Fantasy Junction

Description

1962 Jaguar E-Type 3.8L Series I Roadster
s/n 877347, Engine no. R5589-9
Black with Red Leather Interior

Automotive history is rife with a multitude of well-made sportscars. Yet, for all the decades of technology and engineering, there are only a few sportscars that so perfectly embody beauty, engineering, and performance. Rarely do all three of these traits combine to reveal an object so breathtaking, so delightful, that such an object transcends generations of admirers, even more than a half a century after introduction. The Jaguar E-Type is the epitome of such a car; the quintessential modern sports car.

Unveiled at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, those fortunate to be in attendance were witnessing something miraculous. Stunning design, unrivaled performance, and racing heritage all seamlessly combined making the E-Type an immediate motoring sensation. With its beautiful, sinewy design and surprisingly affordable price, the E-Type grew to iconic status where it has remained, continuously charming generation after generation. Visually captivating and aerodynamically advanced, innovative mechanicals included independent front and rear suspension, disc brakes all around (inboard at the rear to reduce unsprung weight), and ample power supplied by the legendary twin-cam inline six-cylinder engine. Sales were brisk, affording ongoing development and advancements that would cover another decade of production. Over time, however, the original Series 1 cars would be vaulted to something of legendary status, in part because these early examples embody the purity and clarity of the incomparable and legendary Malcolm Sayer design.

This particular Jaguar E-Type OTS roadster was finished at the factory in black with red interior and sold new June 1, 1962 to Herbert F. Mayer, Jr. of Grand Island, NE. Mayer took delivery of the car in person while visiting the Jaguar factory in Coventry, UK. Having specified his car to be built with US delivery, he also ordered the optional hardtop. After taking delivery, Mayer then proceeded to tour Europe in his newly acquired E-Type for several days before shipping the car from Rome, Italy to his home in Nebraska. Upon arrival Mayer presented the car to his wife “Toni” as a wedding gift. As part of the unique history of this car, the restorer of the car was able to visit with Toni who reminisced about her years owning the Jaguar. According to her accounts, during Toni’s ownership she drove the car regularly and participated in local events including the Harvest of Harmony parade in their local township. One afternoon on a return trip home from a family outing, Toni decided to see how fast she could go on the local interstate. She finally slowed down from a top speed of 108mph when a local patrolman hailed her to pull over. The only Jaguar in town, there was no sense in trying to outrun the authorities. Shortly after receiving her speeding ticket, Toni and Herb traded the Jaguar in at a local Lincoln, NE dealership.

In November 1990 the current owner, an avid vintage performance car collector and owner of a Jaguar C Type, purchased the car with 45,595 miles shown on the odometer. A very original car with no structural rust or accidents, the car performed regular driving duties over their ensuing ownership. The original engine and gearbox, still with the car today, performed flawlessly throughout the 1990s and 2000s. General service and maintenance were all that was needed as the car remained mechanically sound, original, and complete. In 2006, a Metatronic T5 5-speed gearbox (original 4-speed gearbox retained with the car) was installed to enhance highway driving.

After 25 years of ownership, in 2016 the current owners embarked on a comprehensive restoration under the direction of marque specialist Randy Aagaard. During the restoration, the car was fully disassembled to allow thorough attention to all aspects of the body, drivetrain, and suspension components. With all major components removed from the car, the engine was disassembled and rebuilt with a .030 overbore. The suspension was removed, restored, and rebuilt, and the wiring harness replaced. New wheels and tires were installed, brakes rebuilt, new weather seals and glass installed, and gauges, clock, and dash switches were all restored along with a fresh interior, finished in high quality red leather. The electrical system was converted to negative ground, and a vintage style reproduction battery was installed (two concealed Odyssey dry cell batteries). A high efficiency radiator built to original specifications was also installed. Throughout the restoration, every effort was made to restore the car using as many factory components and correct reproduction parts to maintain original factory presentation.

