Fantasy Junction

Description

1963 Jaguar E-Type Roadster Semi-Lightweight Specification
s/n 879659, engine no. R 2502-9
Dark Metallic Blue with Saddle 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 semi-monocoque construction, 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. While widely regarded as one of the 1960s most elegant road cars, they proved to be immensely potent competition cars as well. Relying on their nimble, lightweight nature, fully independent suspension, and highly aerodynamic body shape, E-Types made short work of much more powerful but less sophisticated cars such as the 289 Cobra, Corvettes, and Shelby GT350s, particularly on tighter tracks where handling and braking was the deciding factor. Later E-Type variants, particularly in the United States, had safety and emissions equipment that negatively influenced both performance and aesthetics, so the Series I cars are by far the most desirable variants when considering aesthetics and performance criteria.

This particular example is a phenomenal restored example which as part of the restoration work, has experienced a unique metamorphous into stealth Semi-Lightweight configuration. Originally delivered to first owner B.C. Tuttle by Jaguar Cars New York as a left hand drive example in cream with black interior, by the time this E-Type found its way to the current owner, it was in need of restoration. Hugely experienced with the process of restoring Jaguar XKEs, but desiring more in terms of performance from the finished product, the owner commissioned a comprehensive restoration and upgrading by Jaguar authority David Ferguson of Images Autobody in Campbell, California. The work was performed without regards to expense, and is absolutely fresh.

In an effort to achieve to performance, a simple power to weight ratio study was performed. As was the case with the handful of factory built Lightweight racecars, on this example the doors, boot lid and floor, entire engine cover are fabricated in alloy rather than steel. Additionally, the fuel tank is alloy, a lightweight starter motor installed, a lightweight aluminum flywheel fitted, and Perspex headlight covers used.

In the power department, the rebuilt engine has been fitted with a bespoke high capacity, geared CNC made oil pump with a 30% higher flow, and a fully enclosed silicone fluid harmonic balancer, and high a quality big bore stainless steel exhaust offering significantly better flow over the stock cast manifolds. Braided camshaft oil feed pipes and a duplex cam chain with split and chamfered rollers were installed, along with tappet hold downs. A Weber 45 DCOE inlet manifold was used and mated to the triple Weber carburetors with velocity stacks. A modern composite head gasket replaced the standard unit. The extremely light to operate throttle linkage is paired with a Mangoletsi throttle pedal kit, and the clutch and brake pedal assemblies are converted to modern ones as well. The ignition system is now electronic in nature, and a higher output alternator is fitted. To keep the hot rod power plant cool at speed and in traffic, an aluminum radiator with fan and cowl, a custom made aluminum lightweight surge tank, and silicone coolant lines are fitted.

Power is fed though a modern 5-speed transmission with generous wide ratios, upgraded drive shafts u-joint, new splined hubs front and rear, and ultimately to the ground through cast D-Type replica wheels with three ear knock-offs, shod with Michelin XWX Series tires.

A car with these performance attributes must also stop! A new brake booster is fitted with stainless steel rear brake cylinders, alloy front calipers with vented rotors, braided brake hoses, and LED brake light bulbs.

Road holding is improved from stock by Bogie shocks in the rear, thicker torsion bars in the front, upgraded steering mounting bushings, polyurethane sway bar bushings, polyurethane wishbone bushings, polyurethane large and small radius arm bushings, upgraded upper wishbones with self-lubricating ball joint (which need no adjustment throughout their life), sealed lower ball joints, and upgraded rear sub-frame mountings to withstand the additional torque. Halogen Hella Head lamps illuminate the path forward after nightfall.

As one might expect, the driving experience is very special. When compared to a stock E-Type, this XKE simply does everything better. The revs climb more quickly, and the engine develops significantly more power. The steering is light and accurate. The brakes are effective and the 5-speed gearbox crisp, with a top gear ratio appropriate for 2100 rpm at 75 mph. At this speed, the engine is almost silent, the exhaust quiet, and the driving effortless. All that said, if the driver wished to prove a point, 2nd gear is good for 55 mph, so you can extrapolate from that the unbelievable potential of this special car.

Cosmetically, the car is fresh and beautiful in every regard. The panels are beautifully straight, and the panel match excellent. The paint, brightwork, lenses, emblems, upholstery and top are all to show quality, and with sorting miles only. The underside and engine bay are detailed “to eat off of”, and the overall presentation of the car is absolutely like jewelry.

Included with the sale are the original carburetors, original radio, 4-speed Moss gearbox, front brakes, front suspension parts, and much more, all in original condition. Also included will be records relating to the restoration and conversion.

Offered below the cost to duplicate today, and also well below the cost of an Eagle constructed Lightweight conversion, this stealth hot rod will appeal to the Jaguar enthusiast who has always desired a more potent performance package while retaining the original appearance. With all the research and development out of the way, this example is ready hit the road.

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