Fantasy Junction

Description

1967 Jaguar XKE Series 1 4.2 Roadster (auction ends Thursday August 18th)

Chassis Number – 1E-14328
Engine Number – 7E 11551-9
Body Number – 4E 5840
Exterior Color – White
Interior Color – Tan leather
Engine – 4.2 Liter DOHC in-line six-cylinder engine
Gearbox – 5 speed Tremec
Current Miles – 56,197 TMU

General History

Unveiled at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, the Jaguar E-type changed everything in the sports car world. 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 adored by collectors and enthusiasts. 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 were just part of the allure. Sales were brisk in both coupe and roadster form with continuous development growing in American and European markets, 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.

Current Condition and Ownership

This Series 1 Jaguar is a handsomely restored numbers matching 4.2 liter roadster (both head and block) purchased by the current owner in 2003. The subject of a comprehensive nut and bolt restoration completed in 2002, the quality of the restoration has continued to remain high even in recent years. A series of enhancements were done to the car to improve the overall performance of the car including:

Poly suspension bushings
Wilwood 4-piston brake calipers
Aftermarket aluminum radiator
Optima dry cell battery

With 56,197 miles indicated today, the current owner has enjoyed the car for the past 20 years having purchased it with just over 49,000 miles. Shortly after purchase, the current owner commissioned Classic Showcase Inc., Oceanside, CA to rebuild the original engine including welding the original block between two cylinders, line boring the cylinders, resurfacing the head bottom, and machining all parts. New bearings, 20 over pistons, new oil pump, new upper and lower timing chains, new wrist pins, cam bearings and followers, new gaskets and hoses were also installed. The exhaust manifold was also professionally refinished using the correct porcelain process and other specific Jaguar details were completed during the engine rebuild. The finished engine was polished and repainted using originally specified colors and finishes.

Benefiting from the earliest design elements and improved 4.2 engine, this car has been thoughtfully maintained under current ownership including the installation of a 5-speed Tremec transmission which delivers excellent highway cruising while remaining essentially undetectable housed within the beautiful and authentically restored interior. The 2010 5-speed installation was prepared as part of substantial mechanical refurbishment performed by experts at Steve’s Jaguar Service, Canoga Park, CA. During this same period, then showing 53,000 miles, new front and rear Koni shock absorbers were installed, a new coil and various ignition parts were fitted, a new clutch and alloy flywheel, clutch slave cylinder, new coolant hoses, and clamps. Also, at this time a speedometer rebuild was performed with the recorded mileage at 53,072 when rebuilt. The car was tuned up and various preventative maintenance was performed, followed by oil and fluid changes in 2012, 2014, and in 2016. At the last major service in 2016, a new master brake cylinder was installed, the brake system flushed and bled, coolant changed, and an adjustable temperature switch was installed for the cooling fan.

Current Condition

Today the restoration still holds up very nicely with excellent white paint on the beautifully contoured body panels. The hood, doors, and trunk lid have excellent panel fit, smooth closure and latching, and consistently fine finishes on the underside and door jambs. Having been completely disassembled when restored, the hardware and details continue to impress. Chrome is in excellent condition particularly on the front and rear bumpers and surrounding windshield frame. The Series 1 enclosed headlights are in excellent condition giving the car that distinctive early E-Type “pouncing cat” appearance. The chrome plated wire wheels are shod with contemporary Pirelli P4000 radial tires, finished with dual ear knockoffs.

The tan leather interior is clean and taut with correct piping and accurate pleats, seams, and stitching. Carpet and floor mats are in very good condition, showing minor evidence of use in the driver’s footwell. The black dash pad is properly contoured, and the very nicely finished instruments, switches, and other features of the interior all appear to have been beautifully restored and still maintaining their fine luster. The interior door panels, matching covered door sills, and center console are consistent in finish and texture. The center console houses a modern Blaupunkt stereo unit and two side-mounted speakers. The 5-speed Tremec gearbox features a black gear shift knob similar to the original unit, allowing this beneficial upgrade to remain within the spirit of the original. A pair of seatbelts with Jaguar branded buckles are installed. The convertible top exhibits excellent fit and correct finishes on the inside and outside with tight latches, a clear rear plastic window, and the often forgotten “tilt seats” warning emblem mounted to the header frame. In all, the interior presents as a faithfully restored car very much in keeping with original specifications. The trunk has been correctly restored housing a chrome plated wire wheel and tire mounted inside the tire tub.

The matching numbers engine and engine compartment have been beautifully restored in both appearance and factory detail with all components prepared as originally intended, allowing for some modern but original-appearance coatings used to extend the life of temperature sensitive finishes. The original block and head were properly rebuilt under current ownership and are retained in the car. Highlights of the engine restoration include correct hammer-tone finish for the air intake, properly polished triple SU carburetors, gold finished head valley, and correct hoses, lines, and hardware. The front perimeter frame section has the VIN 1E14328 stamped with a single strike showing all characters clearly. The chassis plate indicates numbers that are also consistent with the original stamped components on this car. As one might expect, the undercarriage is also in excellent condition. Although evidence of age is visible on the exhaust, the remaining components retain a very high level of finish and cleanliness. All structural panels appear sound throughout, exhibiting no evidence of damage or corrosion. The overall integrity of the body seams and joinery is very nice and further speaks to the originality and restoration quality combined on this E-Type roadster.

In addition to the beautiful and accurate cosmetics, this E-Type roadster runs and drives very well, starting easily and settling in quickly to a steady, smooth idle. The engine has a nice sound and pulls strong in all gears, benefiting in rev range from the Tremec 5-speed upgrade. The car tracks and rides smoothly with excellent steering and overall balance. Cornering and braking are very much in keeping with the era, yet still impressive. Even under gentle use, the E-Type roadster continues to be one of the best looking and driving sports cars of the 1960s.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a very nicely sorted matching numbers restored Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Series 1 roadster. This beautiful Jaguar offers the next owner the immediately rewarding experience of being able to leisurely drive and enjoy, show at local events, or pack for the weekend, drop the top, and add the perfect touch to the ideal car enthusiast’s vacation.

Included with the car

The car is accompanied by a spare gearbox, a car cover, tools and tool roll including copper mallet knockoff hammer, jack and case, a fold out Jaguar maintenance chart, a Jaguar E Type Operating, Maintenance and Service Handbook, copies of selected service invoices, and photos of the car under restoration.

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