1961 JAGUAR XKE OTS

Back in early February 2017 our client contacted us about restoring one of our project cars to a Show level. He wanted to have one of the 1st year of the E-types restored to stock condition. Once we agreed on the perfect core car for him, the #437 left hand drive roadster built, we began the task of creating its detailed build sheet and what exactly his dream car would look like. This matching-numbers 1961 E-Type was a great early example with a single, long term owner so it was a great core to restore back to stock. The original color combination was Opalescent Dark Blue with a Light Blue interior and Blue top, and now stands the same exterior color but with a Red interior, and Dark Blue top. It is absolutely stunning in this combination!

Restoring a 1961 E-type is a little more challenging as there were special features that were only on the 1961s
that were not included in the later XKE’s, and thus makes it harder to locate the parts.

While creating his stock build sheet, he had decided to add all the items necessary to campaign the car in the
Champion division with the Jaguar Clubs of North America...

Boot and boot bag; knock off hammer, owner’s manual,
Shelley Jack (3 tier), and a Series 1 tool kit.
A lead sack in the convertible top.
A new Triplex windscreen and door glass.
Restored all the original British hardware, and installed Cheney clamps.

He did decide to have a little fun and add a few options that would not detract from the stock appearance
but would make his drives more enjoyable, and less stressful.

Period AM/FM radio converted internally to a modern digital w/ IPod jack.
Sound deadening to reduce the heat and noise from outside the cabin.
Rubber floor mats to keep the new carpet clean.
Red lap belts with the Jaguar Leaper on the buckles.
Installed Evans Waterless Coolant as it has a boiling point of 375 degrees which results in zero pressure at full operating temp which in turn puts less stress on the hoses. There is no internal corrosion since there is no water and it never has to be changed.
Restored all five wheels finished in Silver with Black wall Vredstein tires.
Painted the bottom of the car in body color.

This beauty was a 14-month long restoration which was assisted by the client as he helped locate and procure the hard to find proper parts to make it as correct as possible. Completed in May 2018, she made the long trek home after the client came and saw her for the 1st time and took her out for their first drive together. She now is nestled in a garage turned showroom between several classic Porsches and one McLaren but has garnered the Main Spot on the showroom floor as she commands all the attention whenever there are visitors. Keep your eyes out for a sighting of her as she hits the show circuit.