1963 Jaguar E-Type Series I Roadster | The Summer Serenade Auction | 18th July

• Rebuilt Ron Beaty 3.8 litre engine
• Fully restored and converted in 2011

Launched at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, the Jaguar E-Type was nothing short of a revelation. With its heady blend of supercar performance, breathtaking styling and low-price tag, the newcomer left rivals reeling and customers clamouring. Early sportscar racing success at the hands of Graham Hill and Roy Salvadori amongst others helped cement its reputation. Built as a monocoque with a front sub-frame to cradle the engine, the model's combination of all-round independent suspension (torsion-bar front/coil-sprung rear) rack and pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes gave it excellent road holding and handling capabilities. Fed by triple SU HD8 carburettors and topped with a 'straight port' DOHC cylinder head, its indomitable 3781cc straight-six engine was quoted as developing some 265bhp and 260lbft of torque. Allied to a four-speed Moss gearbox (with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and 4th), it reputedly enabled the E-Type to sprint from 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds and on to 150mph.

Presented in attractive metallic Silver Blue, this stunning right hand drive example was originally supplied as a left hand drive coupé and first registered on 7th June 1963 to E.J. Doyle of Greenville, South Carolina. The car remained in the United States until its repatriation to the United Kingdom in October 1987. Accompanying the car is an extensive history file, including numerous MoT test certificates dating back to its arrival in the UK. Examination of the records reveals that, in 2004, then owner Mr Sewell commissioned a Ron Beaty built engine (block number 8A13836/H), bored to 3.8 litres and fitted with a 3.4 litre XK crankshaft. Ron Beaty of Forward Engineering means the engine benefits from the expertise of one of the marque's most respected engineers. In 2011, the car was the subject of a comprehensive, no-expense-spared restoration. This extensive programme of work included both a left hand to right hand drive conversion and a coupé to roadster conversion. The history file contains a collection of invoices and receipts documenting what was clearly a meticulous nut-and-bolt restoration.

More recently, the car has been enjoyed on numerous touring events, evidenced by the collection of rally and tour stickers that were previously displayed on the vehicle (now removed), while a set of bespoke fitted luggage remains in the boot. Having recently benefited from a light recommissioning following winter storage and service, the car presents exceptionally well throughout. The engine displays healthy oil pressure and performs as expected, in a recent road test on the hottest day of the year the car performed impeccably well in a drive from Heathrow to Ascot. Offering all the style, presence and driving enjoyment of the iconic Series I Roadster, this beautifully restored example represents a rare opportunity to acquire a highly usable and visually striking car at a fraction of the cost of a matching-numbers example. Equally suited to concours displays, continental touring or enjoyable weekend motoring, it is a superb example of one of the most desirable British sportscars ever produced. Consigned by Mathew Priddy