1963 Jaguar E Type Series 1 Competition Coupe

3,781cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
3 Weber 45 DCOE Carburetors
265bhp at 5,500rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Wilwood Disc Brakes

*Tasteful and period-correct cosmetic performance upgrades
*Mechanically upgraded with modern performance cooling and brakes
*Stunning Titanium Grey over Grey livery
*The perfect combination of style and performance


THE JAGUAR E-TYPE

Developed from the racing D-Type in 1956, The E-Type had been put aside when Lyons abruptly canceled the competition program. Dusting off the prototype, an aluminum-bodied roadster with 3.4-liter XK engine and independent front and rear suspension, Heynes and Sayer reengineered it for steel, and a 3.8-liter engine as used in the Mk IX saloon.

The engine and transmission aside, the production E-Type was all new. It combined a multi-tube front chassis with a monocoque center section. Front suspension was similar to the XK 150's, but the rear was revolutionary. Comprising transverse lower links and fixed-length driveshafts, its wheels were suspended on coil spring-shock absorber units. The differential was mounted to a hefty steel crossmember and hosted inboard disk brakes. Anti-roll bars were installed front and rear.

At 2,520 pounds, it was 500 pounds lighter than the XK 150 and more powerful to boot. The 3.8-liter twin cam engine was fed through three SU side draft carbs and developed 265bhp. A top speed of 150mph was easily achieved with the standard 3.31 to 1 gearing, and some speculated that optional taller gears would be good for more. In its day, the E-Type was bested only by Ferraris and the Mercedes-Benz 300SL. Its debut came at the March 1961 Geneva Motor Show, to universal applause and plaudits from the pundits.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Roughly 15 years ago, the lovely Jaguar E-type Coupe offered here received an entirely comprehensive nut and bolt restoration thanks to the folks at Classic Showcase in California. No stone was left unturned, and the vehicle was completely disassembled and brought down to bare metal. Once on the rotisserie, the metal was refinished and prepared for the new parts to be fitted and installed. The high-quality paint job was wet sanded and buffed to perfection. The chassis and a bevy of other parts were powder coated in addition to the undercarriage being rebuilt. While the motor was out, it too received a great deal of attention. New pistons, bearings, seals, timing chain, oil pump and water pump were installed, and the top end of the motor received new valves, guides, keepers and seals. Feeding the engine are jewelry like performance Weber 45 DCOE carburetors that were rebuilt at the same time as the restoration. Attached to its custom exhaust headers was a custom 2-inch free-flow performance exhaust system. Linked up at the back end, a fully synchronized 4.2 Liter gearbox has been fitted to aid in drivability.

Classic Showcase also took the opportunity to make some improvements beyond the components found in stock Jags. Almost a necessity in today's traffic, a high output radiator with an auxiliary fan and alloy header tank work to keep the motor cool on hot days or through hard driving. Brakes are another area of welcome improvement for the modern enthusiast, and one will decelerate with authority thanks to the Wilwood components and master cylinder fitted to this coupe. Furthermore, the suspension of the vehicle was fully rebuilt and features neoprene bushings for increased response. Along the same lines, the steering and motor have both been solidly mounted. A new wiring harness has also been fitted resulting in the erasure of one of Jaguar's most famous standard features: smoke.

The exterior has been finished in tasteful Titanium Grey paint and allows the vehicle to stand out amongst the sea of other E-Types one will witness on the show field. Adding to the sporty character, the bumpers of the car have been removed allowing the gorgeous lines to be displayed uninterrupted. D-type style Dayton alloy wheels with 3-eared knock-offs round off the package and complete the racey look. Inside, a matching grey interior is complemented by a fully rebuilt alloy dash fitted with a suite of Smiths gauges and a Nardi wood rimmed steering wheel. Aiding in comfort, sound deadening has been fitted to both reduce noise and heat while Series II reclining seats allow the driver to find the most ideal position; upholstered in the style of Series I seats.

The work performed on this Jaguar was thoroughly comprehensive and extends beyond what can be expressed in a brief description. Whilst in the company of the vehicle, the quality truly exudes from every surface. The E-Type has many accomplishments in JCNA sanctioned shows and rallies. The restoration has aged very well over the years, and today, the car appears with only minor indications of wear both inside and out. This E-Type performance Coupe on offer was recently serviced and is the complete package of style, prestige and performance.