Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 880085
According to its Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, this 1963
Jaguar E-Type Roadster was ordered by Runnell "AJ" McCrea through
Jaguar Cars Ltd. of Manhattan for European Delivery. Completed on 4
September 1963 and finished in Opalescent Dark Green over Beige
leather interior trim and a French Grey soft top, McCrea reportedly
kept his new Left Hand Drive E-Type in Europe throughout 1963 and
into 1964. At a point during prior ownership, the original
3.8-liter XK straight-six engine and Moss transmission were
replaced. In their place, a 4.2-liter engine (serial number
7E1484-9) and a full synchromesh four-speed manual transmission
were installed. It is noted that the cylinder head is without a
serial number stamp. The 4.2-liter's 265 hp peak arrived at 5,400
rpm, versus 5,500 for the original 3.8-liter straight-six with
torque increased by 18 percent, a boon to everyday driving.
Regarding its subsequent ownership history, period photography
indicates that this Series 1 Roadster was repainted red and trimmed
with black upholstery during the time of its thorough nut-and-bolt
restoration beginning in 2013. Armed with the knowledge of its
original build specification courtesy of its Jaguar Heritage Trust
Certificate, restoration photography reveals a complete disassembly
of all major mechanical systems, trim, and interior. The body was
completely stripped to bare metal and necessary repairs were made
with a complete refinish in its original delivery color of
Opalescent Dark Green, a fantastic verdant shade offered between
1961 and 1967. The engine cradle received similar treatment, while
the gleaming, refreshed 4.2-liter engine with which it was found,
was reinstalled. Opalescent Dark Green was available with a wide
selection of five interior colors and, when new, McCrea smartly
chose Beige leather paired with a French Grey soft top. Naturally,
the car has been restored to its original specification inside as
well with the early Series 1 seats and matching door panels trimmed
in fresh Beige upholstery with wool carpets to match.
A covered-headlight Jaguar E-Type Roadster is one of the great
British "special-occasion" sports cars. While the
coupe-versus-roadster debate remains eternal, it is undeniable that
an E-Type Roadster with the top down, on a clear day is one of
life's best experiences, automotive or otherwise. A jack, tool kit
with a grease gun, owner's manual, and service handbook are
included.
