Vehicle Description
To anyone even remotely interested in automobiles, the Jaguar XKE
(or E-Type if you prefer) hardly needs an introduction. The seminal
sixties sports car has been a regular inclusion in various "top
cars ever" lists, often occupying hallowed space occupied by cars
like the Ford Model T and VW Beetle. But unlike its more pedestrian
counterparts, the E-Type is unusual in that it was not a
particularly ground-breaking technical marvel, nor did it provide
wheels for the masses. Rather, it was the simple fact that the
E-Type was staggeringly beautiful that has allowed it to become
such a legend. But beyond those looks, Jaguar incorporated
technology previously reserved for exotic sports racing cars in a
package that was produced on a relatively mass scale, allowing it
to cost half that of a comparable competitor. The E-Type first
shocked the world at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show. At a time when a
Corvette had a live rear axle, drum brakes and shared its
underpinnings with 1950s passenger cars, the E-Type hit the scene
with a twin overhead cam inline six, four-wheel independent
suspension, semi-monocoque construction, rack and pinion steering,
and four-wheel disc brakes; much of which was shared with the
LeMans winning D-Type. That technology was wrapped in a svelte and
beautiful body designed by Malcolm Sayer, and they managed to
incorporate all of that exoticism while keeping the price below
$6000. While not exactly cheap, it was well below that of any other
car that could hit 150mph while looking so incredibly good! Jaguar
continued to improve the car through its long life; with most
agreeing that the sweet spot is found with the 4.2 liter Series 1
cars. The 4.2-liter Series 1 cars featured an improved interior
with adjustable seats, improved braking via a new vacuum servo, an
all-synchro four-speed manual transmission, and additional torque
massaged from the 265 horsepower inline six. The Series 1 4.2 liter
cars remain the most desirable of the production E-types, and among
the best to drive. More than 30,000 examples of the Series 1 were
built (in both 3.8 and 4.2 liter form) so they remain plentiful -
yet their iconic style and groundbreaking performance make them
important enough to feature in some of the most significant
collections in the world. Whether you find the fixed head coupe or
the open two-seater the more attractive E-Type is a matter of
personal taste, however, it is difficult to deny the purity of form
that the fixed head coupe exhibits, particularly in the stunning
black on black combination of our featured example. This 1965
Jaguar E-Type is a highly desirable 4.2 liter fixed head coupe that
was restored to a high standard by marque experts in 2007. It is a
verified numbers-matching example with a Jaguar Heritage Trust
certificate confirming its original black on black color
combination. The restoration and subsequent show successes are well
documented, with the most notable results being a 999.80 score at a
JCNA event, and an AACA National First Prize in 2014. Since the
restoration was completed, it has seen careful use but remains in
beautiful condition with an inviting, attractive nature. The black
paintwork presents in beautiful condition, with exquisitely
straight panels and excellent, consistent gaps. The E-type body was
famously un-cluttered with heavy trim or detailing, with thin
boomerang-like bumpers that complement the curves. The bumpers on
this car have been restored to a high standard and at great
expense, showing in excellent condition. Chrome wire wheels are
shod with fresh blackwall Vredestein radials, an excellent tire
which combines modern handling and construction with period-correct
tread patterns. Quality presentation continues on the interior,
with black leather and carpeting as original presenting in very
good condition. The seats do show just few very slight creases from
use, which only serve to make this beautiful car more inviting to
drive. Interior panels, dash, sill coverings and headlining are
correct and in excellent order. Likewise, the original Smiths
instruments have been restored to original specification. In the
boot, Hardura panels cover the spare tire well which houses an
original-type tool roll, jack and bag as well as a dead-blow hammer
and non-marring knock-off tool. The 4.2 liter "XK" inline six is
the correct original unit as verified by the Heritage Certificate
(#7E4041-9). As one would expect given the past show results, it is
presented in beautiful condition with highly polished cam covers,
carburetor dashpots and intake manifold. The exhaust manifolds are
finished in correct porcelain black and the brake booster, heater
box and other accessories are correctly detailed with factory-style
labels and markings. The visible front suspension arms and uprights
are correctly coated in silver as original, and the body-color
chassis legs remain in very good order. This beautifully presented
E-Type Fixed Head Coupe is an outstanding example of the car that
has come to define Jaguar to this day. The quality restoration has
held up very well since completion, and this lovely car remains
very much worthy of show while having matured slightly, making it
also a fine choice for grand touring.