Vehicle Description
When the time came for Jaguar to replace the ageing XK-150, which
traced its roots back to 1948 with the XK-120, Jaguar boss Sir
William Lyons relied again on his proven strategy of affordability
combined with exotic looks and race-proven technology. Lyons and
his chief aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer worked together to design
the new car, which employed a semi-monocoque tub utilizing
ingenious bolt-on front subframes to support the engine and
independent front suspension, inspired by the Le Mans-winning
D-Type. The featured the ingenious modular independent rear
suspension with inboard brakes, pioneered on the Mk10. The E-type
also boasted such exotic tech as four wheel disc brakes, torsion
bar front suspension, and a 3.8 liter version of the XK's twin-cam
inline six pumping out a startling 265 horsepower; numbers one
would expect from a car costing twice as much. The all-new E-Type
first appeared to a stunned audience at the 1961 Geneva Auto Salon,
earning praise from press, public and fellow automakers alike.
Along with its impressive mechanical spec, the gorgeous body was
quite unlike anything that had been seen before. Beautiful and
curvaceous yet with a sporty aggression, the E-Type was a smashing
success from day one. Fascinatingly, co-designer Malcolm Sayer had
no interest in designing a car based purely on aesthetics, rather,
he was far more interested in aerodynamics and applying his
experience with the D-Type toward a design that allowed form to
follow function. Rather ironically, the E-Type turned out to be not
terribly aerodynamically efficient, but became one of the most
celebrated aesthetic designs of the 20th century. Thankfully,
Jaguar gave it the performance to back up the looks and a
well-driven E-type could easily hang with a contemporary Ferrari or
Aston Martin, yet it cost a fraction of the price of those exotic
machines. The Jaguar E-Type has gone on to become a perennial
favorite among enthusiasts, and many collectors consider it a
cornerstone of any grouping of significant cars. This striking 1963
Jaguar E-Type 3.8 OTS is an exquisite, fully restored and highly
detailed example of the desirable first generation E-Type. This
well-documented car is very correct and stunningly presented in its
rare, original color combination. According to the Jaguar Daimler
Heritage Trust Certificate, this car, S/N 879061, was delivered new
in May of 1963 to G.W. Baltey of Littleton, Colorado. Subsequent
documentation shows the car was purchased out of Colorado by David
McFarland of Newcastle, Wyoming in 1973, who sold it to Blaine
Hall, also of Wyoming, who owned it until 1982. The next owner, Mr.
Scott Waggener of Provo, Utah began a restoration at some point,
but then sold it as a partially completed project to Eugene Banks
in 1996. While in the care of Mr. Banks, the E-Type received the
care it deserved in the hands of experienced Jaguar restorers
Lundquist Restorations in Utah. The subsequent restoration, which
was completed in 2004, was highly detailed, very correct and done
original specification. Today, this wonderful E-Type is presented
in gorgeous condition, with excellent panel fit, paint quality and
brightwork. The original Sand Beige color suits the E-type's
compound curves splendidly, and this car simply sparkles. The
exterior is well detailed with correct fittings and hardware,
chrome wire wheels with Vredestien Sprint Classic tires, and a rare
US-spec front license plate bracket with a clever mechanism that
folds the plate under as the bonnet is opened. The cockpit of the
3.8 liter E-Type is distinguished by its racy fixed-back leather
bucket seats and the perforated alloy trim that graces the dash and
console. Restored back to factory specification, the tan leather
now shows a light patina places but remains in very fine order
overall. Correct materials are used throughout the cabin such as
Wilton wool carpets, Hardura on the rear bulkhead, and correct
vinyl on the sills and door cards. The attention to detail is
obvious, as the car retains original-type seat belts, restored
original instruments, original switchgear, and a lovely period
correct radio. This car features a rare and desirable removable
hard top, which has been restored to the same high standard as the
rest of the car, as well as the soft top trimmed in black Stayfast
canvas and a matching top boot. Many enthusiasts prefer the 3.8
liter engine for its free-revving nature and sweeter feel. This car
does not disappoint, spinning freely to redline, and emitting an
intoxicating bark from the factory-correct exhaust and feeling
solid and planted on the road. The inline-six is finely presented
with highly polished cam covers, intake and carburetors, and
correct gold painted cylinder head. Details such as the porcelain
exhaust manifolds remain in excellent condition, correctly fitted
with brass nuts as original. Factory correct wiring, fittings and
hardware round out the wonderful under-bonnet presentation.
According to the documents, this car retains its original, matching
numbers engine block, cylinder head, and frame rails. The sale
includes a comprehensive history file, the aforementioned Heritage
Certificate, as well as a factory tool kit and jack in the original
pouches. Finely restored to a high standard and immensely
collectible, this superb Jaguar E-Type 3.8 OTS is equally at home
on the road or the show field, a fine example ready for touring,
rallies or JCNA events.