SOLD

1964 Jaguar XKE Roadster

As Jaguar's ground-breaking XK series of sports cars reached the end of their natural development, Jaguar engineers, led by founder and director Sir William Lyons, turned their attention to building a suitable replacement. As they had with the XK, Jaguar relied adopted the proven template of combining exotic looks and race-proven technology, produced in a large enough volume to ensure an attractive price. Lyons and his chief aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer worked together on the new design, drawing inspiration from the Le Mans-winning D-Type by employing that car's semi-monocoque tub with bolt-on front sub-frames supporting the engine and independent front suspension. The E-Type also featured the ingenious modular independent rear suspension with inboard brakes, pioneered on the Mk10 saloon. The E-type also boasted such exotic tech as four-wheel disc brakes, torsion bar front suspension, and a 3.8-liter version of the proven twin-cam inline-six pumping out an impressive 265 horsepower; delivering performance on par with Aston Martin and Ferrari, but at a fraction of the price.

Co-designer Malcolm Sayer had little interest in designing a car based purely on aesthetics; instead, he was far more interested in aerodynamics and allowing his interpretations of airflow to guide the shape. The E-Type followed a natural progression from the path set by the D-Type racing car, with evocative curves and a purposeful, aggressive stance. Upon debut at the 1961 Geneva Auto Salon, it received near-universal acclaim, and legend has it that even Enzo Ferrari declared it the most beautiful car in the world. Today, the E-Type is still regarded as one of the most significant pieces of industrial design of the twentieth century, regularly topping "most beautiful car ever" lists. Today's collectors still cherish the E-Type, and despite being built in relatively large numbers compared to its competitors, the car is a cornerstone of the car collecting hobby.

This beautiful and desirable E-Type OTS is a late-production 3.8-liter model, recently treated to a comprehensive refurbishment by a marque specialist. The included Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate reveals this E-Type was built in September of 1963, delivered in cream over a red interior and black soft-top. It was sold new through Jaguar's German distributor Peter Lindner to Lt. G.H. Highland of the 95th Battalion, Wertheim Germany. Completed toward the end of 3.8-liter production, this car features the later style leather-covered console and upholstered dash panel of the 4.2-liter models. It isn't known when the car came to the USA, but documents show it belonged to Mr. Alex Stoffer of Arkansas in the mid-1980s, who then sold it to R. Tuttle of Independence, Missouri. In Tuttle's care, receipts show the car had a restoration in the late 80s into the early 90s. The most recent owner acquired it in 2005 and subsequently treated the Jaguar to a comprehensive freshening, including a new interior, respray, and fully detailed engine and undercarriage.

Presented in the original Cream color, this lovely E-Type is beautifully detailed and ready to enjoy on the road. Paint and body quality are quite good and suitable for a show/driver, with some minor imperfections visible on close inspection. The exterior trim is in superb order, including gorgeous bumpers, brightwork, and chrome knock-off wire wheels, and it sits properly on the road, thanks in part to the period-correct 185-15 Michelin XVS radials.

The beautiful red interior features taut leather seats, red Wilton carpets, and factory-correct vinyl trim. This example is updated with seats from a 4.2-liter model, which are considerably more comfortable than the early-type chairs, and they include the added benefit of adjustable backrests. The upholstery was supplied by respected experts OSJI of Muncie, Indiana, who also restored the seat frames and stitched and fitted the seat covers. Fit and finish are outstanding, and details include a period-correct Radiomobile AM/FM radio, updated with auxiliary input for portable music players. Nisonger instruments of New York rebuilt the original Smiths gauges in 2014, and the switches and controls are in good order. Finishing off the superb cockpit is a dark red canvas convertible top, which provides a beautiful accent to the cream paintwork.

The 265-horsepower, 3.8-liter XK inline-six is the original unit per the Heritage Certificate, retaining the numbers-matching block and head. This car features gorgeous polished cam covers, correct gold-painted cylinder head, triple S.U. carburetors and pristine black porcelain exhaust manifolds mated to a high-quality stainless exhaust system by Dick Ames. The highly-detailed engine bay includes correct chrome and brass hardware, and proper finishes on the air cleaner, generator, and cooling system. The front "picture frame" radiator support displays the original chassis number, which often goes missing during rust or collision repairs. Receipts and records show the 4-speed Moss gearbox was rebuilt and detailed before reinstallation. The undercarriage and suspension are impeccably detailed, with correct plating on the suspension arms, red-oxide painted differential, and dark blue-painted dampers.

This wonderfully attractive Jaguar E-Type has been meticulously detailed and is ideally suited for club-level shows and road events. The combination of the desirable open-two-seat body style, free-revving 3.8-liter engine, gorgeous colors, and superb presentation make this striking E-Type worthy of the attention it receives.

 

Offers welcome and trades considered 


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