Introduced at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, the Jaguar XKE made an impact on the car world that still reverberates today. The body was designed by the brilliant Malcom Sayer, a self-described “Aerodynamicist”, not a “Stylist”. Sayer would apply his aeronautic background and knowledge of previous Jaguar competition cars to build the “E-Type”. Its sleek and elegant design matched with its 150 mph performance made it the must have sportscar of thrill-seekers and celebrities alike. The “Old Man” himself is rumored to have deemed it “The most beautiful car ever built”.
The Jaguar E-Type benefited from several major design changes during its life. Engine displacement grew from 3.8 liters to 4.2 liters. While the 265 horsepower stayed the same, the increased displacement offered an additional 83 foot-pounds of torque. Other improvements included a fully synchronized gearbox, Laycock clutch, alternator and power assist brakes – all of which are found on the E-type we have on offer here today.
We are proud to offer this 1966 Jaguar XKE Series One Coupe in highly original condition. Construction was completed on the 27th of April, 1966 and delivered to Bartlesville, Oklahoma in the early fall of the same year. On August 9th, 1966, Herbert Hyatt would take out a loan for $4,032 from the First National Bank in Bartlesville, OK, to purchase his brand new Jaguar XKE Coupe. Mr. Hyatt would become the long-term owner of this spectacular Jaguar for 49 years until his passing in 2015. Meticulous documentation from Mr. Hyatt records any and all service work ever completed during his ownership, filling an entire booklet with detailed notes and specifications. While the car was maintained mechanically to the highest standard, Mr. Hyatt was ahead of his time by understanding the value of keeping the car in original cosmetic condition. The XKE retains most of its original paint, and the original interior is in superb original condition. During the mid-1970s Mr. Hyatt would move his family and his beloved XKE to the Sunshine State, where the XKE would live out its days. Upon Mr. Hyatt’s passing in 2015, the very original XKE would be passed down to his son, who cared for the vehicle until 2018.
Under new ownership in 2019, the XKE was brought to Paul Russell and Company for a comprehensive mechanical refurbishment. During this process the numbers matching engine was completely rebuilt. The fuel system was completely overhauled including a new fuel tank and rebuild of the three Solex carburetors. A stainless steel exhaust system replaced the old steel exhaust with the original exhaust tips re-installed to maintain their period appearance. A full service was completed to the entire braking system including all new rubber lines. The transmission was disassembled and re-sealed and a new clutch, throw-out bearing and master cylinder were installed. The front suspension received new torsion bars, bushings and ball joints. The rear suspension was overhauled and received all new bushings. The original seats were carefully disassembled and repaired to maintain their impeccable condition for years to come and a new carpet set was made and installed in house.
The end product is an excellent example of a very original Jaguar XKE Coupe that has been rebuilt to “As-New” mechanical standards with preservation in mind. Original cars are becoming harder to find and we are privileged to offer this incredible example today.
