Fantasy Junction

Description

1962 Jaguar E-Type Roadster
s/n 877102 Engine no. R5122-9
Opalescent Silver-Grey with Red Interior

The E-Type was unveiled in March of 1961 at the Geneva Motor Show, following the famous 11th hour disorder (one of the cars was driven to the show from England with just hours to spare). The car was an immediate sensation: its specification was state of the art, its bodywork arrestingly gorgeous, and the price surprisingly affordable. It embodied William Lyons' values beautifully and it is no surprise that the E-Type has become so iconic. The specification clearly demonstrated Jaguar's racing experience and included independent suspension all around (at a time when Ferrari was still using live rear axles), disc brakes all around (inboard at the rear to reduce unsprung weight), and of course Jaguar's legendary twin cam inline-6. Sales were brisk and the cars were continuously developed, although later cars were less pretty and lower performing as a result of new American legislations, while the remarkable twelve cylinder engine of the Series III and accompanying changes made the E-Type less sporting.

This car is an exceptionally nice restored example, likely one of the finest in existence. According to the Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate, this example was built April 12, 1962 and dispatched to Jaguar Cars, New York May 16, 1962. The car was finished in Opalescent Dark Green with Suede Green interior and fitted with a French Gray top. Comprehensively restored and presented in one of the most elegant color schemes, this fine example was restored under the care of a long-term owner and seasoned Jaguar restoration veteran. During the restoration, every effort was made to restore the car to an exacting high standard but also include important improvements for modern driving, including a 6-blade cooling fan, updated Pertronix electronic ignition and coil, and a 5-speed transmission. The body and paint were performed with expert Dave Ferguson of Images Auto Body supervising every aspect of the body and paint process. The immaculate restoration was able to utilize as many original parts as possible including the original engine block and an authentic twin cam head, stamped to match the original block. Since completion, this spectacular example has been shown at The Quail, a Motorsport Gathering in Carmel Valley in 2014. After restoration, the car was purchased by another dedicated Jaguar enthusiast who spent an additional $20,000 on further refinement and enhancements. The original restoration addressed every major system, component, and detail to the utmost degree of authenticity and excellence, resulting in an automobile that is not only breathtaking, but will continue to stand as one of the most beautiful and capable sports cars ever conceived.

Details of the restoration works include:

Body:
Complete rotisserie restoration
New floors, rear boot, misc panels
All metal finished
Sandblasted to bare metal
Lead work re-done
Space frames sand blasted
Tub primer powder coated
Glasurit 55 line finished

Engine:
Complete lower/upper engine rebuild, .20 .20 over
New pistons/rings/valves/guides/oil pump/main bearings/cam bearings
1st stage cam grind for better performance
Jet Hot exhaust manifolds
New Stainless steel exhaust
Aluminum polished where appropriate
New cooling overflow tank
New water pump
New timing chain
All new gaskets/seals

Interior:
New leather interior, top, boot cover
Powder coated bows
New wood tack strips
Powder coated seat frames
Cadmium plated tracks
New dash
New triplex windshield

Fuel system:
Gas tank blasted, coated, powder-coated
New modern fuel pump installed
Carburetors disassembled, glass blasted, new gaskets/needles
All hardware cadmium plated
Domes and cross over tubes polished

Electrics:
New wiring harnesses and sub harnesses
Rebuilt generator
New voltage regulator
All gauges zinc re-plated and restored
All lights disassembled/restored/rebuilt
Pertronix electronic ignition
Pertronix performance ignition coil
New gear reduction starter
New battery

Transmission:
New - speed installed
Original transmission included
New clutch

Independent rear suspension assembly:
Complete rebuild of all components
New clutch pack, bearing seals
All powder coated hard parts and cage
New shocks and springs
New Poly mounts for radius arms
New u joints on ½ shafts and drive shaft

Suspension:
6 new Koni shocks front/rear
Polyurethane suspension bushings throughout

Lighting:
All new exterior lighting sockets/bulbs

Brakes:
All wheel cylinders and masters re-sleeved in brass
All cylinders Cad re-plated
All new brake seal kits
All new metal brake piping and flexible hoses
All new brake rotors/pads front and rear
All new parking brake pad

Cooling System:
Upgraded cooling fan to 6 blade
Original style Aluminum Finned Radiator
All new cooling hoses
All original re-plated Cheney hose clamps

Wheels:
New Dayton 5” chrome with stainless steel spokes
All new wheels bearings/seals
Four new Pirelli Cinturato tires

Hardware and Finishes:
All proper original hardware, clips, brackets cad plated
All black powder coating where appropriate
All chrome plated to show finish
All brass sleeved

Every aspect of this finely restored E-Type has been beautifully executed and the car was further improved after its 2014 Quail outing. A new set of Pirelli Cinturato 185 VR15 tires were mounted on new Dayton Wire wheels, complete with proper Blockley inner tubes ($3400). A set of NOS seat belts was also purchased and installed ($1600). The rear suspension, driveshaft, shocks and half shafts were removed to facilitate the replacement of the differential shaft bearing, side seal, handbrake pads, inner and outer pinion bearings, 3.54 differential gears, rear spline hubs, inner and outer bearings, races, and various gaskets. Further work included new carburetor needles, fluids, new brake hoses, brake pipe, and other various items including pressure testing the cooling system and minor electrical work. When this work was completed, the car was shown at the Danville d’Elegance where it won Best in Class. After these further improvements, all mechanical and cosmetic aspects of the car are in superb condition, including chrome plating still retaining a fresh luster, spectacular paint and bodywork, clear glass, elegant trim, and finely detailed emblems and script. The interior truly sparkles, set off by the lovely aluminum trim that appeared only on early 3.8s.

The car drives very well, with a coherence and responsiveness often missing from restored cars. The engine is snappy and responsive with great carburetion and strong power. Certainly it feels as swift as any standard 4.2. The gearbox is a pleasure to use without feeling excessively modern and therefore out of place, while the clutch is progressive and easy to modulate. Brakes are effective with a nice firm pedal. Suspension and chassis are coherent and tight and the car feels like a genuine sports car, rewarding the deft and enthusiastic driver.

This is an extremely fine example for the collector or enthusiast demanding the very best. It is a highly correct car in appearance, yet incorporates many of the subtle updates commonly made to E-Types to improve their reliability and performance. Its specification and presentation is representative of the earliest E-Types produced, which have a number of features that did not continue throughout production. Included with the sale is the jack, tool kit, matching spare wheel, numbers correct 4-speed gearbox, an unrestored factory hardtop, a spare set of correctly sized whitewall tires, and a massive accumulation of records, receipts, and notes supporting the restoration work performed.

Jaguar E-Type roadsters continue to be highly prized for their beauty, significance, and performance. Early Series I cars are further considered among the most sought after models, having been the very first conceived by Jaguar Cars. Combining great colors, an exceptional restoration, wonderful mechanical resolution, and meticulous ownership, this stunning car captures all the magic of the original Jaguar E-Type and will please the most discerning owner.

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.

Inquire About This Car

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