Fantasy Junction

Description

1962 Jaguar XKE Coupe

Chassis Number – 885567
Engine Number – R-3657-8
Gearbox Number – EB 2757 JS
Body Number – V1771
Exterior Color – Black
Interior Color – Black leather
Engine – 3.8 Liter DOHC in-line six-cylinder engine
Gearbox – 4 speed manual
Current Miles – 00,950 TMU

Highlights

60 years of single family ownership (purchased in 1963)
Early Series 1 finished in factory Black over Black interior
Numbers matching engine, head, and gearbox
Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Production Record Certificate
Copies of photographs documenting restoration and upgrades

General History

Unveiled at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, the Jaguar E-type ushered in a new era of sports car design and engineering. Beautiful body lines, unrivaled performance, and racing lineage combined to make the E-Type an immediate sensation. With its beautiful lines and surprisingly affordable price, the E-Type grew to iconic status where it has remained for more than half a century adored by collectors and enthusiasts. 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 among the many aspects contributing to the allure. Sales were brisk with continuous development growing in both American and European markets. Continuing sales would advance into the 1970s, but enthusiasts and collectors steadfastly confirm admiration for the Series 1 models as one of the most beautiful and capable sports cars ever conceived.

History of this example

According to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Production Record Certificate accompanying this car, this XKE was produced January 25, 1962, and delivered April 11, 1962, to a US serviceman stationed in Germany. One of very few LHD Coupes produced at the factory finished in black with a black leather interior, this example was purchased by the aunt of the same family that continues ownership to this day. Purchased April 19, 1963, only a year old at that time, the Elgin, IL owner and her family have since retained the car for a remarkable 60 years. In 2004, the family enlisted JK Restorations to restore the car. 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.

During the 2004 restoration, the car was comprehensively restored including removing all glass, mechanical parts, the complete interior, and stripping the body and chassis to bare metal. The floors were carefully removed from the bottom of the car, and new sheet metal floors were installed. The hood was replaced with a correct used unit, new door skins were installed, various hinges replaced, and a new left sill was installed. Portions of the left rear fender were also cut out and new sheet metal, using a correct rear quarter panel, was carefully welded in place. The body was primed and painted and prepared for reassembly with new gaskets, polished trim, and replated chrome parts.

The matching numbers engine was disassembled and rebuilt with new components but also carefully preserving original pieces and rebuilding when needed, including rebuilding the distributor, starter, wiper motor, heater, fan motor, and half shafts. The engine and transmission were rebuilt, carburetors rebuilt, a new fuel tank installed, a new exhaust purchased, new heater pipes installed, the driveshaft replaced with new hardware, and the brakes, rubber, and shocks were also replaced or rebuilt as needed. The interior was reupholstered in black leather, the gauges were restored, various interior chrome trim was refinished, the steering wheel was restored, switches replaced as needed, and new electrical wiring installed. Copies of the 2004-2005 restoration receipts accompanying the car total more than $85,000.00.

The completed car retains the original engine (both block and head) and gearbox, all of which match the numbers on the original chassis data plate retained with the car. These numbers also directly correspond to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Certificate accompanying the car. 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.

Current Condition

Today, this factory black Jaguar XKE 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, none of which distract from the beautiful condition, and much of which could be improved with professional paint correction. The lighting, lenses, and glass are very clean, headlight buckets are correctly finished in satin silver, and the front bumper grille guard has been removed but is retained with the spares offered with the car. The body integrity is solid overall, with good panel gaps on the rear hatch, good bonnet closure, and doors that properly fit the bodylines. The chrome window surrounds are in good original condition both on the windshield surround and drip rail trim. The remaining minimal chrome features are also in very good condition. The chrome wire wheels are in excellent condition finished with chrome dual ear knockoffs and Vredestein Classic 185 series tires.

The black leather interior is clean and taut, finished with correct factory contours, properly trimmed seats, door panels, and center console. Carpet and floor mats are in very good condition. The black dash pad is properly contoured, and the restored instruments, switches, and other features of the interior all appear to be correct for this early first Series 1 XKE. The inner door panels, matching covered door sills, headliner, and rear hatch area are consistent in finish and texture. The seats are comfortable and firm, having been reupholstered as part of the restoration including the foam, which remains in very good condition. The interior conveys a harmonious look and feel very much in keeping with original specifications and correctly reflecting the original black leather installed at the factory.

The matching numbers head and engine block as well as the engine compartment are correct in appearance and properly detailed. The correct carburetors, complete factory air cleaner assembly, and air filter box have been properly restored and are reflective of consistent care and detailing since the restoration was completed in 2005. The various ancillary components, hoses, clamps, and various hardware appear to have also been correctly finished and detailed with originality in mind. The undercarriage appears sound and tidy, while the overall integrity of the body seams, welded floors, and suspension components appear properly prepared consistent with original specifications when new. The car is outfitted with a stainless-steel exhaust built to correct specifications for this model.

Included with the car

The car is accompanied by a Jaguar E Type service manual (traditional notebook), 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, a modern fire extinguisher, a car cover, a center bumper grille guard, a battery hold down frame, and the original factory chassis plate.

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