2006-10-30 07:06:38 | xke7 writes:

Original paint,
7107 original mls,
4 owners,
original tools and jack

2006-10-30 11:13:23 | Roger writes:

What a lovely and remarkable car. More photos if you ever get a chance would be incredible.

2006-10-30 17:05:39 | pauls writes:

Outstanding specimen!!!! Please do take many many photos of this car, its a time machine.

2006-10-31 06:33:51 | Roger writes:

Thank you, thank you! They will bear some study, for certain.

2006-10-31 06:42:34 | Roger writes:

I just realized, this car was built two days earlier than my OTS 876073, same color scheme. Cool!

2006-10-31 07:19:47 | Dave writes:

Fantastic!
Please post more photos if you can. They would be a great help to those of us restoring cars that were not in original condition when we got them.

2006-11-01 22:55:48 | Ray Sharp writes:

What a stunning, amazingly original, car! My '61 FHC was just 14 cars earlier, so this is a terrific reference for me. Note the pumpkin colored head (this IS the real color) and the welded louvers.

Thank you for posting these fabulous photos. !

2006-11-01 23:24:52 | Roger writes:

The heater air intake is correctly painted body color on this car, just like every other early original car I've seen (not a huge number, mind).

2006-11-03 01:23:11 | xke7 writes:

Yes, that´s correct. Exhaust (stainless steel), tires and battery are not original.
More detail photos next week.

2007-05-01 13:12:59 | xke7 writes:

Owners in the United States:

M.H. Wissel,
Allentown, Pennsylvania

Bernard Berman,
Allentown, Pennsylvania

Steven M. Berman,
Mill Valley, California

2007-05-17 22:57:09 | Steven Sunshine writes:

Stunning Original Car
I have 885201 which was built just 7 days later and dispatched 10 days later.

2007-09-08 18:49:50 | Anonymous writes:

Now with a happy gentleman in Germany.

2011-09-07 12:23:45 | Anonymous writes:

