This 1961 Jaguar XKE is a Series I flat-floor roadster and is #140 of 385 left-hand-drive examples produced with external bonnet latches before Jaguar revised the model later in the year. Completed on June 23, 1961, the car left the factory finished in Opalescent Gunmetal over red leather and later underwent a color change to its current maroon-over-beige color scheme as part of a refurbishment. Power is provided by a 3.8-liter inline-six equipped with triple SU carburetors, while shifting is through a retrofitted Tremec five-speed manual transmission linked with a limited-slip differential. Recent work is said to have involved electrical, braking, and cooling system service in 2023 as well as a repaint in 2026 prior to the selling dealer’s acquisition later in the year. This XKE Series I roadster is now offered by the selling dealer in Costa Mesa, California, as part of the Iconic Collection from Private Collection Motors, with a Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate, a spare four-speed manual transmission, and a clean Arizona title.

Early-production XKEs featured outside latches securing a vented bonnet with welded louvers as well as a single, continuous floorboard under each seat. External bonnet latches were phased out in 1961, while production of “flat-floor” cars concluded in 1962.

Finished from the factory in Opalescent Gunmetal, this example underwent a color change to maroon at some point prior to 2023. It is said to have undergone another repaint in early 2026 prior to the selling dealer’s acquisition. Enclosed headlights, triple windshield wipers, wraparound chrome bumpers, and a black soft top are further details.

The 15″ wire wheels are secured by two-eared knock-offs and are mounted with Blockley Tubeless tires. Braking is provided by four-wheel discs with inboard-mounted rear rotors.

The re-trimmed cabin features bucket seats upholstered in beige leather along with color-coordinated door panels and carpets. Textured aluminum trim adorns the dash and center console. Further details include a black vinyl–trimmed dash, a sliding rearview mirror, and a heater.

The wood-rimmed steering wheel frames a Smiths 160-mph speedometer and 6k-rpm tachometer, while auxiliary gauges for coolant temperature, oil pressure, fuel level, and amperage are located in the center of the dashboard. The five-digit odometer was reset following the refurbishment and now shows 279 miles.

The 3.8-liter inline-six was specified from the factory with triple SU carburetors and rated at 265 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque when new.

Power is routed to the rear wheels through a retrofitted Tremec five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential.

The Jaguar Heritage Trust Production Record Trace certificate shows the original colors and drivetrain numbers as well as the build and dispatch dates.

A spare four-speed manual transmission is included in the sale.