Fantasy Junction

Description

1964 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Coupe
s/n 890065, Engine block no. RA5535-9, head no. R7945-8
Dark Red with Beige Leather 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.

The current owner, a Southern California resident, purchased this Series I E-Type in 2006 from the previous owner in Colorado. Over the past 12 years, the current owner has serviced the car regularly in California, purchasing and installing several parts from XKs Unlimited, installing new velour on the seat backs, and engaging Veldman’s Motoring Service Center in Rialto, CA to perform a partial engine rebuild with 09745 miles at the time of invoicing. During the engine rebuild, the original cylinder head was removed and a freshly machined head installed to the matching numbers engine block (the original head has been retained and is available). Veldman’s installed new pistons with 9:1 compression including new piston rings and rods, machined new wrist pins, installed new intake and exhaust valves, engine bearings, a new head gasket set, head bolt studs, and a bypass thermostat. While the engine work was being completed, all three carburetors were rebuilt, the timing cover was cleaned and resealed, the timing chain support bracket was replaced, and the water pump cleaned, inspected, and reinstalled. The car also received a new voltage regulator, a new auxiliary fan relay switch, oil and filter change, new hoses replaced as needed, and all fluids checked. During reassembly, careful attention was given to preparing all parts of the engine to match original Jaguar finishes. Recently, Jaguar specialist Jim Groom serviced the car including replacing fuel lines, adjusting the carburetors, fitting new spark plugs, and further tuning the car. Additional work performed in January 2019 by Vintage Auto Service included various electrical fixes to get some the horn and inoperative dashboard and exterior lights fixed, adjusting the emergency brake, changing one valve cover gasket and the oil, and various other jobs. Today, with just under 10,000 indicated miles (roughly 250 miles since the engine rebuild was completed), the car presents as a nice driver with solid cosmetics.

The overall exterior condition boasts high gloss paint with a deep finish, showing minor flaws and light scratches in various areas. There are a few areas of paint stress cracking located near the louvers, and above one taillight, but these are notable only upon close inspection. Along the rear hatch opening there is some edge chafing that has been touched up as well as a bit of touch up done near the front fender stainless bead edge, and a few other locations. While the paint finish appears nice overall, there is some evidence of color variation from the driver’s door toward the cowl. The lighting, lenses, and glass appear very clean and preserved throughout. The body integrity is solid overall, with good panel gaps on the hatch, and bonnet, while corner areas of the doors appear a bit proud of the body. The chrome window surrounds are in good original condition overall with light pitting in just a few areas. The front and rear chrome bumpers are very nice, having been recently rechromed to a very nice standard. The chrome wire wheels and desirable “eared” knock-offs are smoothly plated with no major flaws, shod with Goodyear tires.

The interior is in handsome condition, nicely complementing the exterior. The light colored interior is pleasantly taut and nicely mellowed with correct piping and tidy seams. Carpet and floor mats are in very good condition, the black dashpad is properly contoured, though showing some softening, while the very nicely finished instruments, switches, and other features of the interior all appear to be consistent and preserved. The vinyl surround for the auxiliary instruments displays some cracking. The interior door panels, matching covered doorsills, headliner, and rear hatch area are consistent in finish and texture. The seats are comfortable and firm with just enough “give” to feel cradled while engaging in more spirited driving. The interior conveys an honest and harmonious look and feel, completed by a handsome warmly hued wood steering wheel with aluminum spokes, and beautifully finished Jaguar center hub.

The engine compartment is quite nice and appears correct in appearance and detailed to nice driver standards as part of the recent engine rebuild. The various components including the properly hammertone painted air cleaner, gold cam valley, exhaust coatings, and polished aluminum castings have all been prepared with originality in mind. The correct S.U. carburetors, complete factory air cleaner assembly, and air filter box are correct and properly fit. Further components, hoses, clamps, glass windscreen washer fluid reservoir, Lockheed brake booster, and various hardware appear to have also been installed and detailed with originality in mind. The rear hatch area is correct in appearance with the proper matching interior materials consistent with the quality of the forward cabin. The trunk floor is in good condition and contains a matching spare wheel. The undercarriage appears sound, exhibiting no evidence of rust at present, although close inspection reveals some patching performed to the floor pan in the past. Inspection the rear portion of the trunk floor and license plate panel reveals evidence of prior collision damage which has been repaired. The overall integrity of the body seams and joinery is good and the suspension components appear properly prepared for driving use.

The car runs and drives well, having recently been serviced knowledgeable experts. Carburetor and valve adjustments have been performed, the fuel system inspected, and fuel lines replaced as needed. The engine makes good power and torque, pulling nicely in all gears. When pulling away from a stop after extended idling, some smoke can be observed, and professional inspection suggested that the rings have not seated since the rebuild. The gearbox works well, with good shifting in all gears, although first gear is somewhat noisy, which is not atypical for these Moss gearboxes with unsynchronized first gear. Once at speed, the car exhibits a stable ride, with good steering, very much in keeping with the overall condition of the car. The brake display some pulsation when applied at low speeds. The car comes with a vintage Hartmann suitcase, and the original cylinder head is available as well.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a nice driver quality attractively priced Series 1 E-Type Coupe with original matching numbers engine block, clean presentation, and comfortable interior. The beautiful and legendary E-type design coupled with recent mechanical work offers the new owner an immediately rewarding example, ready to drive and enjoy for years to come.

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