Highlights
- Beautifully restored with photos and invoices to detail
- All mechanical work done by marque specialists
- Including engine and gearbox rebuild
- Bare metal respray
- Approximately £40,000 spent
- Beautiful 1963 car with desirable earlier aluminium interior
- Attractive colour scheme
The Appeal
Jaguar continuously developed the E-Type. Consequently, the earliest Series 1 E-Types are particularly revered by aficionados as they are considered closest to the pure vision of Jaguar’s designers. The rule of thumb is that the earlier the car, the more sought-after it tends to be.
The Series I underwent various changes, including a switch to vinyl and leather dashboard trim in 1963 and the introduction of a fully synchromesh manual gearbox in 1964 with the arrival of the 4.2.
This 3.8litre Series I is has been restored and is detailed very much to the most desirable E-Type specification. So it has the engine-turned aluminium dashboard of the first cars and the more desirable later gearbox.
Marque specialists were tasked with the mechanical overhaul and cosmetic restoration. The work has just been finished so it is an opportunity to buy a box-fresh, carefully specified Series 1 3.8. Such opportunities are rare indeed.
The History and Paperwork
- Early and desirable ally dash first registered in 1963
- VIN records confirm this car was originally a Series I LHD FHC with 3.8 litre engine
- Only 5,873 Series I FHC LHD 3.8litre cars were built
- Re-imported from the USA around two years ago
- Converted to right-hand drive
- Restored and ready to be enjoyed by the new owner
- Invoices and bills for recent work included in the file
The restoration work included:
- New wiring loom
- Gearbox rebuild
- Engine rebuild
- Full interior retrim
- Fully resprayed in opalescent bronze metallic
- New exhaust system
- Instruments overhauled and refurbished
- New carpets and headlining
The Condition
- Bare metal restoration in opalescent bronze metallic
- Sits on correct narrow profile chrome wire wheels
- Beautifully retrimmed and detailed interior including period Phillips radio
- Trimmed with pre-1963 aluminium dashboard
- Webasto-style sunroof
Casting an eye over this immaculate car must feel much like it would have done in 1963 when the first owner saw it emerge from the showroom. It really is in exceptional condition, the quality of finish and absence of deterioration reflecting the level of work.
This is a USA market car that was blue before the current colour change. The interior has been retrimmed with the engine-turned aluminium trim of the very early 1961-1963 cars. This is a feature particularly venerated by E-Type enthusiasts and is pleasing to see. There are other surprise and delightful features around this car, but we’ll leave the photographs to tell that story.
The Mechanics
- 3.8litre XK straight six engine developing around 245bhp
- Post-1964 fully synchromesh 4spd manual gearbox
- Rebuilt engine and gearbox
The restoration of this car extended to a full mechanical overhaul as the photographs so effectively demonstrate. Alongside the rebuilt engine and gearbox there is an abundance of reconditioned or new fittings and ancillaries, including a full exhaust system.
As a 1963 3.8 this car would have left the factory fitted with a Moss manual gearbox. Enthusiasts prefer the later fully synchromesh version, which this car is now fitted with.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
