1964 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8 Coupe

3,781cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
3 SU Carburetors
265bhp at 5,500rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission (see text)
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Factory-correct restoration performed by Jaguar specialists
*Matching numbers example presented in its factory-delivered livery
*Tastefully upgraded with subtle performance upgrades
*Accompanied by Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate


THE JAGUAR E-TYPE

When introduced at the 1961 Geneva Salon, Jaguar's E-Type stirred passions with its extremely sleek and timeless design backed by staggering performance. The newcomer's design owed much to that of the racing D-Type. Indeed, the E-Type would be one of the last great sports cars developed directly from a successful competition ancestor.

Just as in the D-Type, a monocoque tub formed the main body/chassis structure while a tubular spaceframe extended forwards to support the engine. The latter was the same 3.8-liter, triple-carbureted, 'S' unit first offered as an option on the preceding XK150. With a claimed 265 horsepower on tap, the E-Type's performance furthered the standards set by the preceding XK models: firstly, because it weighed around 500lbs less than the XK150 and secondly because aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer used experience gained with the D-Type to create one of the most elegant and efficient shapes ever to grace a motor car.

Developed from that of the original XK120 sports car and refined in the racing D-Type, the double wishbone, independent front suspension was mounted on the forward subframe. At the rear the E-Type's suspension broke new ground for a large-capacity sports car, being independent at a time when most of its major rivals relied on the traditional live rear axle. Dunlop disc brakes were fitted to all four wheels; those at the rear being mounted inboard alongside the differential to reduce un-sprung weight.

Often called the most beautiful production car of all time, the E-Type remains an automotive icon of design, engineering and speed.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Completed at the Browns Lane Jaguar works during January of 1964, this sensational left-hand-drive Series 1 E-Type Coupe was finished then just like it appears today, with the exterior painted in era-evoking Opalescent Golden Sand, neatly matched by a Beige Connolly leather interior. According to the Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate on file, the new E-Type had been ordered by Jaguar Cars of New York, and the first owner - a Mr. L. W. Dougherty of Camden, Tennessee - is recorded as having taking delivery of the new sporty E-Type Coupe during the Summer of 1964.

Although the subsequent history remains to be discovered, it is known that the E-Type was treated to a compressive nut-and-bolt restoration about a decade ago, while in the previous ownership. The lion's share of the restoration was carried out by the noted Jaguar specialists at Predator Performance of Largo, Florida, while the rebuild of the matching-numbers DOHC XK engine was entrusted with Jaguar specialist Bill Terry. As previously mentioned, the Jaguar was restored in its original, factory livery, while discreet updates to ensure effortless high-performance touring were carried out, including installaion of a high-torque starter, spin-on oil filter conversion, fitment of a big-bore stainless steel exhaust system, and most significantly, an all-synchro 5-speed Tremec gearbox, while - for the purist - the original 4-speed gearbox was retained and is accompanying the sale of the car.

The attention to detail and correctness is apparent throughout this comprehensively restored Jaguar, with the attractive paintwork and chrome defining a quality restoration, and the bodywork displaying excellent panel fit, particularly around the notoriously tricky doors. It sits properly on the road, rolling on beautiful chrome wire wheels fitted with period-style Vredestein Sprint Classic radials tires.
In the cabin, the proper bucket seats of the 3.8-litre models are fully restored, complemented with matching Wilton wool carpets. The dash and switchgear are all in excellent order, including the correct thin wood-rimmed steering wheel and a period-correct Blaupunkt radio. As virtually everywhere else on this E-Type, the engine bay is exceptionally well detailed.

An early iteration of the most pure and attractive E-Type Series 1 Coupe such as this will always receive attention, deservedly, and this example retaining its matching numbers engine and as-delivered livery should be given serious consideration.