In addition to the upgraded T5 transmission, a few additional mechanical improvements were also added, including electronic ignition, a backup Facet electric pump which can be activated by the interior light toggle switch, and a master electric cutoff switch installed behind the left front wheel, accessible from the wheel well. The restoration was completed in 2017 showing only modest miles accumulated over the past three years. Having addressed every major system, component, and detail to the utmost degree of authenticity and excellence, this E-Type is not only breathtaking, it will continue to stand as one of the most beautiful and capable sports cars ever created.

Today, this Jaguar E-Type roadster presents in excellent condition throughout. The deep black exterior not only highlights the exquisite lines of the original Series 1 design, the superb bodywork, finish, and fitment of all trim are exemplary. The paint is fluid and glossy, with excellent coverage and a deep luster. The body integrity, shut lines, and tight closure of the doors, trunk, and bonnet are excellent. The inner strike surfaces reflect a high level of finish, consistent with the exterior of the car. The chrome plating is rich and warm with only a hint of mellowing. Exterior trim, script, and rubber gaskets have been applied with jewel-like care and precision. The contrasting black finish, black wall tires, and intricate chrome wire wheels make for a powerful yet elegant statement of grace and performance.

The handsome red leather interior is in excellent condition having been both thoughtfully and expertly redone with correct high-quality materials and accent trim. The carpeting remains in very nice condition and is tightly tailored, showing only minor areas of use in the footboxes. The seat pleating and stitching have been properly done, avoiding the often-seen overstuffed cushions that can compromise occupant comfort. The dashboard in particular is very well done using restored original instruments and switches detailed to a very high standard. Fit and finish throughout the interior is among the finest one will find in any E-Type. Attention to detail within the interior includes the restorer going the extra mile to cover the soft top headliner with original specification matching material, often replaced with incorrect fabric. The accompanying hardtop is in excellent condition with matching glossy black finish, polished trim, and correct glass. As new weather strip was installed during the restoration and hardtop use has been limited, the base rubber may need grooming to make sure the fit is not too tight. With the hardtop in place, the black finish suits the undulating fender lines while maintaining the distinctive low-profile E-Type stance.

The engine compartment and numbers matching engine are beautifully composed with excellent visual presentation and factory details, prepared as originally intended, employing just a few modern materials and coatings for improved longevity. The engine has been updated with electronic ignition and stainless-steel exhaust. As one might expect, the undercarriage is also in excellent condition, with all structural panels appearing sound throughout. There is no visual evidence of structural damage to the floor panels or suspension mounts. All finishes and components viewed in the undercarriage appear as tidy as the rest of the car. The overall integrity of the body seams and joinery viewed on the underside further speaks to the originality of this E-Type and the expert restoration recently performed on the car.

In addition to the beautiful cosmetics and top-level restoration, this E-Type roadster runs and drives very well. The electronic ignition allows for easy starts and smooth idling. Carburetion has been set to preserve performance capacity for enjoyable driving and reliable touring. The engine has great oil pressure, makes excellent power and torque, and pulls strong in all five gears. The car rises to freeway speed rapidly with no shudder, stall, and virtually no flat spots on acceleration. The car tracks exceptionally well and rides smoothly. The contemporary 5 speed shift easily, downshifting into corners as the eager engine confidently coaxes you into higher revs. Steering and suspension are responsive, while cornering and braking confirm the well-executed restoration and refined post-restoration sorting.

Additional items accompanying the car include the original 4-speed gearbox and original prop shaft, a factory tool pouch and large tool set, a matching black canvas tonneau and case, sun visors (removed while hardtop is in place), original owners document pouch containing the owner’s manual, warranty card, maintenance vouchers, worldwide and US service center US books, lube chart, and the UK export book offered on cars built for the American market, sold with overseas delivery.

Jaguar E-Type roadsters continue to be highly prized for their beauty and legendary performance prowess. Series 1 cars are further considered amongst the most desirable, adhering to the brilliant concept originally conceived by Malcolm Sayer and Jaguar Motors. Combining great colors, a superb restoration performed to factory standards with rare hardtop, known ownership history from new, matching numbers, and original owner documentation, this stunning Jaguar E-Type OTS roadster captures everything that glorious sports car motoring offers for even the most discerning enthusias

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