Fantasy Junction

Description

1965 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Roadster
s/n 1E10675, Eng. No. 7E2377-9
Carmen Red with Black Leather Interior

The stunning Jaguar E-Type was simply a revelation of beauty and performance when first unveiled at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show. The motoring press immediately recognized that everything in the sports car world was about to change. Brilliantly designed and offering unrivaled race-bred performance, the E-Type became an instant sensation. With its beautiful lines and surprisingly affordable price, the E-Type grew to iconic status where it still reigns, continuing to charm new generations of enthusiasts. But it wasn’t beauty alone. Jaguar’s racing experience delivered very progressive performance features to their surprisingly affordable car, including 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. Sales were brisk with continuous development growing in both American and European markets. Continuing sales would advance into the 1970s offering larger engines and different body developments, but steadfast admiration would remain as it does today for the Series 1 as one of the most beautiful and capable sports cars ever offered for road use.

According to the Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, this matching numbers Series 1 E-Type Roadster was finished in Carmen Red and trimmed with black interior and a black top. The car was completed on February 19, 1965 and dispatched to Jaguar Cars, New York on March 8, 1965. Some years ago, the car was treated to a comprehensive restoration maintaining the matching numbers engine block and twin-cam head, supported by the build plate on the car and stampings in the head valley and on the main block casting. In 2017, showing 4,775 miles, Classic Showcase, Inc. of Oceanside, Ca performed mechanical freshening and general service to the car, tending to the steering, rebuilding the wiper motor, performing some brake service work, and a wheel alignment. The alternator was also removed and rebuilt and a new voltage regulator installed. Later that same year, the engine was checked for proper idle and road performance and it was determined that the carburetors would benefit from a rebuild. All three carburetors were removed and rebuilt, tested, reinstalled, and adjusted. In 2018, showing 5,436 miles on the odometer, the car was serviced again by Classic Showcase and a rebuilt driveshaft, prop shaft U joints, IRS mounts, and rear axle shims were installed. While under consignment, a compression and leakdown test was performed by Jaguar expert Jim Groom. The following results were reported. Cylinder 1 – 165, 2-170, 3-170, 4-150, 5-175, 6-175. Leakdown showed Cylinder 1 (rearmost) -12%, 2-12%, 3-80%, 4-8%, 5-13%, 6-15%. Borescope inspection of cylinder 3 and 4 revealed cross hatch lines still evident from the rebuild, but also evidence of ring scoring, likely due to insufficient ring gap in both cylinders at the time of reassembly. While the car presents with handsome cosmetics and can be used as is, the engine will need to be disassembled if the leak down figures are to be corrected. We are aware of this and will be flexible on pricing accordingly.

The overall exterior condition boasts high gloss paint with a deep finish, showing just minor flaws from age and use. There are minor areas of variation in the panel fit, along the bottom of the driver’s door and in the trunk as well as minor paint edge chaffing in typical closure areas, none of which are notable from a reasonable viewing distance. The lighting, lenses, and glass appear very clean and preserved throughout. The body integrity is solid overall, with good panel gaps on the bonnet, however the lower edges of the doors appear to be a bit proud of the body. The chrome window surrounds are in very good condition overall as is the chrome plated windscreen and generally good windshield. Even the headlight trim is properly shaped and nicely plated, accented by the correct silver painted headlight buckets. The front and rear chrome bumpers are very nice, as are the door handles, emblems, and taillight bezels. The chrome wire wheels and desirable “eared” knock-offs are smoothly plated with no major flaws, shod with correctly sized Vredestein Sprint Classic tires.

The interior is in very good condition, with just enough ease to the materials and finishes inviting enjoyable driving without the fuss of a freshly restored car. The black leather seats are relaxed and tidy with correct piping, proper pleats, and good padding, with just enough “give” to feel cradled while engaged in spirited driving. Carpet and floor mats are in good condition, showing use in various areas with matching door sill presentation. The black dash pad is properly contoured, though softening and revealing some contour variation particularly around the glove storage opening. The nicely finished instruments, switches, and other features of the interior all appear to be consistent and visually tidy. The interior door panels and other interior trim are consistent in finish and texture, revealing use, but still cohesive throughout. The black canvas convertible top is in very good condition and has been nicely trimmed with the correct inner liner and overall tight fit when raised in place. The clear plastic window is also in very good condition. 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 matching numbers engine and tidy engine compartment are quite nice and appear correct in appearance, with proper detailing and generally nice presentation. A pair of custom formed tubular exhaust pipes have been fitted. The various components including the correct hammer-toned silver air cleaner, cam valley gold color, and polished aluminum castings have all been prepared with originality in mind. The correct carburetors, complete factory air canister assembly, and air filter box are in place and properly configured to the original engine. Further components, hoses, clamps, and various hardware appear to have also been installed and detailed with originality in mind. The trunk is generally correct in appearance with tan colored liners, housing a spare tire and wire wheel, jack, hammer, case, and tools. The undercarriage appears sound, and viewing the components and finishes, it is clear that the car was comprehensively restored and proper care was given to finishes, and coatings, while maintaining original components, hardware, and details. The overall integrity of the body seams and joinery is very good and the suspension components and recently serviced brakes appear properly prepared for driving use.

The car runs and drives well, even with the engine numbers reported. The car shifts nicely through all gears while exhibiting generally good driving manners under normal use. At moderate speeds, the car exhibits a stable ride, with good steering and braking. Items accompanying the car include a copy of the Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, copies of 2017 and 2018 service invoices, totaling over $7,000.00, a spare set of floor mats, jack and storage bag, hammer, and a summary of the recent leakdown test.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a nice driver quality Series 1 E-Type Roadster with original matching numbers engine, clean presentation, and comfortable interior. The beautiful and legendary E-type design coupled with recent mechanical work offers the next fortunate owner an immediately rewarding driving experience, ready to 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