Fantasy Junction

Description

1965 Jaguar Series I E-Type 4.2 Coupe
s/n 1E31973, engine no. 7E5909-9
Opalescent Silver Gray with Oxblood 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 semi-monocoque construction, 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 Series I was 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 covered headlight Series I 4.2 liter cars are widely considered to be the pick of the bunch.

This particular car is a beautifully restored matching-numbers example that is complete with thirty years of service records, Heritage Certificate, original books set, jack with bag, and tool roll with tools. Completed 6 October 1965, this car was originally primrose with a black interior and was delivered to its first owner, Mrs. B M Murphy of Pacific Palisades, California at the Jaguar Works in Coventry. She toured Europe with the car for several months—the first service was completed in Cannes in November of 1965, and the car’s second service was completed in Genoa, Italy.

By the late 1970s, the car had made its way to the Seattle area. Service records dating back to 1985 show that it was purchased in May of 1985 by a long term keeper who kept the car for at least ten years, regularly servicing it along the way. In February 2010, a Portland, Oregon Jaguar collector acquired the car from an estate and set about performing a comprehensive restoration to high standards. Photos taken prior to the restoration show the car to be an undisturbed, unmodified primrose example and photos taken during the restoration reveal the car’s excellent structural condition prior to the restoration. No sheetmetal was replaced in the tub, doors, bonnet, or rear hatch during the restoration. The cylinder bores were found to be in good shape prior to the restoration as well.

The restoration was very thorough, including engine, transmission, rear subframe, brakes, interior, body, chrome, and electrical systems. The engine rebuild included new bearings, timing gears, guides, and chains, cylinder head rebuilt with new valves, springs, tappets, and reground seats, rebuilt carburetors, stainless exhaust, electric fan, stainless bulkhead coolant transfer pipes, Pertronic ignition, high torque starter, and rebuilt alternator. The gearbox and driveline were also rebuilt with new bearings, synchromesh, new flywheel, pressure plate, clutch, and throwout bearing. The hydraulic system was also renewed with master and slave cylinders sleeved in stainless steel, rebuilt calipers, new pads and rotors, and new brake lines. The rear subframe and IRS were also rebuilt, with new U joints, seals, differential clutch plates, bearings, and rear brakes. The springs and torsion bars were also replaced, new shocks fitted, and new bushings throughout, including polyurethane suspension bushings. The wheel bearings, tie rods, steering column assembly, and steering rack were also rebuilt or replaced. A new wiring harness (correctly color coded from SNG Barratt) was also fitted, the instruments restored (including upgraded clock), lucas PL headlamps, and even rebuilt heater fan motors and windscreen wiper mechanisms. The body was completely stripped and refinished and all chrome renewed as well. The weather stripping was replaced as well, and new Dayton wire wheels fitted.

The car’s current owner bought it in August of 2011 and has had it maintained with no expense spared by Steve Gordon’s Vintage Auto Service, one of the San Francisco Bay Area’s pre-eminent Jaguar specialists. The restoration is photo documented and there is also a thick file of invoices from the restoration, as well as a stack of records from the 1985-1994 period. Invoices for the work performed since the restoration are also present with the car.

Cosmetically, the car makes a very strong impression. The paintwork has a modern glossy look and was applied to high standards over straight and solid panels. The paintwork is nearly unmarked, with a few small marks on the front end from road use, and a handful of very small blemishes. The chrome is excellent overall, with a few light swirls. The glass and lights are also excellent, and the car is fitted with Lucas PL headlamps and amber European turn signal lenses. The wheels are excellent and wear Coker classic redline tires.

The interior was also restored to high standards with new leather, carpet, vinyl, and Hardura trim throughout. The headliner was also renewed and is of the correct wool broadcloth. The dashboard was restored, including instruments, switches, and controls. Correct rubber Jaguar floor mats are also present. A 15 inch steering wheel was fitted to provide the driver more legroom. The rear compartment was restored to equally high standards, including the spare, tire well, and fuel tank.

The engine compartment is also beautifully restored and detailed. The valve covers and carburetor float bowls are highly polished and the cylinder head (which matches, along with the block) is correctly finished in gold. The exhaust manifolds were re porcelain coated and are excellent, and the correct windscreen washer fluid tank and battery are in place. The firewall, chassis, and suspension have all been thoroughly restored and are highly detailed.

The car is a pleasure to drive, with a crisp, tight feel that reflects its recent restoration. The engine starts easily with properly functioning choke. The engine is well tuned, with plenty of torque and nice linear power delivery. It makes good power and provides effortless acceleration in any gear. The gearbox is a pleasure to use, with a slickness and ease of use that is modern in feel and allows the driver to row through the gears without devoting undue attention to the shift linkage or synchromesh. The brakes are effective and linear in their operation, and the steering and suspension are tight and communicative. The overall feel of the car is surprisingly modern and user-friendly, making this an ideal car to use and enjoy with minimal fatigue.

This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a comprehensively restored Series I 4.2 liter E-Type coupe with good history, completeness, and a beautiful color combination. A beautiful example with fantastic visual appeal, the car has been comprehensively restored in a timeless color combination and drives well very well. It is also highly complete with original books set, jack with jack bag, tool roll with tools, knock-off hammer, and thirty years of service records. Thanks to the hatch 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