1961 JAGUAR E-TYPE

A new Jaguar for the 1990´s

By Jed Rapoport

At the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961, Jaguar introduced their new model, the E-Type. The new car provided a suprising level of performance and sophistication in a stylish new body for a fraction of the price of a comparable sports car. It did not take long for the sports car buying public to latch on to the new model and as they say in collector car circles, "A legend was born."
Imagine the thrill of finding a pair of almost brand new 1961 Jaguar E-Type´s today. The cars, a roadster and a coupe, were stored for almost thirty years by the heirs of the second owner. The coupe, with 6500 original miles, faired its long storage well since it was in a clean garage. The roadster spent its years in a barn. Dirty and full of mice nests, the car was complete without a hint of rust or wear anywhere. The poor storage not withstanding, the condition of the car was good. Perhaps the condition was not surprising considering that the odometer only showed 3428 original miles.
It was fortunate enough to be present when the roadster was delivered to its current owner and to assist the mechanic while he prepped the car to run again after its long repose. We started the process by removing the gas tank to clean out the old gas and sludge. The gas tank in an E-Type is located under the trunk floor next to the spare tire. We opened the spare tire compartment and found a package placed in the center of the overturned spare tire. We removed the package and opened it to find the original tool set along with containers of grease and touch-up paint still in their factory wrappings.
After cleaning and reinstalling the gas tank and cleaning the bank of three SU HD8 carburetors we checked the radiator to make sure that no foreign objects had found their way in there and filled it with water. The ignition system was checked along with the spark plugs. The oil was dumped and fresh oil was poured into the cavernous oil pan. A spare battery was attached to the car and with crossed fingers the mechanic turned the key.
The electric fuel pump quickly pumped fuel to the carburetors. Pressing the ignition button the engine turned over easily. The engine barely had to crank before it sprung to life shooting a spray of nut shells, grass and dirt from the exhaust system like shot from a gun. No doubt we disturbed the hiding place of some busy mice.
I don´t think that Doctor Frankenstein was as suprised or excited as we were that the engine not only turned over but that it ran and ran well. There was not a hint of stuck valves, rusted pistons or any of the other potentially devastating damage that could occur to an engine when stored improperly for an extended period.
The engine was allowed to idle as the temperature moved up and then slowly the gas pedal was depressed to test the engine over a greater rpm range. The smoothness of the engine was astounding. As the yery dry seals and hoses began to fail, water seemed to leak from erverywhere and the carburetors began to leak gas. The next stop for this car was the mechanics shop where it could be given a complete going over and tune up.
The car received a thorough mechanical check-up that included rebuilding the carbs and replacing many of the hoses. The brakes were disassembled and cleaned and rebuilt (the original fluid was still in them and it was in surprisingly good condition). A new clutch cylinder was needed and a tune-up kit for the ignition was installed. A short time later the exhaust system was replaced as the heat from running the car began to open up holes where the mice had stored their food stuffs.
Cosmetically the car needed very little. A thorough cleaning revealed that the original Bronze paint was in fair condition and a good polishing made the paint look very presentable. The top or "boot", as the English know it, was replaced because the animals had left the original looking like Swiss cheese. The carpets on the floors were thrown away because they were downright disgusting. Everything else was like new, including the original Dunlop white sidewall tires mounted on wire wheels painted body color, indicating that the original owner didn´t spring for the optional chrome wires.
The serial number on the roadster identifies it as number 616 (875616) off the assembly line while the coupe is number 169 (885169). Both cars were sold new to Max Hess the flamboyant owner of Hess´s Department store in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Hess loved exotic cars. Over the years he owned everything from an Allard to a Lamborghini. Hess also had an unusual practice of driving a new car for a few days or less and giving it away to a key employee or friend. The two Jaguars were given to a trusted employee (Mr. Wissel, Allentown, PA) after Hess drove them, I´m told, around the block. The cars remained in the family of that lucky employee until acquired by the current owner (Bernard Berman, Allentown, PA).
The 3.8-litre double overhead camshaft in-line six is not large by 1961 standards. However the power generated is plentiful; 265hp at 5500rpm according to Jaguar. From the time you start the engine you can´t help being impressed with the quality and sophistication of the car. The engine tone is smooth and mellow matching the overall image of an understated British grand touring car with leather interior and wood trim. Slip the short gearshift lever into the first gear and release the clutch and you will be reminded that this car was built to run. The power comes on quickly thanks to two-inch throats on the SU carburetors. The performance is impressive. The acceleration is sufficient to press you into the seat and keep you there through the gears. Although I did not even try to test this car to its full potential, it is easy to understand the 150mph top speed reported by the magazines of the period. The handling is extremely light and precise making this car is a joy to throw into a curve. Care must be taken not to push this car too hard as the original tires are too dry to withstand more than casual driving.
As wonderful as this car is, at least one shortcoming is clearly evident. The antiquated, even by 1961 standards, Moss gearbox, more affectionately called the "crash box" because of its lacks of a synchronized first gear and generally slow syncros throughout all gears, is not well suited to novice drivers. The transmission was a holdover from the previous model, the XK 150. The gearsbox was supposedly tough enough to take any amount of crunching gears. A theory I tested while getting the hang of the box. Once you get the feel for easing the transmission in and out of gear, the car proves quite easy to drive at any speed.
Over the 13-year life span of the E-Type there were several variations. The series I 3.8-litre cars had the non-synchronized gear box, odd low back bucket seats that were not designed for comfort and the center console was covered in metal trim, just to name a few of the identifying features. In 1965 the series one 4.2-litre cars became available. These cars had the larger displacement engine still fed by a bank of three SU carburetors. The seats were still low back buckets but of a more traditional design that afforded a little more comfort and lot more adjust ability. The metal covering on the console disappeared and was replaced by a more pleasing leather cover. From the distance the cars could not be differentiated but up close the new badges had the 4.2-litre displacement spelled out for all to see.
The 4.2-litre cars also addressed many of the shortcomings of the original 3.8 cars. A new all synchronized gearbox was fitted as well as a more reliable brake servo and fuel pump. Interestingly, the new higher displacement cars performed on a par with the earlier version. Most of the improvements in the new version were directed toward ease of operation and comfort. In late 1967 the series II cars made their debut but they were only a shadow of the previous variants. The series III, twelve-cylinder cars, produced between 1972 and 1974 were the last of the E-Types.
I have been fortunate enough to drive many E-Types over the years. This particular car is the oldest and most original one I have ever driven. It proved a pleasure to drive and yes, the current owner exercises it whenever possible. Perhaps part of the impact of this car lies in the knowledge that there are still cars to be found in barns and other hidden locations. If two early production Jaguars remained in such remarkable condition with low miles for all of these years, than there have to be other gems waiting to be discovered. If anyone finds a Type 55 Bugatti roadster under a hay stack in a barn, call me. I seem to have put one in storage and can´t remember where.

