Fantasy Junction

Description

1966 Jaguar E-Type Series I Roadster
s/n 1E 11595, engine no. 7E 5828-9
Black with Red Interior

The Jaguar E-Type was nothing short of a sensation when revealed to the public at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show. With its beautiful lines and surprisingly affordable price, the E-Type was in instant demand and grew to iconic status, delighting enthusiasts and collectors into the next century. The E-Type was offered with 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, had safety and emissions equipment that negatively influenced both performance and aesthetics, thus making Series I 4.2 liter cars among the most desirable among performance enthusiasts.

This particular Series I Roadster, according to the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust (certificate included with the car), is an early 4.2 liter car assembled September 22, 1965, departing the factory on October 5, 1965. Originally finished in black with red interior and a black soft top, this OTS roadster was delivered to Jaguar Cars, New York and subsequently delivered to the Chicago area. The first owner, Clark Leavitt, purchased the car from Ole Town Dodge in Chicago, IL, taking delivery on Christmas Eve 1965, trading in his 1963 Triumph and $5,100.00 cash (original bill of sale included). Mr. Leavitt retained the car for several years servicing it with dated and mileage recorded Jaguar Periodic Maintenance Vouchers per factory recommendations. On April 17, 1972 Mr. Leavitt sold the car to the second owner, Robert Brandon. At the time of his purchase, with 14,482 miles on the car, the speedometer was removed and replaced, which is well documented by records on file. A tire store receipt dated April 18, 1972 shows the new speedometer reading of 2,572 when new Michelin tubes and tires were installed.

In subsequent years, the next owners would service and maintain the car with regularity, retaining a notebook of detailed records and notations for all work performed on the car as it accumulated 20,055 miles, currently showing on the odometer (meaning total mileage is the sum of this reading and the previous odometer’s 14,482 mile reading or 34,537 miles) . The current owner purchased the car as a sound original E Type, displaying original interior and generally good cosmetics. In 2011, with 19,539 miles indicated, the car was serviced including brake work, new exhaust, cooling system work, and oil change totaling over $3,000.00. By 2015, the current owner elected to freshen the car in order to bring it to a top driver level condition. California based Jaguar experts performed the work and parts were sourced from quality Jaguar sources, including replacing several electrical components at Select Electrics, Berkeley, CA, and installing new wiring in several areas. In 2016, new front calipers, stainless steel bridge pipes with stainless steel fittings, and J pipes were installed. The bumpers were rechromed at Sherm’s Plating, and a fresh interior (including new seat foam) was installed at Franzini Brothers in Novato, CA. A new set of Michelin tubes and tires was also recently installed, including the spare. The spare wheel well was restored, including the original jack.

Today, this handsome E Type is a wonderful combination of preserved original and restored components. The overall look and feel of the car is consistent with the history and thoughtful preservation from earlier years and restoration in recent years. The paint is quite nice, exhibiting a consistent overall gloss with some minor paint touch-ups at the trailing edge of the hood, but otherwise reflecting a high quality finish with very few flaws. The trim and various exterior brightwork are very nicely finished, particularly the recently replated bumpers. The body panels exhibit very good shut lines and closures on doors, trunk, and bonnet, consistent with original factory integrity, very likely having never been apart. All lenses, and trim are in excellent condition as is the side glass and fresh canvas convertible top. The windshield shows some fine wiper marks in what appears to be the original glass, but is otherwise nice. The wire wheels and recently replaced Michelin tires are in excellent condition showing very nice chrome and essentially new tread.

The interior presents very nicely having been thoughtfully and accurately redone two years ago using quality materials, correct style carpeting, and trim all of which contribute to a handsome balanced look. The exceptional dashboard, beautiful instruments, and iconic wood rimmed steering wheel finish off the interior. Fit and finish throughout the interior is properly done, with excellent seat bolsters and padding, and a fresh set of XKs Unlimited Jaguar seat belts.

The matching numbers engine and engine compartment have been very nicely finished in both appearance and mechanical function. Factory details are consistently applied on all components as originally intended, using original-appearance coatings, wiring, and hardware, though not overly restored. As one might expect, the undercarriage is in excellent condition, with evidence of nicely finished original parts showing use, but still properly cleaned and preserved. All structural panels appear sound throughout, exhibiting no evidence of 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 starts easily and settles in nicely to a steady idle. The engine pulls strongly in all gears, but second gear synchro is likely to require some attention in the future. The car could benefit from fine carburetor adjustment in order to maximize performance, but overall the performance and ride are engaging with confident feel to the steering and overall balance when underway. Cornering and braking are very much in keeping with the stability of the car overall.

Accompanying the car are dozens of records and receipts dating back to the original purchase, Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate, original bill of sale, Jaguar Periodic Maintenance Voucher booklet, several spare parts, complete original tool roll and jack, the original speedometer, several spare sets of keys (including the original set), and a photo album showing the car in the original unrestored condition when the current owner purchased it a few years ago.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a very nicely sorted and documented example of the most desirable roadgoing variant of the E-Type. A wonderful car that has been thoughtfully prepared in recent years to a very nice driver quality level, this wonderful Jaguar offers the next owner a rewarding driving experience, great original color combination, handsome cosmetics, and excellent integrity worthy of many years of future ownership and enjoyment.

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