1961 Jaguar E-Type Flatfloor Coupe – Exterior and Interior – Classic Expo Salzburg 2021
You can identify the earliest 1961 Jaguar E-Type Fixed Head Coupés according to several features: Flat floors. External bonnet latches. Welded hood louvers. The so-called “flat floor” cars represent the purest and most uncompromised version of the original E-Type design, produced before refinement altered the formula.
Technical Details:
The 1961 Jaguar E-Type Flat Floor Coupé was powered by Jaguar’s 3.8-liter dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) inline six-cylinder engine, producing approximately 265 horsepower. The engine featured an aluminum cylinder head, hemispherical combustion chambers, and triple SU carburetors, allowing strong high-speed performance.
Power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox, with synchromesh on the upper gears. Early 3.8-liter cars used a Moss gearbox, known for its robust construction but deliberate shift action.
The E-Type’s engineering marked a departure from earlier Jaguars. It utilized a monocoque center section with a tubular front subframe, creating a lightweight and rigid structure. Independent front suspension with torsion bars and fully independent rear suspension with inboard disc brakes reflected lessons learned from Jaguar’s racing program.
Four-wheel disc brakes were standard, an advanced feature for a production car in 1961. The 3.8-liter E-Type achieved a top speed of approximately 150 mph (around 240 km/h), placing it among the fastest road cars of its time.
The term “flat floor” refers to the absence of footwell recesses in the earliest cars, resulting in a flat cabin floor design before ergonomic revisions were introduced later in 1961.
- Manufacturer: Jaguar Cars
- Model Name: Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Fixed Head Coupé (Flat Floor)
- Year of Manufacturing: 1961
Design:
The 1961 Fixed Head Coupé (FHC) combined the E-Type’s aerodynamic form with a fully enclosed roofline. The roof flowed seamlessly into the rear deck, creating a cohesive fastback silhouette.
Early flat floor cars featured covered headlamps, external bonnet latches, and welded hood louvers—details that distinguish them from later Series 1 examples. The front hinged forward as a single unit, providing access to the engine and reinforcing the car’s competition-derived character.
Inside, early 3.8-liter cars were fitted with an aluminum center console and dashboard panel, contributing to a purposeful aesthetic. Bucket seats and a three-spoke steering wheel emphasized the sporting orientation.
The fixed roof added structural rigidity and improved high-speed stability compared to the Open Two Seater. The cabin provided greater weather protection and insulation, making the FHC more suitable for extended touring.
Historical Significance:
The 1961 E-Type Flat Floor Coupé represents the earliest production phase of one of Jaguar’s most important models. Introduced at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, the E-Type immediately gained international acclaim for combining advanced engineering with competitive pricing.
The earliest cars, produced before mid-1961 revisions, are particularly significant for their uncompromised design details. Later ergonomic improvements introduced recessed footwells and other refinements, making the flat floor examples unique to the initial production run.
The E-Type’s influence extended beyond Jaguar’s lineup. Its combination of monocoque construction, independent rear suspension, and disc brakes set a new benchmark for sports car engineering in the early 1960s.
Quirks and Pop Culture:
Flat floor E-Types are highly regarded among collectors due to their limited production and distinctive features. Details such as the aluminum interior panels and welded bonnet louvers are closely scrutinized during restoration.
The E-Type’s overall shape has appeared extensively in film, photography, and automotive exhibitions. Early 1961 cars are often highlighted as representing the model’s purest form.
One notable characteristic of the 3.8-liter version is the Moss gearbox, which requires deliberate shifting technique—a reminder of its motorsport roots.
Display and preservation:
The vehicle was exhibited at the Classic Expo Salzburg in 2021. As one of Austria’s premier classic car events, the show has established itself as a central meeting point for collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts from across Central Europe. The 2021 edition took place at Messezentrum Salzburg and featured more than 250 exhibitors, along with a strong turnout of over 20,000 visitors. Attendees could explore a broad range of offerings—from historical vehicles and motorcycles to automobilia, spare parts, and literature.
Conclusion:
The 1961 Jaguar E-Type Flat Floor Coupé captures the earliest and most uncompromised expression of the E-Type concept. With its 265-horsepower 3.8-liter DOHC inline six, advanced suspension architecture, and distinctive early-production details, it established a new standard for sports cars. As one of the first iterations of an enduring icon, the flat floor FHC remains a cornerstone of Jaguar’s performance heritage.