CAR COLLECTOR . APRIL 1995

2012-02-16 16:17:21 | Palle Larsen writes:

I think I have something that belongs to you!
I am restoring 885159 with body nr V1180.(see photo )
On the left rear wheelarch I found a plate with the nr 1192 on it ( I have never heard they put a nr here)
I am sure both your car and mine has the correct bodies, I just think they were to busy in these days at Browns Lane
It could be interesting to hear what nr they have put on the wheel arc in your car.

2012-02-25 04:37:55 | xke7 writes:

Thank you very much for this information. I don´t know what body number has my car on that plate. You have to remove the rear-wheel arch trimming. That´s not what I want to do. If you need more photos of my car for your restoration, please dont hestitate to contact me via e-mail. Thanks xke7

2013-01-01 08:06:24 | xke7 writes:

Mileage: 7509 mls on 2013-01-01

2014-01-01 10:53:34 | xke7 writes:

Mileage: 7547 mls on 2014-01-01

2014-06-17 13:26:52 | xke7 writes:

JCNA Series 1 E-type Judge's Guide, 7th revision - June, 2013:

6/15/13 Engine Cylinder head color clarification Pumpkin colored head # changed

CYLINDER HEAD COLOR
Pumpkin colored through at LEAST engine number R-2518-9 (see footnote C)
Gold colored to silver- At this point in time ,6-2013, we cannot state positively whether any E-Type titled as a 1967 had a gold painted head.

Footnote C
We know that the earliest E-Types had a pumpkin colored cylinder head but there are no records available of when the color was changed to gold. From Dr. Haddock's research we know that all cylinders heads at least through engine number R-2447-9 were pumpkin colored. This is the highest number confirmed pumpkin colored head at this date, March, 2002, although it is possible the pumpkin color heads ran as much as 50 numbers higher. Since the above was written we have traced the pumpkin colored heads to R-2518-9.

FINAL THOUGHTS
In several cases when we know that a change took place but cannot track it through J30 or J37, I have gone to Dr. Thomas Haddock's book, "Jaguar E-Type Six-Cylinder Restoration & Originality Guide" for assistance. Dr. Haddock has been tracking E-Types for over 25 years and has talked to the owners and taken pictures of numerous ORIGINAL cars. As an example, we know that the earliest E-Types had a pumpkin colored cylinder head but there are no records available of when the color was changed to gold. From Dr Haddock's research we know that all cylinders heads at least through engine number R-2447-9 were pumpkin colored. This is the highest number confirmed pumpkin colored head at this date, March, 2002, although it is possible the pumpkin color heads ran as much as 50 numbers higher. Note: As of 5-2013 the pumpkin colored head was tracked as far as R-2518-9

2014-12-10 15:29:22 | Anonymous writes:

I would like to come in touch with the current owner of 875616. It would be lovely if somebody could establish a confidential contact with the owner.

