Scottsdale Showdown | Bonhams Scottsdale Auction
With RM Sotheby’s offering a trio of E-types at its Arizona auction, it only seems right that rival auction house Bonhams should offer a selection of such machines themselves.
From a roster of 120 lots to be offered on 17th January, four E-types are up for grabs, the first of which is Lot 12: 1964 Jaguar E-type Series 1 3.8 Roadster.
As with the Series 2 offered by RM Sotheby’s, this example benefits from a particularly beguiling colour combination of triple black, topped off by US-favourite whitewall tyres. Having benefited from a full restoration to factory specifications, the catalogue states that the car is a “Stunning Series I E-Type Roadster ready to be shown at Concours events or driven on rallies”. Curiously, there is no mention of the specialist who carried out this work, or indeed when it was completed, which would be the first question on any buyer’s lips. Estimated at $220,000-$260,000 and offered without reserve, this E-type shall set the tone for the rest of the E-type offerings and perhaps other Jaguars in the sale.
1973 Series 3 V12 Roadster
Two lots later buyers shall be greeted by a 1973 Series 3 V12 Roadster, a matching numbers car with factory manual gearbox and an unusual colour combination of turquoise over black. As with the Series 1 offered before it, this car has been subject to a full restoration but at what time or by who remains unwritten. With a believed original mileage of less than 49,000 miles, perhaps not backed up by documentation, this S3 is an interesting choice and an ideal candidate for subtle upgrades, estimated at $90,000-$110,000.
1974 Series 3 V12 OTS
The next S3 to cross the block, a 1974 Roadster, has a somewhat stronger pedigree. Coming from not only single-family ownership since the 1980s, but from the ownership of a seasoned Bugatti collector, this white-over-red car is also a manual transmission model and is estimated at $75,000-$100,000. Little information is given as to the state of the car, and though potential buyers may be swayed by the calibre of previous owner the same level of due diligence and research should be applied to this example as any other.
1963 Series 1 3.8 Roadster
The final E-type up for grabs is one for those who value driving pleasure above all, having been subject to some mechanical tweaks. No longer sporting its original engine block, the matching numbers status of this example has been lost. The original Moss gearbox has been replaced by a synchromesh unit and the body has been repainted in its factory colour combination, perhaps making an ideal base for further upgrades and proper driving – after all, the E-type was designed with grand touring in mind. This 1963 3.8 Roadster has an estimate of $175,000-$225,000.
Elsewhere in the sale, a wide variety of Jaguar models are on offer, from racing heavyweights to boulevard cruisers. A 1937 SS100 2 ½ Litre Roadster, a chance to own a car from the very start of Jaguar’s long life, has an estimate of $330,000-$370,000, while a thunderous 1959 Lister-Jaguar Sports Racer previously driven by the likes of Stirling Moss is listed as ‘Among the most original examples extant’ and estimated at $2,000,000-$2,600,000. Two auction favourites, a recently restored 1950 Jaguar XK120 Roadster (est. $120,000-$150,000) and a handsome black-over-red 1957 XK140 SE Drophead Coupé (est. $90,000-$120,000) are also offered, with a more recent sight in auction catalogues following – a 1990 XJ-S V12 Convertible. Having covered only 24,828 miles from new, this is a rare original two-owner example and estimated at $25,000-$42,000.
E-Type UK will be watching closing and analysing the auction. To see all the LOTS crossing the block simple visit Bonhams Scottsdale Auction online. If you are toying with the idea of selling your pride and joy, why not enquire about our stress-free Brokerage service, CLICK HERE to visit our brokerage page to find out more.