Stunning 1962 Jaguar E-Type in Golden Sand Hides a Rare Feature Inside the Cabin

Developed to replace the XK150, the E-Type remained in production until 1974. That's a whopping 13 years. The Series 1 was the longest-running version, produced through 1968. The Series 2, notable due to the absence of glass headlamp covers, was built from 1968 to 1971.

Finally, Jaguar produced the Series 3 model from 1971 to 1974. Unlike the previous two versions, powered by 3.8- and 4.2-liter inline-six engines, the Series 3 featured a 5.3-liter V12 powerplant. The E-Type also spawned a couple of limited-edition, race-ready cars, the Low Drag Coupe (1962) and the Lightweight (1963-1964). The latter returned as a Continuation Series model in 2014.

Jaguar built more than 72,000 E-Types. The Series 3 is the rarest at 15,287 examples made, followed by the Series 2, with 18,809 units produced. The Series 1 is the most common at 38,419 cars. However, these "first-gen" E-Types are usually split between S1 3.8, S1 4.2, and S1.5 variants. These were built in 15,498, 16,195, and 6,726 units, respectively.

Sales numbers can be further split into body styles and seating layout, which results in some S1 4.2 and S1.5 runs, including fewer than 5,000 examples. But none of these are as rare as the early flat-floor cars.

While most E-Types feature dished floors, this design was introduced in 1962 to provide more legroom. Before that happened, about 500 E-Types were produced with a flat floor design. These cars also feature external hood latches that require a tool to open. These early E-Types are rare, sought-after, and pristine examples that can fetch as much as $500,000 at public auctions. The Golden Sand drop-top you see here is one of those cars.

Spotted at the Auburn Auctions in September 2023, this 1962 E-Type is more than just a desirable flat-floor roadster. It's also one of those classics that underwent a no-expense-spared restoration, turning it into a museum piece. The shiny Golden Sand color makes it stand out even more, as does the dark red interior. One of more than 30 colors available on the E-Type, Golden Sand was offered with red or light tan upholstery.

Our host doesn't pop up the hood, but the 1962 model year suggests this E-Type hides a 3.8-liter inline-six between the front wheels. This engine was the sole option from 1961 until October 1964, when Jaguar increased displacement to 4.2 liters. The mill was rated at 265 horsepower and 245 pound-feet (332 Nm) of torque when new and pushed the E-Type toward a top speed of 150 mph (241 kph).

Despite being a flat-floor example, this E-Type was nowhere near the $528,000 auction record set in 2014. The Golden Sand roadster changed hands for $140,000, which is still respectable for a fully restored Series 1 Jag.