Summer 2024 Newsletter • VOLUME 75

1966 Jaguar E-Type FHC

A Classic Showcase restoration.

About the Jaguar

Our team recently completed the restoration of this 1966 Jaguar E-Type Fixed Head Coupe, and we are happy to announce it is now available for purchase! This E-Type proved to be a great candidate for a show-driver level restoration, and we hope you are as happy as we are with the results! The Coupe features a truly spectacular color combination of Opalescent Golden Sand exterior with a newly trimmed Tan interior, producing a truly awesome and timeless look to an already beautiful Jaguar model! Much attention to detail was spent during the XKE's restoration process, so if you have been contemplating adding a fully restored XKE worthy of show competition to your collection, now just might be the perfect opportunity!

ABOUT THE XKE's RESTORATION 

We started the XKE’s restoration process by first evaluating, inspecting, and photographing the car in its entirety. We then disassembled it, stripped it to bare metal, placed it on a rotisserie, ​metal finished, leaded, fit all body parts and chrome to the car, prepared with primer then sealer, base, and clear coat. Then we finally color sanded and buffed it to a beautiful Opalescent Golden Sand finish that you see on the body today.

All of the E-Type’s mechanical systems and components were rebuilt, serviced, restored and/or replaced as needed, including: the engine and transmission, as well as the rear end and suspension. The engine block was also hot tanked, line bored, and magnafluxed - which included all machining and calibration along with new pistons, rings, bearings, new fuel and water pump and machining the crank. Also installed were new valves, guides, seals, timing chain, a completely rebuilt head, restoring and rebuilding of the XKE’s SU carburetors, a new clutch system, fly wheel machining, new hydraulic system, new u joints installed and balancing of the drive shaft, new shocks throughout, and a rebuilt fuel pump. All other systems such as the electrical, hydraulic, cooling and fuel systems were restored or replaced where needed, and the XKE received a new wire harness, rebuilt power brake booster, rubber, and grommets. All electrical components were gone through, which included the gauges, knobs, and switches - all of which were restored, rescreened, or replaced as needed. The E-Type has also received a new exhaust system, and a new battery. The gas tank was hot tanked, painted, and epoxy sealed, and a new stock radiator was installed. All bright work was re-plated, and a new windshield was fitted and installed in our assembly area. Our master trimmer created and installed a complete new custom tailored and fit interior in the correct materials, which included a full restoration of the car’s seats, frames, top bows, and convertible top.

A flash drive containing images and video of the restoration process accompanies the vehicle. This Jaguar is a wonderful example to drive and enjoy, or compete in your favorite Jaguar Concours events, or simply to collect as a Blue-Chip investment grade classic. Regardless of use, this 1966 E-Type Coupe is sure to please wherever it may roam! 

FINISHED EXTERIOR PHOTO  GallerY

(tap or click on an image to view a larger version)

INTERIOR & ENGINE  GallerY

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Jaguar XKE Series 1 H istory

Launched in 1961 at the international motor show in Geneva, the XKE echoed the sensation of the XK-120, perhaps even more. An astonishing performance package, with amazing speed and handling, the XKE’s’ brand-new 4-wheel independent suspension system was so well conceived, it was used by Jaguar for over thirty years. The Series 1 4.2 is a very user friendly, sporty driver, and one of the most collectable of the E-Types. These are wonderful cars with a 4.2-liter engine with 3 SU carburetors and a fully synchronized transmission. Some of the features of this model are covered headlights, toggle switches, full instrumentation with styling and a design that was way ahead of its time with center console, and arm rests. Other features of this Series 1 are its steep windshield and tail lights, which are placed above the bumper line in the rear deck. Similarly, the parking lights are above the front bumper line in the front fenders. In 1964 when the 4.2 was tested, fuel consumption was rated road reported at 22 MPG and a top speed of 140 MPH.