1964 Jaguar XKE Series I Roadster
The Jaguar E-Type, or the Jaguar XKE for the North American market, is a British sports car that was manufactured by Jaguar Cars Ltd between 1961 and 1974. Its combination of beauty, high performance, and competitive pricing established the model as an icon of the motoring world. The E-Type’s claimed 150 mph (241 km/h) top speed, sub-7-second 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration, unitary construction, disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, and independent front and rear suspension distinguished the car and spurred industry-wide changes.
The Series 1 was introduced, initially for export only, in March 1961. The domestic market launch came four months later in July 1961. The cars at this time used the triple SU carburetted 3.8-litre six-cylinder Jaguar XK6 engine from the XK150S. Earlier built cars utilised external bonnet latches which required a tool to open and had a flat floor design. These cars are rare and more valuable. After that, the floors were dished to provide more leg room and the twin bonnet latches moved to inside the car. The 3.8-litre engine was increased to 4.2 litres in October 1964.
This 1964 Jaguar XKE Series I roadster is finished in red over tan leather and powered by a 3.8-liter inline-six paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Equipment includes triple SU carburetors, chrome bumpers, 15” wire wheels, a black soft top, and a wood-rimmed steering wheel.
Chrome 15” wire wheels feature two-eared knockoffs and are mounted with 185-series Dunlop SP Sport tires. A matching spare is stored in the trunk. Stopping power is provided by four-wheel disc brakes.
The cabin is trimmed in tan leather with matching carpets and a black dash pad. Features include bucket seats, lap belts, a passenger grab handle, and a storage cubby. The wood-rimmed steering wheel frames a Smiths 160-mph speedometer and a tachometer with a 5,500-rpm redline. Center-mounted instruments include gauges for oil pressure, fuel level, amperage, and coolant temperature.
Enzo Ferrari called it “the most beautiful car ever made.”
All of that is irrelevant — this is imply a beautiful car, a GT built to be driven on a lovely spring day.
Automotive journalists consistently ranked the Jaguar E-Type roadster as one of the most beautiful cars ever built. We couldn’t agree more. In fact, that seems to be the consensus with everyone. People are just drawn to XKE Series.
