Ultra-rare 60s Jaguar dubbed ‘the most beautiful car ever made’ by Enzo Ferrari up for sale – it can be yours for £120k
AN ULTRA-rare Jaguar from the 1960s - dubbed ‘the most beautiful car ever made’ by Enzo Ferrari - is up for sale.
Images showcase the striking 1961 Jaguar E-Type 3.8-litre Series 1 FHC in Opalescent Silver Blue, a colour that highlights its sleek and timeless design.
This particular Jaguar E-Type, is an early-production model with a remarkable motorsport history, having spend decades as a successful race car driven by British racer Allen Lloyd.
The car will be auctioned by iconic Auctioneers on Saturday, 22nd February 2025, at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry.
"The car presented here is a 1961 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 litre Coupe, and apart from being a very successful historic race car, it was fascinatingly the 58th example ever built," states the listing.
In recent times, the Jaguar has campaigned successfully at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps multiple times, winning its class before making regular appearances in Motor Racing legends pre-63 GT series, a prestigious championship for Iconic FT cars of the late 1950s, supporting major racing events across the UK and Europe.
Rare, Jaguar, beautiful,
On its debut on 15 March 1961, legendary Italian carmaker Enzo Ferrari, founder of Ferrari, famously called the E-Type "the most beautiful car ever made."
Known for his pursuit of speed and perfection, Ferrari’s praise cemented the Jaguar E-Type as an icon of automotive design.
The car has an official certificate confirming its eligibility for historic racing.
While its documents are up to date, it is recommended that interested buyers verify all details and ensure the safety equipment (belts, seat, roll cage, fuel tank, fire extinguisher, etc.) meets current regulations.
Comprehensive details of the car's mechanical specifications and championship eligibility are available to serious buyers.
As this historic E-Type takes centre stage at auction, Jaguar itself is undergoing a bold transformation.
The British marque has announced plans to relaunch in 2026 as a fully electric, high-end luxury brand, moving away from its traditional petrol-powered lineup.
The shift is already making waves, with Jaguar's recent unveiling of the Type 00, a striking electric concept car that sparked debate among enthusiasts.
While some see it as a radical departure, Jaguar insists the reinvention remains true to the company's ethos of fearless creativity and innovation.
Jaguar's Chief Creative Officer, Professor Gerry McGovern, said: "Jaguar has no desire to be loved by everybody… Some may love it now, some may love it later, and some may never love it. And that’s okay, because that’s what fearless creativity does."
History of Jaguar
Brief timeline:
- Jaguar was founded in 1922 as the Swallow Sidecar Company before evolving into the Jaguar brand in 1945.
- 1966 – Merged with the British Motor Corporation (BMC), later forming British Leyland in 1968.
- 1975 – Jaguar struggled under British Leyland due to financial issues and declining quality.
- 1984 – Jaguar was privatized and became an independent company once again.
- 1990 – Acquired by Ford Motor Company, becoming part of Ford’s Premier Automotive Group.
- 2008 – Sold to Tata Motors (India) along with Land Rover, forming Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).
- 2013 – Jaguar introduced the F-Type, reviving its sports car heritage.
- 2018 – Launched the Jaguar I-PACE, its first all-electric vehicle, winning multiple awards.
- 2021 – Jaguar announced its plan to go fully electric by 2025, transitioning into a luxury EV brand