Kind regards

2015-01-01 12:33:09 | xke7 writes:

Mileage: 7607 mls on 2015-01-01

2015-03-14 03:39:46 | xke7 writes:

2015-01-06:

Dear Sir

Further to your enquiry, I can confirm that the name of the first owner should read M. E. Wissel.

Unfortunately, due to our data protection laws I am not able to confirm any address information. This is no longer included on our Heritage Certificates.

Kind regards,

Mary O'Rourke

JAGUAR HERITAGE ARCHIVE

Heritage Motor Centre

Banbury Road, Gaydon

Warwickshire CV35 0BJ, England

tel +44 (0)1926 645082 or 645083

fax +44 (0)1926 645086

e-mail jdhtarch@jaguarlandrover.com

web site www.jaguarheritage.com

Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust: Registered in England No 1709907; Registered under Charities Act 1960 Registered Number 286863; JDHT Limited: Registered in England No 2631524; Both with their Registered Office at: Abbey Road, Whitley, Coventry, CV3 4LF, UK.

2016-01-01 12:58:44 | xke7 writes:

Mileage: 7660 mls on 2016-01-01

2016-01-02 17:28:04 | Barrie Wood writes:

I owned 885293 , Gunmetal / red interior body number on plate V1362 also on back of dash in pencil - Body number tag read V1374.

2017-01-01 10:44:50 | xke7 writes:

Mileage: 7677 mls on 2017-01-01

2018-01-01 10:01:26 | xke7 writes:

Mileage: 7766 mls on 2018-01-01

2019-01-01 02:45:37 | xke7 writes:

Mileage: 7796 mls on 2019-01-01

2019-10-15 12:10:44 | xke7 writes:

2019-10-14:

Thank you for your research enquiry.

The invoice date from the manufacturer to the distributor for your car is 22/11/61, we do not know of the invoice date of purchase as that would be held within the dealerships records.

Kind regards,

Tracy Nabbs

Archive Department

Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust

Collections Centre, British Motor Museum, Banbury Road, Gaydon CV35 0BJ

Tel: +44 (0) 1926646385

e-mail:  archive@jaguarheritage.com

Jaguar Heritage Trust is the operating name of the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust.

Registered in England No. 1709907 and registered charity No. 286863 

Registered office: Abbey Road, Whitley, Coventry CV3 4LF.   

SAVE PAPER Please consider the environment before printing

2020-01-01 00:30:16 | xke7 writes:

Mileage: 7813 mls on 2020-01-01

2021-01-01 04:00:32 | xke7 writes:

Mileage: 7852 mls on 2021-01-01

2021-01-01 10:30:21 | Maikel writes:

Only 200 miles in 2 years !?

Such a nice car and rarely driven.

Where is the car located?

Would love to inspect in respect of originality regarding my own FHC Oktober 61 car.

Would appreciate a contact.

maikel.lemke@etypes1.com

2021-07-03 04:35:20 | xke7 writes:

2006-07-03:

mobile.de

Jaguar E-Type Flatfloor FHC
Kategorie: Sportwagen/Coupé

EUR 62.500

Daten:
Gebrauchtfahrzeug, - Oldtimer, 11.385 km
Benzin, Schaltgetriebe,
Erstzulassung: 12/61,
Gunmetal grey, 2/3 Türen

Beschreibung:
Probably the lowest mileage flatfloor coupe available in the world today. Car # 169 produced. 7,076 original miles. Untouched. The price includes delivery from USA to Bremerhaven/Rotterdam but does not include taxes/vat. E-mail for more pictures. Our businesspartner, Retroclassic in Lübeck-Selmsdorf (www.retroclassic.com), Germany assists in car checks, service work and getting the cars TÜV ready. Cheap delivery available from Rotterdam to all over Germany. Importing through Holland is the way to save taxes and vat. We ship to other ports in Europe as well.

