Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Buyer’s Guide: Specs, Value and What to Look For

Launched in 1961, the E-Type Series 1 combined a 150 mph top speed with a shape so striking it is still held up as one of the most beautiful cars ever made. The early 3.8-litre cars in particular have become blue-chip classics.

This guide covers the full specification, where values sit today, how it compares, and what matters most when you buy one.

Specification

Years of production	1961–1968 (Series 1)
Body styles	Roadster & Fixed-head Coupé
Engine	3.8 L then 4.2 L inline-six (XK)
Power	265 hp (gross)
Torque	260–283 lb-ft
Transmission	4-speed manual
0–60 mph	~7 sec
Top speed	~150 mph (241 km/h)
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Price when new	~$5,600 (1961)

Performance in context

A 150 mph top speed in 1961 was supercar territory, and the E-Type delivered it at a fraction of a Ferrari’s price. The twin-cam straight-six and slippery shape made it genuinely fast for its era.

The market: what a Series 1 E-Type is worth now

Series 1 cars lead the E-Type market, especially early 3.8-litre cars with flat floors and external bonnet latches. Good examples typically trade around $150,000 to $300,000, with exceptional early roadsters higher.

Indicative market guidance, October 2026. Sources: CLASSIC.COM, Hagerty. Typical ranges, not a quotation.

What to look for when buying

• Series 1 specifics — early 3.8 cars with flat floors, external bonnet latches and welded louvres are most prized.
• Matching numbers — original engine and body numbers, confirmed against Jaguar records, matter greatly.
• Rust and structure — check sills, floors and the monocoque; restoration quality varies widely.
• Restoration history — documented, high-quality restorations command the premium.
• Originality — correct colour, trim and details support value.