Fantasy Junction

Description

1962 Jaguar E-Type Series I
s/n 887034, Engine no. R7868-9
Red with Tan Leather

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 such a legendary part of automotive history. 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. The cars were continuously developed, however, the arrival of American safety legislation and the twelve cylinder engine made later cars less attractive and less sporting, making the series I cars the pick of the bunch.

This particular example is an attractive, numbers matching example, which has been the subject of considerable restorative works including paint, chrome, and upholstery. It is reasonably straight and solid, with good “driver” level cosmetics. While not much is known of the early history of this covered headlamp Series I, the present owner purchased it in southern California.

The car starts easily, and revs freely, making good power. The clutch operates normally, and the brakes are functioning well. The transmission shifts well. The suspension has a nice feel, although this example may benefit from an alignment, as it pulls slightly to the right. Generally speaking the switchgear and ancillary items are in working order, but the oil pressure gauge reads higher than what is likely accurate. The steering wheel itself, while original, is fractured and will need to be refinished by the next owner. As there are no records for the restoration, we cannot saw with authority what mechanical works was performed during the restoration process.

The car presents well with a beautiful static stance. The paintwork is done to excellent driver standards and has a fresh sheen to it. The chrome is generally very nice, with just minor weathering in select areas. The interior has beautiful leather upholstery on the seats, and wool carpets and foot well trim from a kit. The vinyl door panels are also very nice, and the cloth headliner is beautiful and unmarked. The engine bay makes a good presentation, and is detailed to original specifications and is largely complete with such items as the often missing window washer bottle. The porcelain exhaust headers are showing the usual cracking.

This example retains its original front subframe (“window frame”) displaying the chassis number on the right front shock tower, as well as its original engine head and cylinder block. The body has had the corrosion repairs common to E-Types carried out, and while there is evidence of the metalwork performed when viewed for the underside, it is generally very solid at this time.

Included with the sale is a workshop manual, a jack and bag, knock off hammer, and the matching wire wheel spare.

Commonly viewed as one of the most beautiful automotive shapes constructed during the 1960s, it is no surprise that the Jaguar E-Type, and particularly the covered headlamp equipped Series I, has enjoyed such significant value gains in recent years.

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