Five Jaguars to Dominate the Docket at Amelia Island Sale

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1961 Jaguar E-Type Series

The upcoming Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance features a lineup of sublime Jaguars on the docket, March 6-7. 

This year, the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance celebrates its 22nd year with a staggering weekend of automotive excellence. Of course, one of the main events is RM Sotheby’s 2020 Amelia Island Sale. As expected, the docket is filled with some of the finest cars ever made; and for us that means a lot of Jaguar.

Jaguars on the auction block range from classics, to race cars, and a little of everything in-between. Here are a few that are sure to grab the spotlight, as well as a lot of attention.

1956 D-Type Replica 

1956 Jaguar D-Type Alloy Replica

When it comes to replicas, this 1956 Jaguar D-Type Alloy is as clean as they come. The details are remarkable. It was built in 1980s using a ’56 D-Type aluminum body with the underpinnings of a 1965 S-Type.

1956 Jaguar D-Type Alloy Replica

Powered by a 3.8-liter straight-six, this racer has spent time on the track and proven itself as a solid big cat competitor.

1961 Jaguar E-Type 

1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1

For many Jaguar fans, this was the car that sparked a lifelong love affair: the E-Type. It is (in our opinion) of the most beautiful cars, ever. And this one is a knockout.

According to the Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate, this 1961 model, chassis 885065, was one of the first production cars with flat doors. With its flat-floor fixed-head coupe it is a rarity; and one of only 40 produced with hand-built boot and door latches.

1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1

Cream colored with a red interior, it has undergone a full full nut-and-bolt restoration. And it looks good. The amount of work that went into every last detail is impressive, and the result makes our knees weak.

It is no surprise that this car has won many awards; including the Lion Award at the Concours of Americas, Best in Class at the 2017 Hilton Head Motoring Festival, and Best in Class for Jaguar E-Types at the 2018 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.

1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1

Pedigree aside, when we see a classic Jag E-Type we just think of hitting the road. Truly, a killer combo of beauty and performance.

1961 Jaguar E-Type Roadster

1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1

We had to include this ’61 as well because, we cannot get enough E-Type. Fully restored, this 1961 E-Type Series 1 Roadster includes the flat-floor car with the welded-louver bonnet.

1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1

Rebuilt and restored to car show specs, it boasts Opalescent Gunmetal Grey paint with a red leather interior and black top. Restoration work included overhauling the original engine, gearbox, and rear axle; and the original crankshaft remains.

1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1

We could look at the striking, iconic profile all day. Looking does seem our only option, as this baby comes with a hefty price tag.

1966 Jaguar E-Type Roadster 

1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Roadster

With a little extra oomph of power, the 1966 E-Type got a boost with a 4.2-liter engine. This restored ’66 E-Type has undergone a lot of cosmetic upgrades, but that 265 hp engine is still kicking.

When it comes to sports cars, red is never a bad choice. It really brings out the lithe, curvy lines. During restoration, the original red hue was made deeper and sleeker. A great choice.

1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Roadster

Other details that add to the Jag’s appeal are the period-correct radio and chromed wire wheels.

1978 Jaguar XJS Group 44 Trans-Am

1978 Jaguar XJS Group 44 Trans-Am

With this 1979 Jaguar racer, it is a rare opportunity to own a part of the automaker’s racing history. In 1976 Jaguar’s Group 44 team became an undeniable force in Trans-Am racing.

This one of the very 1978 XJS cars that led Bob Tullius and the Group 44 team to many victories in the 1978 season.

1978 Jaguar XJS Group 44 Trans-Am

The car went into retirement following the end of the season. It couldn’t stay idle, however. After a complete engine rebuild. it won the FIVA award at the 2009 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, was displayed at the 2011 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca and hit the road for major FIA events.

1978 Jaguar XJS Group 44 Trans-Am

Donning its original livery, this XJS is a unique find. Now, if only we could test it out on the track….

For more info on Amelia Island Concours d’ Elegance or to see the entire catalog, check it out online.

Photos: RM Sotheby’s 

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Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.


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