Lot 314: 1965 Jaguar XKE Series 1 4.2 Coupe

Body no. 1E20920

Although enormously popular, the early XKE, as Jaguar’s E-Type was sold in the United States, had a number of shortcomings. The transmission, while sturdy, had an unsynchronized first gear, and the seat backs were non-adjustable, fine for short trips but tiring on a long journey. The cooling system, too, was marginal in some of the warmer American climes.

For 1965, these drawbacks were addressed, the gearbox given full synchros, and the seat backs made adjustable. At this time, too, brushed aluminum trim in the cockpit gave way to molded plastic and leather, and a new brake booster was adopted. The engine was enlarged to 4.2 liters, but horsepower remained the same. Torque output, however, was greater and this made for better tractability in traffic situations. A larger radiator was used to improve cooling.

The car retained its pure form—no external changes had been made—but was now more comfortable and responsive on the road. Plaudits from the press were universal, Motor Trend calling it “unquestionably the fastest car to be made in quantity and offered to the public as a package.” Road & Track enthused that it was “possible to drive at 15mph in 4th gear without jerking or back-lashing,” all the while achieving up to 21mpg. At home in Britain, The Autocar said “It offers what drivers have so long asked for, namely, sports-car performance and handling, combined with the docility, gentle suspension and appointments of a town car.” But for many its greatest asset was that it looked the part, and that nothing else looked like it. Whether “XKE” or “E-Type” it made a statement about its owner and all who rode in it.

Not long afterwards, the onslaught of safety and emission regulations began having their way with the E-Type, altering both its appearance and its performance. So-called “Series 1.5” cars, an unofficial designation, had exposed headlamps and new switchgear. Most important, twin Stromberg carbs for emission control emasculated the 4.2 to 246bhp, and the Series 2 from 1969 continued the evolution with larger bumpers and further performance degradation. For this reason, it is the Series 1 cars, built from 1961 to 1966, that are most highly prized.

The subject of a no-expense-spared restoration, this Series 1 E-Type coupe is one of the finest examples available in the marketplace today. Its engine has been subjected to careful rebuilding to factory specifications, including new pistons, bearings, timing chain, oil pump and water pump. The head was machined, surfaced, rebuilt and calibrated, with new valves, guides, keepers, bearings, tensioner and seals. The carburetors were also rebuilt and new fuel pump installed. The clutch was replaced, braking system rebuilt with new parts and new suspension components fitted. The transmission and rear end were also rebuilt.

The body was stripped, metal finished, fitted and painted with base coat and clear coat, color sanded, then buffed to a superb finish. All new rubber seals, grommets and gaskets were used. A new wiring harness was installed, the fuel tank hot tanked and epoxy sealed. All electrical components, including gauges, knobs and switches, were rebuilt or replaced, and a new Triplex windshield and door glass were installed. New drip panels were also furnished.

The brightwork has been replated as needed, and new leather seats, dashboard, console, radio console, grab handle and interior panels have been fabricated and custom stitched. The carpeting and headliner are also all new. A most comprehensive restoration, it left no detail overlooked, no component untouched. A DVD of the restoration process accompanies the car, which also comes with a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust certificate confirming its build specifications. The odometer reads 47,980 miles, just 100 of them since restoration. For all intents and purposes a new Jaguar, with the heritage of originality, this XKE coupe is sure to please its new owner.