Lot 1041: 1967 Jaguar XKE Series 1 4.2 Liter Fixed Head Coupe

The Jaguar XKE was introduced to the automotive world in 1961 after years of speculation. The brainchild of William Lyons and a passionate team of advisors and designers the XKE would be one of the last great road cars to trace its origins directly to a successful competition sports car, the Jaguar D-type.

First outfitted with a 3.8 liter six cylinder engine with dual overhead cams and three SU HD8 carburetors producing 265hp, in 1964 the 3.8 liter was replaced with the 4.2 liter with 5.1mm larger cylinder bore. While rated horsepower remained the same, the 4.2 liter engine provided a meaningful increase in torque from 240 lb-ft at 3,000 rpm to 283 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. The engine was substantially redesigned to accommodate the larger bores but retained the same length. There was a new, stiffer crankshaft with thickened webs and revised balance weights. Importantly for drivers, the 4.2 liter XKE also acquired a much-needed fully synchronized gearbox. Jaguar also replaced the traditional positive ground electrical system with the now industry-standard negative ground with an alternator. In the interior a matte black dash replaced the traditional but reflective aluminum dash.

Jaguar had taken what it learned on the track and applied it to the E-Type. The monocoque passenger compartment, tube framed engine bay and tilting hood clearly came from the D-type. The XKE had four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes with the rear discs fitted next to the differential to reduce unsprung weight and, most importantly, fully independent suspension on all four wheels. It also was one the most attractive, sensuous and evocative designs ever to grace an automobile chassis.

The 1967 XKE is highly desirable because in 1968 the XKE was significantly altered to comply with U.S. regulations, among other things losing the headlight covers that contributed much to the Series I’s eye appeal and efficient aerodynamics. It is regarded by many as the most desirable and highly developed of the E-types, combining the superior torque of the 4.2 liter engine and fully synchronized gearbox with accumulated running changes to improve reliability and performance in the original E-type body style created by Sir William Lyons and Malcolm Sayer.

The 1967 Jaguar XKE Series I 4.2 liter fixed head coupe offered here is a low mileage example that, other than a partial repaint, is completely original. Presented in its original White with Black leather interior, it is fitted with an AM radio and chrome wire wheels and comes with its original tool kit and books. The present owner acquired it about six years ago. The brakes were rebuilt at that time and the XKE has been driven only a few thousand miles since. The owner reports it runs well and is ready to be used and enjoyed, an enjoyable and charismatic example of the car journalist Dennis Jenkinson described as “The World’s Greatest Crumpet-Catcher.”