1961 Jaguar-XKE Series 1 3.8 OTS

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Description

(SOLD) This investment-grade Jaguar early first-generation 3.8-liter E-Type Series 1 is numbered 781 in the first-year production run. It was the recipient of an exhaustive 2-year, fully documented, no expense spared rotisserie restoration by our team of Jaguar experts at Classic Showcase in Oceanside, California. A project of this magnitude is a daunting task for most restorers and shops, but our experienced team of skilled craftsmen and technicians were eager for this challenge. Car number 781 includes nearly all of the early sought-after features such as flat floors and welded louvers, aluminum console and early bucket seats. We were fortunate to have sourced and acquired a quality matching numbers first-generation core car example worthy of a Show-level restoration. All of the XKE’s numbers match, and the team chose to maintain originality by repainting it in its factory finish of a Cream exterior, with a complimenting Dark Blue interior, Blue top and Boot. Our team not only brought the E-Type back to Jaguar factory standards, but elevated it to an even higher level, worthy of Concours competition and Blue-Chip investment! The restoration was painstakingly detailed, paying strict attention to the finer details sometimes overlooked, such as restoring and reinstalling the proper lead sack inside of the XKE’s top, to countless hours of bodywork and the creation of a completely new interior crafted by our Master Trimmer. Simply put, this E-Type has been taken to the highest level possible, with great attention to every detail, and it’s first result on the show-field proved this.

Included in the XKE’s restoration process, the vehicle was carefully dissembled, which included completely removing and fully documenting every original piece of this Roadster. The E-Type then entered our body shop, where it was fully stripped to bare metal before being placed on a special rotisserie that enables our team to fully work, metal finish, fit, and lead as necessary. All of the XKE’s body parts, chrome, and rubber were fitted while in the bare metal state, before being removed for the paint process. After those stages, the Roadster was then primered, sealed, painted, and had a base and clear coat applied, which was followed by extensive color sanding, and buffing to achieve the beautiful finish you see on the XKE today.

All of the E-Type’s systems were completely gone through and were restored or replaced as necessary. This included all mechanical, electrical, cooling, and hydraulic systems. The engine, transmission, rear end, and suspension were completely rebuilt by our specialist technicians, who afterward placed the engine and transmission on our special test station to be run and setup before installation to the car. The XKE’s gas tank was restored and included epoxy sealing the inside, as well as painting the tank in our paint booth. A new wire harness was also installed, the instruments were fully rebuilt, and a new exhaust system and proper, early finned aluminum radiator, along with a correct restored voltage regular, starter, generator, and much more were also included on the build. In addition, the team mounted and balanced a new set of 185/15 period-correct tires on a new set of (5) Chrome wire wheels and tires. A new Triplex glass windshield and door glass was installed, and we rebuilt the original master cylinder and calipers. Other parts and components were also restored in their proper colors and finishes, using NOS wherever possible. While mechanical components and assembly were tended to, our master trimmer in our upholstery department created the components for a completely new custom tailored Dark Blue interior and matching Top/Boot, which he fitted and installed in all of the period correct materials. The installation of the newly created interior marked one of the final stages of the Roadster’s restoration before starting to sort out and road test the E-Type.

The results of this E-Type’s detailed restoration proved to be worth the investment, as the car went on to achieve a perfect 100-point score at its first JCNA sanctioned concours event..the highest score possible with no deduction whatsoever. JCNA score sheets and documentation are included with the car, along with an MP4 pictorial video of the entire restoration process. The E-Type also includes a Heritage Certificate of Authenticity, tool roll, jack, knock off hammer, lady’s footrest, and owner’s manual. This 1961 E-Type Roadster is truly for the discerning Jaguar collector that wants to experience the very best, campaign a show car, or simply own a Blue-Chip investment grade classic car with no disappointments.

View walk-around and startup videos of the XKE in HD on YouTube:

History

The Series 1 Jaguar XKE 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 carbureted 3.8 liter 6-cylinder Jaguar XK6 engine from the XK150S. The first 300 cars built had flat floors and external hood (bonnet) latches. These cars are rare and more valuable. The outside bonnet latch is the most sought after of all the Series I E types. Only 500 external bonnet latch cars were made, of those, 385 were left-hand drive roadsters, 20 left hand drive coupes, 91 right hand drive roadsters, and 4 right-hand drive coupes. After that, the floors were dished to provide more leg room and the twin hood latches moved to inside the car.

Authenticity