending unit and gauge

  • Replaced brake light switch

• Rotisserie restoration completed in 1999

• Rebuilt, blueprinted, and balance engine by Terry’s Jaguar

• Installed an all‑synchromesh 4.2‑era transmission

• Pirelli P4000 tires with 2003 and 2004 date codes

Known Imperfections

• Some paint imperfections and touch-ups noted by the consigning dealer

• Scratches on right side window glass

• Some wear on left and right outer seat bolsters

Ownership History

• This 1961 Jaguar E‑Type Series I coupe was purchased by the current owner’s husband in 1986 at an automotive auction in Oklahoma. It then underwent an extensive rotisserie restoration spanning the next decade, with the work completed in 1999. It’s reported that the work was carried out in Northwest Arkansas, where the car remained until late 2024.

Included Items

• Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate (see photo gallery)

• 2014-2021 service records

• Photos of 1990s restoration

• Lead wheel nut hammer

• Spare wheel/tire and factory jack

• Removed Moss four-speed transmission (matching numbers per Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate)

• One set of keys

Additional Information

From the seller, “Chassis 885237 is presented as a restored and mechanically upgraded Flat Floor Coupe with documented long‑term ownership and detailed restoration history.”