Vehicle Description
By now, it’s well known lore about how Jaguar rocked the establishment when it unveiled the revolutionary E-Type at the Geneva Salon in 1961. The stunning machine would have been an instant hit regardless of the price, but Jaguar’s technologically advanced GT car hit the market at less than half the price of a comparable Aston Martin or Ferrari. Legend even has it that Enzo Ferrari himself declared the E-Type the most beautiful car he had ever seen… how true that is we’ll never know, but it is certainly believable if you study the gorgeous Malcolm Sayer designed bodywork for more than a few seconds. Of course, the new Jaguar was not just a pretty face. The chassis was developed with experience gained from the multiple LeMans winning D-Type. A semi-monocoque body tub was employed, with the cockpit and rear half constructed of welded steel sheet. In front, square tube subframes bolted to the bulkhead to support the engine, front suspension and bonnet. In the rear, a novel independent suspension setup also used on the MkX Saloon was fully contained in a removable “cage” complete with coil over shocks and inboard disc brakes. Power was by the proven XK inline six, an already legendary unit that powered both the C-Type and D-Type to wins at LeMans, Spa, the Nurburgring and all around the globe. Early E-Types displaced 3.8 liters and produced an impressive 265 horsepower. Late in 1964, the engine was bumped to 4.2 liters and a few minor improvements made, though many loyalists believe the free-revving 3.8 is the sweeter of the two engines.
The E-Type was a sales hit for Jaguar, and the car was refined and reworked through three generations into the early 1970s. The lure of the E-Type is just as strong today day and it seems that no car collection is complete without at least one example. It is a true design icon, and thanks to tremendous support by both Jaguar and the aftermarket, restoration quality and modifications are limited only to the imagination and budget of the owner. As demand for the E-type has increased over the past few years, values have risen accordingly. Recently, the pure lines and revvy nature of the early 3.8 liter fixed head coupe have attracted collector attention. History has shown the OTS roadster to be the favored variant, but collectors are finally appreciating the coupe for the important, ground breaking design that it has always been.
This 1964 E-Type 3.8 FHC is a good, nearly complete example that would make a very fine candidate for a restoration. It was acquired in a partially disassembled state, though our staff has carefully gone through all of the parts and reassembled the car to a mockup state in order to determine how complete it is. The body is fairly straight, with no serious crash damage to be found. There is some corrosion and filler in the sills, and evidence of prior repair in the rear quarters and floors. Thankfully, virtually every panel for an E is available, making body restoration a reasonable prospect. It is currently finished in red over tan, and the Heritage Certificate shows it was originally Sherwood Green over Grey.
The 3.8 liter drivetrain is intact and in good order, though it has not been run and would require a comprehensive overhaul. Suspension, brakes and chassis components are in fair condition and restorable. The tan leather interior is highlighted by the signature early-type bucket seats which again, are complete and intact though requiring restoration. 3.8 Liter Fixed Head Coupe E-Types are very rare and extremely desirable among enthusiasts. This example presents a fine opportunity to restore one of the most beautiful and desirable cars in the world to your own specification. Unlike many E-Type projects that surface from time to time, this is by no means a basket case or a car that has been left in a swamp to rot away to nothing, this is very much a car worth saving; rare and beautiful, even in its unrestored state. 3.8 liter fixed-head coupes were often sacrificed for their open topped siblings, and it has become very difficult to find sound examples on the market.
