Fantasy Junction

Description

1964 Jaguar XKE Coupe

Chassis Number – 889792
Engine Number – RA-4968-9
Body Number – V7269
Exterior Color – Cream
Interior Color – Black
Engine – 3.8 Liter DOHC in-line six-cylinder engine
Gearbox – 5-speed all synchromesh manual
Current Miles – 13,046 miles

Highlights

- Matching numbers Northern California car since delivered new
- Original California black license plate retained to current ownership
- Dedicated long-term owners including Jaguars Unlimited partner

General History

Unveiled at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, the Jaguar E-type delivered a totally new approach to sports cars. Advanced design, unrivaled performance, and racing lineage made the E-Type an immediate sensation. With its beautiful lines and surprisingly affordable price, the E-Type garnered its iconic status where it continues to reign at the top of collector and enthusiast lists. Independent front and rear suspension, disc brakes all around (inboard at the rear to reduce unsprung weight), and Jaguar’s legendary twin-cam inline six-cylinder engine were just part of the allure. Sales were brisk with growing interest in both American and European markets. Although the E-Type would continue into the mid 1970s, enthusiasts today remain steadfast regarding their admiration for the Series 1 models as one of the most beautiful and capable sports cars ever conceived.

Current Condition and Ownership

According to information gathered by prior and current owners, this XKE was purchased by the first owner, a resident of San Jose, CA. The first owner would retain the car until 1982 when it was sold to the next owner, John Vousden, partner in Jaguars Unlimited. Under their ownership and care, the car was restored at Jaguars Unlimited including rebuilding the original head and engine. The restoration included Sun-Dym glass (Jaguar tinted glass), the installation of later production series 1 seats with better support, and a complete interior reupholstering performed by expert Kent Morgan. During the restoration, the third owner, Laurence Hernandez, would visit the car to view the progress, eventually purchasing it in 1989 with just 3o miles indicated on the odometer, which had been zeroed out at the completion of the restoration. Hernandez, an avid sports car collector, showed the car at local bay area events and concours shows until consigning it in 1995 to Fantasy Junction where it was sold to the fourth owner. The fourth owner would maintain the car to a high standard engaging Jaguar expert Jim Groom to perform important service and maintenance work on the car. During his 27 years of ownership, the owner enjoyed the car but consulted with Groom about improvements. Groom installed a Tremec 5-speed transmission, stainless steel exhaust, a modern gear driven starter, remote brake line bleeders, a Ron Davis aluminum radiator with large electric fan with remote under-dash manual fan switch, silicon hoses replacing nearly all the rubber coolant hoses, and a set of 6 x 15 Dayton wire wheels (rear wheels relaced for slightly wider track) in place of the original 5 x 15 wheels which are included as spares. Over his 27 years of ownership this XKE was driven on club events and enjoyable wine country tours while sharing garage space with the other jewel of his collection, an XK-120 OTS.

The current and fifth owner purchased this Jaguar in 2022 with 7,775 miles indicated. Having been friends with the prior owner, they enjoyed events together along with the third owner who also shared their mutual passion for vintage sports cars. Under current ownership the car was freshened mechanically in 2023 including a new battery, all fluids (other than the gearbox oil) flushed and filters changed, brakes overhauled including new hydraulic cylinders, clutch hydraulics, and the original Dunlop calipers upgraded to Zeus four-piston caliper brakes. Engineered for longevity, the Zeus brakes feature aluminum and stainless calipers and pistons which prevent rust from being an issue. A new set of Vredestein Sprint Classic 185 VR15 tires were mounted, and a pair of three point seat belts were also installed. Of note, the head gasket has been recently replaced as part of a welding repair performed by expert Dan Marvin at Norman Racing, who properly repaired cooling port fissures. a condition typically found on original Jaguar engines of this vintage. During this time the valves were lapped and clearances checked and the head was surfaced to clean the cooling port welds and level the surface which was also measured confirming no warpage front to back.

Current Presentation

Today this Jaguar presents in excellent overall condition. The finish, while showing signs of age and variation in tone which is visible on some panels, remains smooth and glossy throughout. The lighting, lenses, and glass are clean and preserved as well with no signs of fading or discoloration. The body integrity is excellent, with factory panel gaps on the rear hatch, and bonnet, and door fit that is especially good, likely attributed to the mild California climate and accident free body. The chrome window and side glass surrounds are in excellent original condition overall, as are the front and rear tinted glass. The slightly wider wire wheels feature chrome plated knock offs with excellent finish and wear a set of Vredestein Sprint Classic 185 VR15 tires date coded 2022.

The black interior is excellent throughout and consistent with the finishes achieved when the car was restored in the 1980s. Remarkably preserved, the interior is superbly detailed, clean, and shows only minor evidence of use. The carpet is excellent including the beaded edging and correct contours for the floor and center console. The dash pad is very fine owing to indoor storage avoiding unwanted sun damage. The instruments are in excellent condition with crisp contrasting color. A modern AM/FM cassette stereo, likely installed in the 1980s during the restoration, is in place but not currently functional. A wood rimmed steering wheel, and uprated Tremec 5-speed manual transmission complete the touch points for the cockpit. The door panels, matching covered door sills, headliner, and rear storage area are quite nice in both condition and material quality, here too reflective of enthusiast care over the 30+ years since the Jaguars Unlimited restoration was completed.

The engine compartment is correct in appearance and properly detailed. Having been recently serviced and rebuilt during the restoration, the restoration included sensitive upgrades including an aluminum radiator with electric fan and the installation of silicone coolant hoses, both of which greatly improves cooling. Both the engine numbers are evident on the head and engine block and correspond authentically to the data plate affixed to the car. The engine runs smoothly and starts easily but as is typical of these cars, produces a few spots of oil when parked. Ownership dating back to the first owner is also documented with a copy of the 1977 California black plate registration supporting the original ownership and purchase date in 1964. The undercarriage is clean, tidy, and very much in keeping with the miles covered since the restoration was completed. The body seams, weld lines, and joinery are further indicative of original construction while all suspension, brakes, lines, and exhaust are in very good condition throughout.

Included with the car

The car is accompanied by copies of service records dating back to 1989, written histories outlining ownership, and copies of various ownership documents. Also included are four original 5 x 15 chrome wire wheels, a bottle jack and knockoff mallet, a second jack with slip case jaguar service and parts manuals, various spare parts, the original center front bumper bar, a Jaguar operating manual, and two sets of keys.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608