Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 889546
Engine No. RA 4383-9
Unveiled in March of 1961 at the Geneva Auto Salon, the Jaguar
E-Type or XKE as it was known in America, captured the hearts of
showgoers with its beautiful styling and advanced period
engineering. Advertised with a top speed of 150 miles per hour, the
E-Type offered fierce competition to Aston Martin and Ferrari with
a period road test from Car and Driver concluding "It's very fast,
very stable, and all in all, probably the car we'd most like to own
of any we've tested...". Beneath the hood Jaguar would include
their latest development of the XK inline-six-cylinder engine.
Displacing 3.8-liters in Series 1 models, the engine featured a
cast-iron block, twin-overhead camshafts, an aluminum cylinder
head, and a trio of SU HD8 carburetors. Producing 265 horsepower at
5,500 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, power was delivered
to the rear wheels through a four-speed transmission with a
Salisbury limited-slip differential.
Finished in a stunning Golden Sand exterior over Cinnamon leather
interior specification, this 1964 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Fixed Head
Coupe (FHC) is distinguished from later variants by covered
headlights, small "mouth" front grille, signal and tail lights
mounted above bumpers, and rear centered exhaust pipes for what is
arguably the purest form of the model. While its earliest history
is not well known, this E-Type is believed to have been sold new in
California. Purchased by the current owner around 2014, the
consignor would soon commission marque specialist Classic Showcase
of Oceanside, California to complete a full cosmetic and mechanical
restoration. Documented by receipts on file, this E-Type was
stripped and repainted in Golden Sand. The interior was retrimmed
in Cinnamon leather and received additional insulation under a new
carpet for sound deadening and heat absorption. The car's
suspension was freshened, while the matching-numbers engine
received similar attention.
Presenting exceptionally well today, this car also benefits from
several discrete performance and comfort upgrades to bring the
famed E-Type into the 21st century including a five-speed
transmission, electric power steering, later-series seats, an
aluminum radiator, and new air conditioning system. Many original
pieces are included as well, most notably the seats and a
correct-type four-speed Moss gearbox should the next custodian wish
to return it to its original specification. Well suited for touring
and rallies, this Series 1 E-Type is certainly a stylish way to do
so.
