Fantasy Junction

Description

1965 Jaguar E-Type Fixed Head Coupe
s/n 1E30533, engine no. 7E2389-9
British Racing Green with Black 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 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. The cars were continuously developed, with the addition of 4.2 liter engine and fully synchronized gearboxes for 1965. Later cars, particularly in the United States, had safety and emissions equipment that negatively influenced both performance and aesthetics, so these Series I 4.2 liter cars are widely considered to be the pick of the bunch.

This particular car saw a comprehensive restoration that included the renewal of all mechanical and cosmetic aspects of the car from 2009 to 2011. This included the driveline, suspension, brakes, hydraulic system, paint and bodywork, chrome, and complete interior. There are receipts exceeding $107,000 in restorative work from this period. The car received several upgrades during the restoration as well, including aluminum radiator with electric fan, headers, air conditioning, aluminum dash trim, and headers.

In the last year, the car has seen additional sorting and detailing by its current fastidious owner at a cost of about $20,000. This has included repainting the bonnet and performing paint correction, fitting new correct mufflers, fitting correct steering wheel, and mechanical maintenance as required including tuning. It has been shown at the Palos Verdes Concours d’Elegance, Rodeo Drive Concours, and was also displayed at the 2015 Quail Motorsports Gathering in Monterey. It comes with both FIVA ID and Heritage Certificate confirming that its original matching-numbers engine and cylinder head are still installed in the car.

The car makes an excellent cosmetic impression. The body is straight and the paintwork was performed to high standards. It is virtually unmarked and its condition is consistent with that required for cars shown at prestigious events like the Quail. The chrome is very good to excellent throughout with light scratches in a few places but the overall presentation is consistent with a freshly restored car. The lights and glass are in very good to excellent condition, with light wear to the windscreen and headlight covers. The lights and lenses are new throughout, including H4 headlamps and amber European market front and rear turn signal lenses. The wheels are in excellent shape.

The interior is in excellent shape, having been thoroughly restored to high standards. The leather upholstery is in as-new condition, as are the wool carpets. The dashboard was restored in its entirely, including instruments, switches, and dash pad. The car has full aluminum dashboard trim in the style of an early 3.8 liter E-Type and has rally clocks installed where the radio is typically fitted. The car has an MP3 player and phone charger in the arm rest compartment. The headliner was renewed as well, as was the luggage storage area. The spare is current mounted on the luggage compartment floor and retained with a leather strap but could easily be returned to its usual location. The spare tire well is in excellent shape. The spare has been restored and the jack bag with jack is present as well, as is a correct original tool roll.

The engine compartment is nicely detailed and is consistent with a high end driver. The carburetors and valve covers are nicely polished, and the engine and ancillaries are very clean. The car is fitted with headers and an aluminum radiator with electric fan.

The car runs and drives well. It starts easily with properly functioning choke and is well-tuned. The car accelerates impressively and sounds great although the tachometer is inoperative at this time. The gearbox shifts easily thanks to the synchromesh, and the brakes are effective and linear in operation. The steering is free of slop and the suspension controls the body well and providing plenty of feedback, making it possible to confidently drive the car with enthusiasm.

This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a thoughtfully upgraded matching-numbers 4.2 liter Series I E-Type Coupe. A beautiful example with fantastic visual appeal, the car has been comprehensively restored in a timeless color combination and drives well. Thanks to the configuration of the E-Type coupe, it is also a surprisingly practical classic. E-Type coupes have appreciated considerably in recent years, and will likely continue to do so as more people become privy to their stylish and evocative motoring experience.

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