1962 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8 Coupe

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

*Beautifully presented Series I E-Type Coupe with 60-years of single-family ownership
*Matching numbers example presented in as-delivered factory black over black livery
*Desirable first-series example retaining the original, pure E-Type design
*Documented by Heritage Trust Certificate and restoration records

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 sub frame. 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

According to the Jaguar Daimler-issued Heritage Trust Certificate on file, this sleek E-Type Fixed Head Coupe first emerged from Jaguars Coventry workshops on January 25, 1962 sporting black over black livery and a factory left hand drive steering arrangement. The Jaguar was delivered new to the first owner on April 11, 1962, a US serviceman stationed in Germany.

The black E-Type would sell again on April 19, 1963 - when it was just over a year old and imported to the US - to a Elgin, IL-based owner, and her family have retained the car ever since. The Jaguar underwent a comprehensive refurbishment by JK Restorations of Oswego, IL in 2004. Work consisted of repairing the body and repainting it in the factory black exterior color, retrimming the interior in black leather, and rebuilding the matching numbers 3.8-liter inline-six engine and four-speed manual transmission. Additional work included refinishing the chrome 15-inch knock-off wire wheels, rebuilding the carburetors, overhauling the brakes, suspension, and gauges, and replacing the lighting and wiring harness.

The restoration was completed in 2005 totaling over $85,000 reflected in restoration receipts accompanying the car. The odometer was zeroed out and the car was placed in dry storage with occasional use. The finished car remained in Illinois until 2012 when it was transported to California to the niece of the original owner. The odometer indicates 950 miles at the time of cataloging. The completed car retains the original engine and gearbox, all of which match the numbers on the original chassis data plate retained with the car.

Today, this factory black Series I Jaguar E-Type Coupe boasts high gloss paint with a deep and satisfying finish. The paint shows typical areas of use including a few chips and minor light scuff marks. The black leather interior is clean and taut, finished with correct factory contours, properly trimmed seats, door panels, and center console. Recent services include replacing the clutch and brake hoses, the installation of a new clutch master cylinder, a new clutch slave cylinder, new coolant hoses, bleeding for the hydraulic systems, and installing a new battery.

The car is accompanied by a Jaguar E-Type service manual, Jaguar maintenance chart, Jaguar Classic Parts, Parts and Service CD in case, copies of restoration records, copies of the original title when purchased in 1963, a copy of the Jaguar Heritage Certificate, a set of various tools, a factory jack, a modern and original type knock-off hammer, and the original factory chassis plate.

A must have for any collection, the E-Types many positive qualities have enshrined it as one of the true automotive greats. With its clean, soft lines and 6-cylinder howl, few cars are able to stack up against the Jaguar magic. Having just under 1,000 miles driven since the completion of the restoration, this Jaguar is ready to be enjoyed for many miles to come. A well cared for example, in over 60 years of family ownership this Coupe will surely find itself in good company with its next owner. Few cars can rival the Jaguar E-Type in performance, beauty, and desirability and this particular Coupe is a superb example of one of the most iconic cars of the '60s.