Vehicle 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 with additional recent invoices
illustrating ongoing maintenance and care, 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, aluminum
radiator, and new air conditioning system. Many original pieces are
included as well, most notably the seats and a four-speed Moss 'box
should the next custodian wish to return it to original
specification. Ready for touring and rallies, this Series 1 E-Type
is certainly a stylish way to do so.
