Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America’s Hilton Head event, November 5, 2016.
Chassis No.
1E11151
Estimate:
$165,000 - $185,000 US
For 1965, Jaguar promoted the E-Type with the following: “Don’t buy a Jaguar XKE unless you really love automobiles. For this different breed of cat is a finely-tuned, high performance sportscar with a racing heritage born on the world’s toughest courses. Yet if you love automobiles, giving your Jaguar the care it deserves is not only no trouble – it’s a labor of love.”
The exceptional car being offered certainly seems to have been a recipient of this great caring seen by its meticulous restoration from a solid original car that is outstanding and very correct. The car is accompanied by “before and after” shots that illustrate this fine level of preparation and final presentation.
For 1965, the Jaguar XKE was equipped with a new, more powerful version of the race proven 4.2-liter, 265-hp DOHC inline six-cylinder engine with three SU carburetors, for an even quicker response and acceleration through its four-speed manual synchromesh gearbox. This car is noted for having "great oil pressure and compression." “It handles as smooth as a friendly kitten” suggested Jaguar with newly designed, even more comfortable bucket seats. Other features that set the E-Type apart included four-wheel disc brakes (again race proven) for safe stops from high speeds, independent suspension at all four corners to iron out the road and straighten corners, monocoque body construction (compared to that of a “jet airframe”) for added strength without the sacrifice of weight, positive rack-and-pinion steering. Jaguar summed it up: “In short, the new XKE is a driver’s car.”
Finished in its original color of Old English White with the nearly perfect complement of tan leather interior and tan soft-top (plus matching boot); this desirable Series I roadster has been photo-documented in its high-quality restoration, has its history confirmed through a Heritage Certificate and has less than 38,000 actual miles from new, with only 200 miles being driven since its completion. The drivetrain is also reported as being original to the car and also confirmed by the accompanying Certificate.
The Jaguar offered here is a magnificent example of one of the most sought-after versions of the E-Type; its lines are undeniably exquisite, and it is from the production period with clear covered headlights. Of course, chromed knock-off wire wheels were part of the package; these are fitted with tasteful whitewall tires that fit with the period presentation. The interior has an almost aircraft-type feel with Smiths instrumentation, numerous dashboard toggle switches, wood-rimmed steering wheel with “growler” center cap and a period AM/FM radio. The engine bay and undercarriage were by no means overlooked, as they are presented in a manner consistent with the rest of the car. The underside and wheelwells are all painted, with no undercoating utilized.
Praised by the motoring press from day-one, the E-Type is often described as one of the world’s most breathtaking sports cars and always considered a “classic of the future.” For many its greatest asset was that it really looked the part, and that nothing else looked like it. Whether “E-Type,” or “XKE” as it was sold in the United States, it made a statement about its owner and all who rode in it. The tradition continues.
