HIGHLIGHTS

Matching Numbers Engine with Heritage Certificate
Stunning Restoration to Very High Standards
Beautifully Presented in Opalescent Silver Blue over Blue Leather

OVERVIEW

The 1961 Geneva Motor Show would very likely have been much like any previous show, but for the arrival of a ground-breaking design, one that would forever change the sports car world. The unrivaled performance, beautiful body lines, and race-bred lineage all came together to form the perfect sports car; The Jaguar E-Type, also known as the XKE. With its captivating beauty and surprisingly affordable price, the E-Type grew to iconic status where it has remained for more than half a century continuing to delight generations of sports car enthusiasts.

Jaguar’s racing experience greatly informed the development of the E-Type with progressive features such as independent front and rear suspension, disc brakes all around (inboard at the rear), and Jaguar’s powerful triple-carbureted twin-cam inline-6-cylinder engine. Significant sales allowed Jaguar to improve the E-Type including updating to a fully synchronized gearbox for 1965. Later cars, particularly in the United States, had safety and emissions equipment that negatively influenced both performance and aesthetics, so the earliest cars remain today among the most desirable due to their covered headlights, trim bumpers, clean body lines, and terrific performance.

This Series 1 Coupe has benefited from a ground up restoration performed to exacting standards, reflective of highly skilled artisans and knowledgeable Jaguar experts. The car was purchased as a non-running car in 2013 that had been parked for a decade in Southern California. After inpsecting dozens of candiates in person, what drew the owner to this car at that time was the solid and original body, interior, and mechanicals that were all present. After sitting for roughly five years in the back of his shop while the owner was vintage racing, work began in earnest in 2017. Upon disassembly of the car, the owner was frequently amazed at the originality and condition. When they pulled the interior out, everything was as if it had left the factory. They could not find a spot of rust on the car (outside of some minor damage to the nose). It proved to be a very solid candidate, and one that deserved restoration.

The restoration was managed and directed by the consigning owner, a passionate motorsports enthusiast and vintage car collector. The project began by fully disassembled the car while the owner documented and researched the very best components, vendors, and expert artisans to participate in many aspects of the restoration. With all components removed from the body shell, the body was delivered to Kerstan Rillos for mild body work and finishing. All body seams and welds were inspected for integrity, and minor areas of rust were properly finished and prepared for prime and paint. While the body restoration was underway, the owner reviewed all the suspension components, brakes, and various trim while the engine and gearbox were removed and prepared for rebuild. The engine was fully disassembled and rebuilt to stock configuration using slightly hotter cams to enhance performance. All rotating engine components were balanced and blueprinted to ensure precision tolerances prior to engine reassembly. The owner worked closely with a master engine builder with over 50 years of experience building vintage engines. The later series gearbox benefits from being a synchromesh unit which had been with the car for several years. As such, the owner appreciated the synchromesh shifting as it greatly improves the drivability of these cars.

As the restoration progressed, the owner continually evaluated every aspect of the car, enjoying the research process to be sure that all parts were finished with authenticity to Jaguar’s heritage but also using the finest materials and finishes in order to deliver premier results. The entire interior was removed including the dashboard, seats, door panels, rear panel features, and chrome details. All soft components were refinished using high quality leather for the seats, correct carpeting, and proper dash pad material. After several years of research, parts sourcing, refinishing, and test fitting all the carefully prepared sub-assemblies and individual components, the car was fully reassembled, all systems tested for operation, and the engine was run through the “break in” period including changing the oil, adjusting the carburetors, and refining various details, trim, and finishing touches.

Today, the stunning condition of this car is evident from every angle. The color combination is breathtaking both in finish and presentation. The paint is essentially flawless with beautiful gloss and deep metallic luster displaying proper micro-flake metallic consistency true to the original color and finish. The chrome trim is beautifully plated with excellent finish and luster. The body integrity is outstanding, displaying consistent shut lines, tight closures, and smooth latching mechanisms. The doors have excellent fit to the upper body, while the side-hinged rear hatch opens smoothly and the beautifully finished bonnet hinges forward with balanced ease. All trim, script, and stainless fender line piping have been applied with jewel-like precision. The brilliant wire wheels wear new Pirelli Cinturato tires, properly fitting the E-Types beautifully scalloped ellipsoid wheel openings. The stance is simply perfect, evoking all the power and history of Le Mans victories, innovative engineering, and gorgeous Jaguar design.

The interior is simply exceptional in both finish and detail. Having been expertly refurbished with correct leather, factory trim, tight piping, proper padding, and excellent fasteners. The high-quality carpeting, headliner, sun visors, and rear deck treatment are pristine in every respect. The deep blue tones of the interior are contrasted by delightful chrome jewelry for the door handles, window cranks, and trim lines delicately defining the sporting interior. The dashboard features gorgeous instrumentation, meticulously detailed with contrasting graphics and clarity to the dial faces. An early series E-Type, the dash features an array of toggle switches and finely etched aluminum center console trim. The interior is finished with a handsome wood rimmed steering wheel, flanked by a leather wrapped gearshift activating the synchromesh 4-speed gearbox. A later series radio has been installed for contemporary listening pleasure, though the original unit accompanies the car.

The engine compartment is beautifully composed in appearance and detail with all components, hardware, hoses, and lines correctly prepared and properly routed per factory specifications. Virtually none of the heat-sensitive finishes have faded or hued, in part because engine time has been minimal and where feasible, modern durable materials have been used to extend the life of the finishes. The original engine block is in place with the original head also retained with the cam-valley finished in gold, correct Champion ignition wires installed, proper Lucas electric features are in place, and all alloy engine components are polished to a high luster. The front suspension “picture frame” bears the correct factory stamped serial number which matches the chassis plate. Consistent with the entire car, the undercarriage is in excellent condition, with impeccable attention to detail including excellent bodywork as the panels roll under the bottom of the car. All finishes and components viewed in the undercarriage appear as properly finished as the rest of the car. The overall integrity of the body seams and joinery is very nice and further speaks to the high quality of restoration and diligent care the owner imparted during his years restoring this E-Type.

Jaguar E-Types continue to be prized for their beauty and performance prowess, with Series 1 examples remaining the most sought after by enthusiasts and top-tier collectors. Combining great colors, a superbly executed restoration, and dedicated ownership, this stunning Jaguar has been lovingly restored with pride and enjoyment in mind. Refined and powerful, this Jaguar E-Type Coupe captures everything that glorious vintage sports car motoring offers for even the most discerning enthusiast.

Please contact Jason Harris at +1-206-355-7727 for more information on this 1964 Jaguar E-Type.