Spotlight on the 1961 Jaguar E-type Roadster Chassis 22

29 July 2026

The striking dark blue 1961 Jaguar E-type Roadster Chassis 22 is the current Spotlight car in our upper gallery exhibition, Driven: Britain's Motoring Story.

Jaguar E-Type chassis 850022 occupies a unique place in the story of this legendary car. Completed on 5 May 1961, it was the 22nd right-hand drive E-Type produced, with the 43rd body and 52nd engine built. As one of the earliest examples created following the car’s dramatic debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 15 March 1961, it represents a significant moment in Jaguar’s history.

The car is on loan from its owner Marc Gordon until September 2026.

The car’s first owner, Peter Wright, was among the earliest members of the public to place an order for the new E-Type. On 10 April 1961, less than four weeks after its launch, he visited his London Jaguar dealer and ordered an Open Two Seater. At that time, the model was so new that even basic details such as colour and specification had not yet been finalised. His Morris Minor 1000 was taken in part exchange, and the car was later delivered to him in October 1961, having likely spent an earlier period as a Jaguar demonstrator.

The E-Type remained exclusively with its first owner during its active road life. By the time it was retired in 1972, it had covered just 28,571 miles. A sympathetic restoration was started during the 1980s, but the car’s current owner, a former Jaguar Cars engineer, undertook a comprehensive restoration after acquiring it in the early 1990s. Using his technical knowledge, experience and specialist contacts, he carefully guided the work over more than three decades, with completion achieved in 2022.

Restoration

The restoration was carried out with a clear focus on preserving originality. Previous work had included replacement of the floors and sills, while important original structures, including the front and rear bulkheads and rear body panel, were retained. The original bonnet, which had never been damaged, required only minor repairs and continues to display the distinctive characteristics of an early E-Type. The car’s original seats, remarkably preserved after six decades, were carefully conserved, repaired where required and returned to service while retaining their historic character. The original pale cherry wood steering wheel and horn push were also restored and refitted.

An extensive collection of original documents, including paperwork and manuals dating from 1961, accompanies the vehicle and provides an exceptional record of its life and restoration. This combination of provenance, originality, low mileage and detailed documentation makes chassis 850022 an outstanding example of early E-Type production.

Rather than being rebuilt as a new car, this E-Type has been carefully preserved as a link to its past. Its blend of surviving original components, accurate restoration and exceptional history provides a rare opportunity to experience an early Jaguar E-Type as close as possible to its original factory character.

Car #22 is on the below promotional image taken in 1961 of the first 50 cars assembled at Jaguar’s Browns lane plant in Coventry prior to shipping. The car mid front row is of the correct colour and trim specification – who knows it might be #22?!