*This is a translation done by a machine.

The classic style of sports car style is, yes, long nose and short deck. The Jaguar E-Type is probably the biggest contributor to this image. It is said that even the famous Enzo Ferrari admired the shape of this car when it debuted.

It can be said that it is the "eternal idol" of the sports car world. Its wonderful styling has influenced many later sports cars such as the Toyota 2000GT and the Fairlady Z.

The XK-E, as Jaguar connoisseurs call it, made its debut at the Geneva Show in 1961 and remained in production for a whopping 14 years, with three major minor changes before 1975, when it was called Series 1, Series 2 and Series 3, respectively. Each series has been known to have its own devoted fan base.

By the way, XK was the name given to the sports model of Jaguar until now, and the name was revived as the latest model of the model which is reminiscent of E type in the 21 century. ​It uses the image of pure racing sports such as C type and D type as well as the official name of E type.

Since it was a long-selling model, there were various styles and specifications. ​Initially 2 styles were FHC (Fixed Head Coupe) and OTS (Open Two-Seater), but in 1966, a 2 + 2 coupe with a 229 mm extension to the wheelbase was added. ​The automatic transmission specification was also added at this time. This shows that the model was mainly for the American market.

​Both the 3.8 liter and 4.2 liter models (64 and later) are equipped with 6 straight engines, and the Series 1 ships nearly 40,000 units, including a transitional model called the Series 1.5(produced after 1967, but without headlight covers), which has undergone minor modifications to meet security standards required by the U.S. market.

The E-type, which was a big hit in the series 1, evolved into the series 2, which was completed in 1968 to meet US safety standards. ​By 1971, it had produced nearly 19,000 units.

​In 1971, a new 5.3 liter V 12 engine was introduced in the Series 3. ​There are only two body types, OTS and 2 + 2 coupe. ​Until the end of production in 1975, we sold more than 18,000 units.

I was amazed. I didn't think I'd ever see the first production series 1, and one in good condition, in Japan! Encountering rare individuals like this is one of the best parts of the CARZY coverage. ​It was worth working as a writer.

This is a Series 1 Lefty (left-hand drive) roadster (#63409) painted in a seemingly enthusiast-friendly Opalescent Bronze. In other words, this is one of the cars that was exported to the American market. The interior is red, which coordinates wonderfully with the body color. If you like cars, you will be knocked out. The exterior was repainted by classic car maintenance master, Garage Igarashi, three years ago, and the top and interior have been kept in their original condition, making it perfect to look at. There is an aura of "solid presence" that is important for a classic model.

But what's great about this car is that it's an extremely rare model that was produced in the very beginning of 1961, and is sure to go wild when E-type enthusiasts see it.

The E-type has had a tremendous response in the U.S. market since its debut, and we have received a large number of orders. ​As a result, we were able to take advantage of market feedback on the initial design to make improvements and adopt innovations to increase production efficiency relatively early. ​As a result, the initial original model will be prized later. ​This car is one of them.

Mania calls the earliest Series 1 "flat floor". The floor is flat and it is a little difficult to ride because it is difficult to place the legs. ​This is an interesting example of early improvements that made earlier individuals valuable. ​Rarity is more important than practicability. ​It's common in classic cars.

In addition to the flat floor, other distinctive and easy to understand parts of the earliest models are "Welding Louver Hood" and "outside bonnet lock" (There are many others.). ​​It is said that the number of individuals with these characteristics produced is only about 40,000 of the Series 1, which produced only 500. ​It is no surprise that it is regarded as the most collectible Series 1, except for special cases such as lightweight aluminum body units.

However, the right-hand-drive British version was more valuable among the enthusiasts. At that time, almost all of them were left-hand drive models built for the North American market.

This left-hand drive car (#63409) was sold at a legendary auction held in Japan in the 1990's by its owner in Kobe, Japan. It then traveled to Shizuoka and came to the present Garage Igarashi. The car is certified by the JAGUAR DAIMLER HERITAGE TRUST as having been produced on August 22, 1961 and departed for New York City on September 1, 1961.

​It's by no means a cheap purchase. ​It's twice as expensive as the other series 1. ​But it's never too high when you consider its high reputation in the U.S. market. ​This is a unique opportunity to see and buy the most promising Series 1 "flat floor" OBL roadster of the E-type in Japan.