Fantasy Junction

Description

1962 Jaguar XKE Series I
s/n 886871, Engine no. R7550-9
Opalescent Blue with Dark Blue Leather and Grey Piping

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 believed to have just 23,108 mile and has a truly remarkable background. Collected at the factory in 1962 by its first owner Stanly Coolidge from North Hollywood, this wonderful car has had a remarkable 16,000 mile odyssey across Europe on UK registration 3246 WK prior to exportation to California where a 43 year-long slumber began, never to be road registered in the US during that time.

Fast forward to 2007, a comprehensive restoration was carried out to exacting standards and details. Northern California based Jaguar expert Jim Groom was entrusted with the rebuilt of the engine, rear suspension, and sundries, and Jaguar Heritage technician (and in house Jaguar C-Type and D-Type expert) Richard Mason was flown to California- complete with Jaguar’s factory tooling!- to perform the completion and reassembly. The resulting car is, finished to the marvelous specifications it was originally delivered, is truly breathtaking.

In the course of reconditioning, just four thoughtful changes were made: CopperCraft brakes were substituted and the originals retained, an electric fan was fitted, the “swoopier” Mk. I Jaguar script was added to the rear of the car, and period left and right mirrors were fitted.

After the restoration was complete, the lovely E-Type was invited for display and The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering. Following that, but prior to its participation at the 50th Anniversary of the E-Type in Geneva, it was shipped to the Jaguar Prototype Shop, where it received considerable detail preparation by factory technicians prior to being enjoyed on the E-Type tour by the present enthusiast owners.

This wonderful E-Type and its fascinating story has been featured in Jaguar World’s June 2010 issue, is accompanied by wonderful historic documentation including the ruffled maps and hotel brochures from Mr. Stanley Coolidge’s European odyssey, as well as a Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate confirming it to be matching numbers throughout and in its original delivery colors inside and out. Also included is a very smart booklet outlining the unique history this car has enjoyed.

Wearing the specialty plates “E92”, this example shares a special place in history, not so very far away from the E-Type which wowed the motoring world at the Geneva Motor Show, some 51 years ago!

This E-Type, believed to have covered just 23,108 miles from new, and in irreproachable fully restored condition, will surely catch the eye of the discerning Jaguar enthusiast favoring low mileage cars with unique history. It is “One of the few cars to have retained its association with the factory”- Richard Mason, Jaguar Heritage Vehicle Engineer, Browns Lane.

More to come. Please feel free to call with questions or interest.

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