1962 Jaguar E Type Series 1 'Flat Floor' Roadster | The best E-Type?

Is the first always the best? Take this early Jaguar E-Type, a 'Flat Floor' 3.8 Roadster, perhaps the purest expression of all the E-Types, but is it the best? James takes Jaguar's finest out on the road to find out.

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[neilwheel]

I was betting on the "Enzo Ferrari" quote coming in the first 40 seconds. I was out by 2 secs...

[grantchallinor]

I love the purity of the design of the early cars (like the Series 1 example featured). There are many things that appeal to people who own (or would like to own) a classic car from this period, and for sure the design and beauty of that era (before government legislation made all cars look so similar) of such a vehicle (especially when you're talking about the E-Type) is right up there. Whatever the benefits of the Series 3, it just doesn't have the visual appeal that the earlier cars have.

I can remember (aged 4 or 5) at the very end of the 1960s visiting a schoolfriend who lived in a village just outside Portsmouth. Whenever he and I would travel together in his father's car, we'd both be jammed together in the passenger seat of his father's E-type coupe for the journey (it was a Series 1 or 2) - happy times!

[brianiswrong]

Never had the chance to sit in one let alone drive one but, all E types are a thing of beauty.
A car made in England, sold to a budget that made the whole automotive world, turn around, take note and secretly test and strip one to bench mark it.

[TRman]

I think this is the first Collecting Cars video in which the car hasn’t been described as “iconic”!

[dodgywheelsandropeywiring]

I'd have the inline 6 over the V12, simpler and easier to maintain, something to be considered when owning classic cars if you actually want to enjoy it.

[markrivers]

Good video. A 5spd gearbox was never offered on any E-Type/S3 V12 E-Type though

[robharding]

I happen to agree with The late great Enzo Ferrari, The E-type is a beautiful design.

[timbrookes]

sitting NOT sat. “From where I’m sitting”!! Sat is something you did yesterday

[brucecolby]

Enzo was referring to the coupe, and was nowhere near the auto show when the

[RichardMichaelOwen]

Later S1 4.2 cars with the diaphragm clutch and all-synchro gearbox are "the best".

[Sam_Green____]

Where's the front registration plate ?

[themrmarkprior]

This probably wont't sell for a billion trillion pounds....as it's not all original. But it might go for a million.

[OldLien]

Do you know the worst thing about E-Type and E- type ownership is the absolute bull s*** and snobbery behind it all. they are all aesthetically beautiful and a fabulous cars to own and drive when set up properly
I do wish the so-called aficionados, half of which have probably never even owned one would Pi"" off

[geoffclarke]

My dream E Type. I always preferred the 3.8 litre E Type engine to the 4.2 as a more revvy engine and more suitable in a sports car. This car also benefits from a modern 5 speed gearbox which is a big improvement on the ancient 4 speed moss box. Still a beautiful looking car more than 60 years after it entered production.

[timgosling]

Nice to see the previous owner had swapped out that dreadful Moss gearbox. Personally I prefer the look of the wider track of the Series III, even if it had become more of a GT than a sports car by then.

[alexsmart]

I have a s3 etype and they all came with a 4 speed box no etype ever left the factory with a 5 speed gear box

[DoWorkExotics]

Lol at the V12 comments….

No. Ugly and the engine is no where near as playful as the straight 6. 3.8L is the way to go.

[matthewcoupeofficial]

Series 3 V12 Auto would be the best E Type, if you wanted a Sports car back then you would have gone for Something like an Elan or 3000

[quackyduck]

I will agree it's in the top five most beautiful cars ever made. But to drive, ah no. I have only driven one, a Mk3 V12. Yes it makes you feel special but it floats, pushes and feels... Well what feeling? Absolutely no connection with the road.
Would I buy one, in a heartbeat. But it wouldn't be in my top ten.

[tribsa]

Very nice. But, if you’re going to talk about an English car, at least speak English! It’s from where you’re sitting, not sat!