1963 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Fixed Head Coupe Custom
Much has been said about the introduction of the Type-E Jaguar. One of most stylish designs to ever grace the automotive landscape, the spectacular blend of its refined extended nose and low-slung windscreen, conservative chrome accents, and horizontal-slashing rear bumper wrap had no equal.
First redesigned by Malcolm Sayer for its 1961 introduction, the E proved to be the perfect follow-up to the C and D-Type models that had helped define the company founded by Sir William Lyons as both an exquisite manufacturer and a fierce racing competitor during the prior decade. Indeed, this latest model proved immensely popular, with the company selling over 70,000 during the 14-year model run that would not end until 1975.
This sleek first-series fixed-head coupe is reported to have spent many hours in competition. It was first used for years in club events and then later transformed into a V-8–powered drag racer. The current owner acquired the E-Type and proceeded to rebuild it over a four-year period. Ultimately, the goal was to create a very fast and very reliable car for rally events as well as exciting and reliable road use.
A veteran of many long-distance vintage rally events, the very heart of the Jaguar, its engine, was addressed first. Originally powered by a 3.8-liter engine, a later and more powerful 4.2-liter was sourced and rebuilt by well-known and respected Jaguar expert and engine builder Tom Curren of Florida. He carefully balanced, blueprinted, and enhanced the 4.2 to perfection. The engine was mated to a custom five-speed manual transmission as well as custom-made stainless-steel exhaust headers to afford sustained high-speed cruising. Other upgrades include a strengthened frame (retained from its drag racing days), a large aluminum radiator with electric fans, and a modern and upgraded electrical system. The carefully selected upgrades ensure reliability without distracting from the original design and character the E-Type is greatly admired for.
During restoration, the bodywork was removed from the chassis, stripped to bare metal, and repainted to an extremely high level before reassembly. Every aspect of this E-Type has been rebuilt and improved to provide an even more incredible driving experience. The interior is trimmed in sumptuous black leather and further accented by a wood-rimmed steering wheels and rebuilt gauges. A new set of Dayton wire wheels and radial tires finish off the recently completed restoration.
Other exterior options include the centered-exit dual exhaust, chrome wire wheels, and chrome driver’s mirror. Inside are niceties like Smiths gauges, cigar lighter, map light, leather-booted shifter and wood steering wheel. A California black plate car, this car offers terrific possibilities to its new caretaker, whether they are a seasoned aficionado of the Jaguar nameplate or a person who desires to become one.
Powerful and elegant, and restored to perfection with confident rallying and touring in mind, this stunning Jaguar is uniquely and expertly built for driving enjoyment as few others have ever been created.
