Engine was completely rebuilt to higher specs that stock but with an eye on reliability and endurance. Special pistons were used which boosted the engine compression. In the 2003 the engine was completed and shipped back to Texas and the car was finally completed in 2006.
The Jaguar e-type in its original 3.8 liter incarnation is a great car but it does have its shortcomings. The engine has plenty of power but the original brakes were a bit inadequate for the job and the cooling system also was inadequate for climates south of the artic circle. Perhaps the biggest criticism was for the 4-speed non-synch gearbox. This gearbox was already antiquated when Jaguar introduced the e-type in 1961. This car was restored to not only look good but to be a fast, reliable driver in modern day traffic. With that in mind the following improvements were made:
- 5-speed fully synchronized gearbox (the original matching numbers gearbox is included)
- Vented front disc brakes
- Larger 4 piston front disc calipers
- Aluminum radiator
- High volume radiator cooling fan
- Alternator
- Electronic ignition located inside the original distributor
- Exhaust headers for better engine breathing
- Wider 205/70 x 15 tires
If what you are looking for is a car that you can drive, you will have to agree that these are the type of improvements that transforms an e-type. I can tell you that I have driven many 3.8 liter e-types and this car is a real pleasure to drive! Over time Jaguar acknowledge the need for most of these improvements and they were incorporated in later e-types. Unfortunately later e-types do not have the visual appeal of the earlier cars.
As can be seen from the photos the body was nicely restored and is completely rust free. When looking to purchase an e-type the body is the single most important item. Mechanical components can always be fixed and a car can be repainted, but fixing rust and/or collision damage is a major adventure on an e-type. Luckily this car is as good as they come.
The paint is in overall very nice condition although there are some paint chips here and there and a few minor door digs. Chrome and glass are very nice. The interior is very nice as is the canvas soft top. This car comes with a Jaguar Heritage Certificate which authenticates the numbers. The engine cylinder head was replaced at some point and has no number. Also included is the factory hardtop which was painted and a new headliner installed. Unfortunately some of the chrome trims were lost by the trim shop. I do have the rear Plexiglas.
I would call this car an “older restoration” that has held up well. Personally I prefer older restorations since after a few years (sometimes just a few months) mechanical and paint defects can appear. In this car after 8 years things are holding up well; and that is a very good sign.
The car is fitted with rare dealer installed sunvisors. In 1964 Jaguar did not fit sunvisors on e-types, these would come later. A company by the name of AMCO made e-type accessories that were sold through the Jaguar network. The most common accessories were the bumper guards, which we see on many Jaguars, and the trunk mounted luggage racks. AMCO also offered these very practical sunvisors which are translucent and neatly bolt on without having to modify the car. I have been collecting e-type for many years and this is the first car I’ve seen with these sunvisons.
Car comes with its original owner’s manual in the pouch, warranty booklet, dealer network booklet and some of the restoration receipts. Also included is the original jack and bag.
Contact me at ivan@thecarnut for pricing and further details.
SOLD
