The Jaguar E-Type needs little introduction, but the earliest 1961 “flat floor” fixed-head coupes occupy a category of their own. Built before a series of running changes were introduced, these first-production cars are among the most desirable E-Types, especially when they retain their original mechanical identity and documented history. Their rarity has made them some of the most closely scrutinized examples in the Jaguar world, where originality and provenance often matter as much as restoration quality.

According to the seller, this particular car is chassis 860024, believed to be one of the earliest UK-market fixed-head coupes and described as the last known 1961 “barn find” of its type. The car reportedly emerged from storage for the first time since 1988 and is said to retain its matching-numbers engine, original green logbook and extensive ownership history. The vendor also presents an intriguing story suggesting it served as a Jaguar factory demonstrator before allegedly becoming a wedding gift from Sir William Lyons to his daughter Mary in 1961. While this narrative is certainly fascinating, prospective buyers should seek independent documentary evidence supporting these historical claims, as they represent a substantial part of the car’s significance and value. The fiberglass bonnet fitted in the 1970s and the later 4.2-litre gearbox conversion are openly disclosed, with the seller stating that a correct early steel bonnet could be recreated during restoration.

The car clearly requires a complete restoration, estimated by the seller at more than 3,000 hours, and should be evaluated accordingly. The photographs suggest a remarkably complete project, but as with any early E-Type of this importance, verification of chassis, engine, body and gearbox numbers, together with a careful inspection of corrosion, structural integrity and authenticity of surviving components, will ultimately determine its standing among the earliest surviving examples. If the documented history withstands scrutiny, this could represent one of the more historically significant restoration candidates to appear on the market in recent years. Find it for sale at £58,500 (today US$78,000) here in Bidford-on-Avon, United Kingdom.