Fantasy Junction

Description

1965 Jaguar XKE Series I Roadster
s/n 1E10834, Engine no. 7E3416-9
Silver-Grey with Red Leather

Once in a lifetime, beauty, engineering, and history converge, resulting in a design that captivates generations of admirers. The Jaguar E-Type (XKE in North America) was unveiled at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, where it captured immediate worldwide acclaim. With its beautiful lines and surprisingly affordable price, the E-Type grew to iconic status where it has remained for more than half a century. But it wasn’t beauty alone. Jaguar’s racing experience offered independent front and rear suspension, disc brakes all around (inboard at the rear to reduce unsprung weight), and Jaguar’s legendary twin-cam inline-6 engine. Sales were brisk, affording ongoing development including the 4.2-liter engine and fully synchronized gearboxes for 1965. Later cars, particularly those imported to the United States, succumbed to safety and emissions requirements that negatively impacted both performance and aesthetics, thus making Series I 4.2-liter cars among the most desirable.

According to the Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate accompanying this Jaguar, this Series I Roadster was assembled March 25, 1965, departing the factory April 13, 1965. Originally delivered to Jaguar Cars, New York, the first owner was Michael D. Kirkland of Edmunds, Washington who is believed to have owned the car briefly before selling it to a California resident. The car remained in California, eventually finding ownership with Bay Area doctor Mike Wilson, who planned to restore the car. After 22 years of storage and partial disassembly, at age 78 Wilson decided he could not complete the project. In 2010, the previous owner saw the car courtesy of Jaguar restoration expert Dave Furguson, Images Auto Body, in Campbell, CA. Having been stored for so many years, the car was complete, but in need of a full restoration, despite having travelled only 39,000 miles.

Throughout the restoration, Image Auto Body addressed every part and component using in-house skills and expert vendors for specialty finishes and mechanical assemblies. All cad plating, black phosphate, and clear coatings were done at TechPlate per original specifications and updated for longevity. Powder coated parts were dispatched to Maas Brothers and all chrome work was sent to experts at Faith Plating in San Jose. The exhaust manifold was sent to Jet-Hot for proper high-performance coating and new wheels and spokes were purchased directly from Dayton Wire Wheel. The bodywork was reviewed carefully to preserve as many original panels as possible. The outer sills and floors were the only body pieces replaced, due to a previous owner having cut them for a custom exhaust. The remaining body panels were all in excellent condition providing a sound and important original basis for the restoration.

During the extensive restoration process, all details were documented and photographed. The team prepared the car for final assembly with attention to detail but also focusing on drivability – a show car with uncompromised driving prowess. Koni shocks were mounted up front and Boge shocks at the rear, the transmission was upgraded to a JT5 5 speed with modular bell housing, 9.5” diameter clutch, new driveshaft, and appropriate mounts. The original engine block was rebuilt and reassembled using a lightened flywheel, sport cams, and a Pertronix electronic ignition. Attention to the cooling was given via an aluminum radiator. A complete stainless steel exhaust system was installed and all fluid lines, brake lines, and fittings were replaced or reconditioned from original. Dozens of specialty parts were sourced from Jaguar experts SNG Barratt including upgraded brakes, correct interior, and dozens of accessory parts. Expert restoration companies such as White Post Restorations were called upon to rebuild the clutch master sleeve, Champion Engines for all machining work, XKs Unlimited, and Welsh Enterprises for dozens of exacting authentic components to complete this amazing restoration.

The finished car was completed in 2012 with total expenses exceeding $250k. The car was shown at The Quail and Hillsborough Concours and has since been featured in magazines and smaller outings. Under previous ownership this XKE roadster was driven sparingly, for pleasure or local events, but always maintaining it to the highest standards. In 2016, $2,500.00 was spent on the car at Vintage Auto Services where it was serviced and sorted in keeping with the excellent restoration. In 2019, the current owning family purchased the car from Fantasy Junction and has preserved and maintained the condition with minimal driving. In December 2022, an oil and filter change, fuel drain and refill, and general mechanical inspection were performed.

Today, the condition of this car is simply stunning. The color combination chosen is among the best one might find on an E-Type roadster. The paint presents essentially new with beautiful gloss and deep metallic luster. The back edges of the doors and front of the hood have been treated with clear 3M film to reduce contact abrasion and stone chipping. All the original trim was replated, now showing a rich, warm mellowing to the chrome finish. The body integrity is outstanding, owing primarily to being a California car nearly all its life. The body panels exhibit beautiful shut lines and tight closure on doors, trunk, and bonnet. All trim, script, and piping have been applied with jewel-like care and precision.

The interior is in handsome condition having been both thoughtfully and expertly redone with correct leather and trim, excellent quality carpeting, and a pristine dashboard. Although this car originally left the factory painted bright red with black interior, the car was thankfully redone in silver-grey metallic exterior with gorgeous red interior. Fit and finish throughout the interior once again is among the finest one will find in any XKE.

The engine compartment is beautifully composed in appearance and detail with all components prepared as originally intended, with finishes upgraded to improve longevity. The original block is in place with the head replaced during restoration and restamped (the original one did not earn the machinist’s confidence). As one might expect, the undercarriage is in excellent condition, with all structural panels sound throughout. There is no evidence of structural damage. All finishes and components viewed in the undercarriage appear as tidy as the rest of the car. The overall integrity of the body seams and joinery is very nice and further speaks to the originality of this XKE.

In addition to the astonishing cosmetics, this XKE roadster runs and drives extremely well, starting easily and settling in quickly to steady 700rpm idle due in part to the important ignition upgrades. Carburetor and engine adjustments have been performed as needed to preserve the performance capabilities in keeping with the high visual standards. The engine has great oil pressure, makes excellent power and torque, and pulls strong in all gears. The hotter cams bring the car to freeway speed rapidly with no shudder, stall, and virtually no flat spot. The car tracks exceptionally well and rides smoothly. The modern 5 speed shifts easily, steering is excellent, with cornering and braking very much in keeping with the spirit of the original design. Accompanying the car are records and receipts from the extensive restoration, articles featuring the car including the cover of E-Type Magazine, and the original California black and yellow license plate.

Jaguar E-Type roadsters are highly prized for their legendary beauty and performance prowess. Series I cars with 4.2 engines are further considered among the best-built combinations conceived by Jaguar Motors. Combining great colors, a superb cost-no-object restoration, thoughtfully engineered performance upgrades, and conscientious ownership, this stunning Jaguar is sure to capture the heart of any vintage motoring enthusiast.

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