Miguel Sánchez
PHOTOS JAGUAR E-TYPE 1961: SIERRA CLASSIC SPORTCAR
In 1996 the El Prado Museum experienced one of its most turbulent days. After months of waiting, the restoration carried out on one of his most emblematic paintings was finally discovered: The Nobleman with his Hand on his chest. Represented in all kinds of anthologies. Studied to exhaustion. Elevated to the category of symbol of an era. A known and recognized canvas that, however, still preserves all the mystery locked in the intriguing gaze of a stranger.
With an avid finger on the trigger, dozens of reporters waited for the moment when the museum director drew the canvas. Once presented, the controversy spread like fire on gunpowder in all media. So much so that, even four years later, the debate reached the very Congress of Deputies. And it is that, far from its gloomy appearance, now The gentleman with the hand on his chest shone on a luminous background of shocking gray light. The restoration had completely changed the picture. And although it had returned it to the appearance devised by El Greco, the truth is that it was far from the image preserved in millions of retinas.
There began a fierce dispute that still continues. To what extent should a restoration clean the patina of time? Is it better to consolidate wear? Or even more correct to repair the state of origin? Some questions that the new owner of this Jaguar E-Type will surely be asking. A very first series, the result of the first weeks of production in 1961, which has preserved an impeccable patina until 2020. A true time capsule where wear and tear has taken its toll on many components. Of course, is it worth replacing them? This 1961 Jaguar raises doubts that, perhaps, should be discussed in the El Prado Museum.
JAGUAR E-TYPE. THE DEFINITION OF BRITISH STYLE
The bad character of Enzo Ferrari is well known. However, this was not incompatible with his good judgment about what was going on outside of his little kingdom in Maranello. When Ford snatched the Le Mans 24 from him, he had no problem muttering a 'Beautifull»Before the performance of the singular Ken Miles. The same thing I did when, in 1961, Jaguar introduced its E-Type, declaring that of "This is the most beautiful car ever built." An easy-to-share statement, since truly the first units of the Jaguar E-Type have become a legend of British design.
Devised by Malcom Sayer, its aerodynamic lines form a sculpture in which knowledge extracted from the aeronautical industry was applied. An avant-garde design under which the efficient mechanics of the Jaguar E-Type are found. A 3 liter inline six-cylinder, derived from the engine block designed for the XK during the 40s, which reaches in the Jaguar E a power of 269CV fed by three carburettors. All this braked by brake discs on all four wheels; true innovation for the time (not in vain were they invented by the brand).
An icon of British engineering that, despite its construction efficiency and high production, during its first years in the assembly line, saw assembly largely done by hand. This led to the introduction of quasi-artisanal factors within the framework of a serial assembly line. Quite a challenge for historians of the model, which do not quite clearly verify the boundaries between a first and a second series due to the numerous modifications introduced week by week. What is clear is that it was sold very cheap for the machine it was and the work it involved.
However, the truth is that the first units of the series I of the Jaguar E-Type are the most valued. Reasons? Well, not only are they the oldest, but many of them still follow the patterns of the first design: that of the two-seater coupe model. A matrix from which convertibles were later derived, but also the not so celebrated 2 + 2 models with long wheelbase. It is because of that this 1961 Jaguar E auctioned at BringaTrailer It is a piece of the greatest interest; even more so if we take into account its interesting because of its scarce original condition.
JAGUAR E-TYPE FROM 1961. FIRST HOUR COPY IN ORIGINAL CONDITION
Introduced in March 1961 at the Geneva Motor Show, the Jaguar E-Type saw the start of series production a few weeks later. That is why, this unit completed on November 30, 1961, is one of the first in the history of the Coventry classic. Such a "rara avis»Sold in California through British Cars Distributors in February 1962. Finished in a beautiful Old English White, this Jaguar E was placed in scrupulous storage in 1978, at which point it begins a garage confinement until last 2019.
Registered since 1982 with the Jaguar Associates Club of the United States, this unit does not lose track but it is not seen doing kilometers either. That is why little by little its state was like that of a time capsule, deteriorating elements such as chrome, rubber or fabrics without affecting too much oxides or mechanical components. A process in which no original component was replaced, being in fact a vessel of the effects of time.
With the odometer set at about 72.000 kilometers, this Jaguar E-Type has no mechanical problems. Although, as we have commented, there are some in certain components related to the finishes. So, what to do? Preserve the patina of time? Restore to exhaustion? We won't say anything. Like Mephistopheles in Faust we are only going to try to sow doubt in your mind. Yes indeed, The truth is that there are very many units of the Jaguar E restored to exhaustion. A fact that invites reflection. Even more so when this classic is part of the E-Type's first year of production.
What would you do? Would you leave the dark background of the painting consolidating the patina of time? Or would you do a scientific cleaning to restore the aseptic appearance of the first day? Think about it, because this controversy affects both Jaguar and El Greco creations. Both Coventry and the Prado Museum.
