Description

Chassis No. 889546
Engine No. RA 4383-9

The Jaguar E-Type – or XKE in North America – turned heads amongst showgoers when it was unveiled at the March 1961 Geneva Auto Salon, combining a lithe body with advanced for the period engineering, a 150 mph top speed, and a price at least half that of more exotic rivals from Aston Martin or Ferrari. Owing much of its underlying design and construction methods to the Le Mans-winning Jaguar D-Type, the E-Type utilized a light and rigid semi-monocoque structure with the engine, and front and rear suspension mounted on tubular steel subframes. Contributing to handling and ride quality, other innovations included front and rear independent suspension, rack and pinion steering, and four-wheel servo-assisted disc brakes, at a time when scarcely any mass-produced cars had them.

Beneath the clamshell hood lay the latest development of Jaguar's XK inline-six-cylinder engine. Displacing 3.8-liters in Series 1 models, the engine featured a cast-iron block, twin-overhead camshafts, an aluminum cylinder head, and a trio of SU HD8 carburetors. Producing 265-horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, thrust was delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed transmission with a Salisbury limited-slip differential. Much like its predecessor, the XK120, Jaguar underestimated demand for the E-Type, planning to only build 250 copies. However, by the end of the Geneva Show, pre-orders numbered more than 500 with many more of all varieties sold by the end of the final production in 1975.

Arguably representing the model in its purest form, this 1964 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Fixed Head Coupe (FHC) is finished in Golden Sand over a Cinnamon leather interior and distinguished from later variants by glass-covered headlights, small “mouth” front grille, signal and tail lights mounted above bumpers, and rear centered exhaust pipes. While its earliest history is not well known, this E-Type is believed to have been sold new in California.

Purchased into current ownership circa 2014, this car was subsequently sent to marque specialist Classic Showcase of Oceanside, California for a cosmetic and mechanical restoration. Documented by receipts on file, this E-Type was stripped and repainted in Golden Sand. The interior was retrimmed in Cinnamon leather and received additional insulation under a new carpet for sound deadening and heat absorption. The car's suspension was freshened, while the matching-numbers engine received similar attention.

Presenting exceptionally well today, this car also benefits from several discrete performance and comfort upgrades to bring the famed E-Type into the 21st century including a five-speed transmission, electric power steering, later-series seats, an aluminum radiator, and new air conditioning system. Many original pieces are included as well, most notably the seats and a correct 'EB' four-speed Moss 'box should the next custodian wish to return it to its original specification. Ready for touring and rallies, this Series 1 E-Type is certainly a stylish way to do so.

*Please note that while this E-Type is accompanied by a correct type 'EB' transmission, it is not its original, numbers matching transmission as per Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate.