Fantasy Junction

Description

1965 Jaguar XKE Series I Coupe
s/n 1E30929, Engine no. 7E3603-9
Old English White with Biscuit Leather

Jaguar unveiled the E-Type at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show. Those fortunate enough to attend were witnessing that everything in the sports car world was about to change. Stunning design, unrivaled performance, and racing lineage made the E-Type an immediate sensation. 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 delivered progressive features to their new 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-6. Sales were brisk with continuous development delivering the 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, making Series I 4.2 liter cars among the most desirable.

This particular Series I was originally delivered to Leland Holder of Lafayette, CA and has remained in California all its life, which has resulted in the car retaining all the exterior factory body panels, with only the foot boxes having been properly replaced. It features the original 4.2 liter engine, triple SU carburetors (maintaining the original and robust 265hp), original transmission, and Salisbury limited slip differential. The current owner, a life-long Jaguar enthusiast, purchased this E-Type from his sister, the second owner. During his 30-year ownership, the car has been carefully maintained and serviced as needed. Scott Sutton, the son of the second owner and noted Jaguar and Ferrari mechanic has worked for Patrick Ottis, Nino Epfani and Terry Larson in addition to working for Stanford University, has done most of the mechanical work on this car. The work included head work done on the original head by Butch Gilbert, crankshaft by Ashland Grinding, a rebuilt gearbox (new synchros, bearings, and gear polishing by Scott Sutton), rebuilt original differential (limited slip clutches, bearings, and final set up by Glen Correen, Stockton, CA), Stainless steel exhaust, cad plated/baked hardware for various suspension components (Scott Sutton). New brake calipers (White Post, Virginia), brake cylinders, and brake booster. New wheel bearings, ball joints and bushings were also installed on the front suspension. Mechanical upgrades include a high-power radiator fan (the radiator was rebuilt by California Radiator, Stockton, CA), high output Delco alternator, Pertronix ignition, Koni shocks, and (new) Vredestien tires.

The overall exterior condition boasts a high gloss and tidy finish with just a few very minor flaws in the paint. All of the original trim is still present with the car, including beautiful French headlamps, original lighting and very nice original glass throughout. The body integrity is outstanding owing to being a California car all its life. The body panels exhibit very nice shut lines and tight closure on doors, hatch, and bonnet. The chrome trim is in very good original condition overall with light pitting in a few areas. The front and rear bumpers are very nice, having been replated recently. The chrome wire wheels and desirable “eared” knock-offs are smoothly plated with no major flaws.

The interior is in handsome condition and has been very thoughtfully redone. Although this original factory white car was delivered with “grey/blue leather”, the interior was redone in biscuit leather on the, headliner and carpeting supplied by premier supplier, XKs Unlimited. The door panels are recovered in a nice quality vinyl but not exact to factory material. The car retains the original blauplunkt AM/FM radio (does not currently turn on). Instruments and dashboard are very nicely presented.
The engine compartment is generally correct in appearance and has been nicely detailed as part of the engine rebuild with all components prepared with originality in mind. The correct carburetors and air cleaner are in place, and the overall appearance of the engine compartment is of a properly cared for car. The rear hatch area is correct in appearance, with the proper tool roll, and jack. The undercarriage is as one might expect from a car of this nature, with all structural panels sound throughout and no evidence of structural damage. The overall integrity of the body seams and joinery is very nice and further speaks to the originality of this E-Type.

The car runs and drives extremely well, starting easily and settling in quickly due in part to the important ignition upgrades. Recent carburetor and valve adjustments have been performed as needed. The engine makes excellent power and torque, pulling nicely in all gears. Once at speed, the car tracks well and rides smoothly. The new synchros shift smoothly, steering is excellent, while cornering and braking are very much in keeping with the stability of the car overall. Accompanying the car are the original alternator and voltage regulator, the owner’s packet, including manual and wiring schematic, car cover and some assorted spare parts.

Scott Sutton relates a delightful account while driving this Jaguar in the early 1980’s. “One Saturday night while clipping along at over 125mph on a run from the central valley through the foothills of the Sierras toward Sonora, a high-speed chase by two California Highway Patrol cars attempted to gain on me. It was only until I stopped, that I realized I’d been in pursuit and was summarily capped by a ticket for over 100mph. At the court appearance, a sympathetic judge, and fellow XKE owner, summarized my penalty with the statement ‘These don’t really get going until their at 100mph’, letting me off with traffic school.”

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a solid long-term California car that has been properly cared for by enthusiasts for decades. Series 1 E-Types with original matching numbers engine, original body panels and California registration are becoming harder and harder to find. The beautiful presentation, three-owner preservation, and 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.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608