What: 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series OTS Roadster
Color: British Racing Green
VIN: 850569
Mileage: 61,389 Miles
Price: €99,900
Location: Varsenare, Belgium
Listing: Rock N Roll Classics
Modifications can be a hit or miss thing – often lowering the value of a tailored automobile rather than elevating it. When done right though, we believe it elevates the specification… in particular on cars that are meant to be driven and not stuffed away and preserved in a collection. Such is the case with this 1962 Jaguar E-type Series 1 Open Two Seater currently offered by RNR Classics in Belgium manages a particularly tasteful balance.
Finished in British Racing Green, chassis 850569 takes subtle inspiration from the factory D-Type racecar with a bumper delete, vented rear deck, Dunlop racing-style knock-off wheels and rollover protection. It looks more purposeful than stock without losing the shape that makes an early E-Type so appealing.
The bigger changes are mechanical. A later Series 2 engine has been enlarged to 4.7 liters and fitted with a 4.2-liter XJ6 Series 3 cylinder head, triple Weber carburetors, performance exhaust manifolds, 123 ignition and upgraded cooling.
A five-speed gearbox and limited-slip differential complete the drivetrain, while conversion to left-hand drive makes the car well suited to European use. It’s also still in Miles per Hour, making it even better suited for North American use.
None of the modifications are especially unusual on their own. What stands out is how well they work together. More power, a five-speed, improved cooling and a limited-slip differential all make sense for an E-Type intended to cover serious mileage, while the exterior changes give it just enough competition character.
This isn’t the car for someone searching for a matching-numbers concours example. It is instead an early E-Type that can be used without worrying about preserving originality, and one whose modifications appear focused on making the driving experience better rather than simply making the specification longer.
The car comes with Belgian registration documents, Car Pass, technical inspection, invoices, a paint measurement report and recent valuation.
