The Jaguar E-Type is a British sports car manufactured by Jaguar Cars between 1961 and 1975. Our restored model comes from the first series.
-
Model: E-Type S1 roadster
-
Year of manufacture: 1967
-
Manufacturer: Jaguar Cars
-
Color: Carmen Red
-
Engine: Straight-six engine
-
Volume/output: 4235 cm³/197,6kW
-
Transmission: manual, 4 gears
-
Wheels: spokes, braided
-
Interior: black leather, leatherette
-
Number of seats: 2
Jaguar E-Type XKE S1 roadster 1967
State: Completed project – Full Restoration
Description
The E-Type was introduced as a rear-wheel drive grand tourer in two-seater coupé form (FHC or Fixed Head Coupé) and as a two-seater convertible “roadster” (OTS or Open Two Seater). A “2+2” four-seater version of the coupé, with a lengthened wheelbase, was released in 1966.
Later model updates of the E-Type were officially designated “Series 2” and “Series 3”, and over time the earlier cars have come to be referred to as “Series 1.” As with other partly hand made cars of the time, changes were incremental and ongoing, which has led to confusion over exactly what a Series 1 car is. This is of more than academic interest, as Series 1 E-Types and particularly Series 1 roadsters often have values in excess of Series 2 and 3 models.
The Series 1 cars essentially fall into two categories: Those made between 1961 and 1964, which had 3.8-litre engines and,on all but very last cars, partial synchromesh transmissions, and those made between 1965–1967, which increased engine size and torque by around 10% to 4.2 litres,and also provided new reclining seats, an alternator in place of the dynamo, an electrical system switched to negative earth, a more reliable brake servo, and other modern amenities. Styling was unchanged.
Being a British-made car of the 1960s, there are some rather rare sub-types of Series 1 E-Types, particularly at the beginning and end of the Series 1 production. For example, the first 500 Series 1 cars had flat floors and external bonnet latches. At the close of the Series 1 production run, there were a small number of cars produced that are identical in every respect to other Series 1 units (including triple SU carbs, button actuated starter, toggle switches, etc.), except that the headlight covers were removed for better illumination. It is not known exactly how many of these Series 1 cars (sometimes referred to as for convenience sake as “Series 1.25,” but per Jaguar, Series 1) were produced, but given that 1,508 Series 1 roadsters were produced worldwide for 1967, combined with the fact that these examples were made in just the last several months of Series 1 production, means that these, like the flat floor examples that began the Series 1 production run, are the lowest volume Series 1 variant, save of course for the special lightweights.
Worldwide, including both left and right hand drive examples, a total of 7,828 3.8-litre Series 1 roadsters were built, with 6,749 of the later 4.2-litre Series 1 roadsters having been manufactured.
While the 1968 Series 1.5 cars maintained the essential design of the Series 1 models, US emission regulations saw its triple SU carburetors replaced there with twin Zenith-Stromberg units, resulting in a drop in claimed horsepower from 265 to 246 and torque from 283 to 263.
Of the “Series 1” cars, Jaguar manufactured some limited-edition variants, inspired by motor racing:
The “‘Lightweight’ E-Type” initiated and designed for competition was intended as a racing follow-up to the D-Type. Jaguar planned to produce 18 units but ultimately only a dozen were reportedly built. Of those, two have been converted to low drag form and two others are known to have been crashed and deemed to be beyond repair, although one has now been rebuilt. These are exceedingly rare and sought after by collectors. *The “Low Drag Coupé” was a one-off technical exercise which was ultimately sold to a Jaguar racing driver. It is presently believed to be part of the private collection of the current Viscount Cowdray. In 2014, Jaguar announced its intention to build the remaining six lightweights, at a cost of approximately £1 million each.
Safety and emissions regulations in the North American market resulted in Series 2 and 3 E-Types being fitted with a larger grille, wider wheel arches, and bigger bumpers. And they were also fitted with a bigger radiator and cooling system because the Series 1 were notorious for overheating
The New York City Museum of Modern Art recognised the significance of the E-Type’s design in 1996 by adding a blue roadster to its permanent design collection, one of only six automobiles to receive the distinction. [The MoMA XKE is a Series 1 roadster.
Source:Wikipedia
Did you know that, Enzo Ferrari called it “the most beautiful car ever made”?
Short story
After an extended search, we came across this beauty in California. Before the purchase, we inspected this car in-person. Putting it on a hydraulic jack was especially challenging, since the chassis was in bad condition, and there was a real risk of the body breaking under its own weight. The gearbox was missing a drain plug, therefore there was no oil left in it.
Restoration was completted.
You can see our progress in the gallery below – we’ll make sure to add new photos along the way.
Jaguar E-Type 1967.
Backstage movie.