Händler:
Samler`n Antikk
Saltkjelen
N-6520 Frei N
Tel.: +47 - 7152 / 60 40
Fax: +47 - 7152 / 60 41
eMail an den Anbieter

Fahrzeugnummer (für Anfragen): 1873

Unser gesamtes Fahrzeugangebot finden Sie unter:
home.mobile.de/Samler

2022-01-01 02:33:21 | xke7 writes:

Mileage: 7870 mls on 2022-01-01

2022-08-02 21:34:41 | xke7 writes:

www.youtube.com/channel/UCEM-SPnslzOaZ-xjHAlquAA

2022-08-02 21:35:57 | xke7 writes:

www.youtube.com/watch_tTXs

2022-08-03 01:00:35 | Maikel writes:

Here is the video and some others.

for the 885169 video

Check here or here youtu.be/ZvUiOA_tTXs

Maikel

2023-01-01 03:40:06 | xke7 writes:

Mileage: 7926 mls on 2023-01-01

2024-02-20 13:30:20 | xke7 writes:

2006-12-04

My late uncle (who sadly died at age 86 last month!) was Bernard Berman, of Allentown, PA. He was a very well-known antique car collector - owning over 150 cars until he started selling them off or giving some away to family members over the last 10 or so years. He collected VERY expensive + unique cars + showed them at Pebble Beach, CA + Hershey, PA, for example over many decades.

It is/was my understanding that he bought 2 Jaguars in the early 1990's from the heirs of the Max Hess family. One was a bronze 1961 convertible (875616), and the other was this (my old) grey hatchback (885169). They were kept in his special garage (housing over +150 cars) in Allentown, and maintained by a professional staff of mechanics (to keep them running). It would occasionally be shown at car shows or taken out for special rallies in the eastern PA area.

I was given the car in 2000 as a gift (uncle to nephew). It was shipped out to CA by professional car transport van. I think it had under 8,000 ORIGINAL miles on it at the time. We really never drove the car in the 6 years we had it basically sitting in our garage here in Mill Valley, CA (a suburb of San Francisco, CA). We are/were (sadly) just not the kind of car buffs like my fantastic uncle. So we finally realized it was better to try + find a home for the car to someone else who would fix it up + maintain it better than we - as it had (sadly) basically sat for 6 years. It really was quite drivable in 2000 - when we got it. But we live on a mountain (CA Route 1) with very curvy roads + cliffs. The car had no seat belts + no backup brakes + no safety features like we have come to expect - so we felt very unsafe in it.

So we networked with our community of peers + got a contact that led to selling it directly to Gayle C. Jones (Monte Sereno, CA 95030) - in the San Jose, CA area who works with a Jag restorer (Images Autobody, Campbell, CA 95008) in the San Jose area. So I suppose they fixed up the car a bit - and sold it to you or to a broker who sold it to you. I did give Gayle C. Jones a bunch of the maintenance records I had for the time I OWNED IT (2000 - 2006) - BUT THEY WERE NOT MANY.

I do know that the miles on this car ARE original. That was just the way my (late) uncle was. He had old Ferrari's, Porsche’s, Bugatti's, and a whole bunch of old European cars I cannot even pronounce from the 1910's thru the 1930's.


Steven M Berman
Investment Advisor

2024-02-22 14:45:24 | xke7 writes:

2006-12-05

Yes ... I really did sell the car for that price ($30k US).

I assume that the car was fixed up quite a bit (at least cosmetically) before it was SOLD to you thru a car broker. From what you said in your earlier email, you paid 61k Euro which appears to be about $80k US?

I am sure it is a wonderful + special car. It just wasn't the kind of car for me + my family. I am kinda glad that it is now in the ownership of someone who truly appreciates it. What was special about the car for me was more importantly that my uncle gave it to me. That was actually why I held off so long from probably selling it earlier. I felt so bad about wanting to sell something that was special to him.

But this I do know. This car is for real. It was part of a special car collection of a guy who loved + respected special cars + kept them up. I was the one who let it fall into disrepair thru letting it just sit for too many years.


Steven M Berman
Investment Advisor