Launched at Geneva in 1961, the Jaguar E type was an instant success due to its performance and beauty. The sleek and sexy lines were designed by Malcolm Sayer with Enzo Ferrari calling the Jaguar E type “The most beautiful car ever made” It was half the price of its rivals and faster than the average Ferrari and Maserati with a 150-mph top speed. This was due to some clever parts sharing with Jaguar saloon cars and the strong influence of the Lemans winning Jaguar D type. The E type pioneered the Jaguar independent rear suspension which was to be a feature of several models thereafter.

Manufactured from 1961 to 1975, the E type was developed over three series with several updates over the period. Early series 1 cars are the most desirable as they are viewed as the purest version of the design and untainted by modifications required by safety and emissions regulations on later series E types.

This Example:
This Jaguar E type is a series 1 3.8l fixed head coupe that is being offered as a running, driving, licensed and registered project car. This is due to the extensive rust in the body and floor in particular that necessitates a restoration plus a few other issues highlighted in our technical report below. After decoding the chassis and engine numbers we determined that this was the first car produced in 1964 (according to Jaguar Heritage’s list of E type chassis numbers). In addition, the Chassis and engine numbers appear to be original from when this example left the factory with the original cylinder head also present.

Therefore, due to early numbers matching Jaguar E type’s being the most sought after, this example is a good candidate for restoration. The engine appears to be strong with good oil pressure, the carburetors were just rebuilt and the car appears to be complete with no major missing parts or trim

Technical feedback:

Mechanical:

Engine sump leaking
Very old radiator core – needs re core
Gearbox oil leaks
Rear diff cover leaking – needs new gasket
Engine pinks even after timing set – Vacuum advance diaphragm broken – Engine timing cannot advance
Suspension

Front suspension bushes are old and cracked
Front shocks are old and worn
Engine mountings have collapsed
Bodywork and cosmetics:

Paint peeling under bonnet
Rust on chassis at front chassis mount area
Severe rust in floorboards
Severe rust in both rear fenders
Severe rust in in the full length of both sills
Rust in bottom on doors
Rust in lower rear panel
Bonnet dented and badly rusted at hinge areas
Front window panel dented
Rust around front window area
Front windscreen cracked and chipped
Drivers door mirror needs replacing
Front bumper halves, rear bumperettes and taillight lens backings rusted and corroded
Right hand side rear taillight lens cracked
Rear window rubber inserts not fitted properly
Left hand side roof gutter chrome falling off
Left hand side door lock damaged
Right hand side door lock sticking and difficult to open
Weather kits for both doors, door ways and quarter lights need replacing
Wiper arm spindles (covers) oxidizing and rubbers perished
All four wire wheels are rusting
No battery hold down bracket
Electrical:

Right hand side and Left-hand side front indicator lenses cracked
Right hand side rear taillight lens cracked
Reverse light lens cracked
Bright lights not working
Window sprayer not working
Map light not working
Instrument lights not working properly
Electrical aerial broken – gears stripped
Interior:

Hooter badge cracked
Interior leatherwork scuffed
Choke knob missing
Vanity mirror glass needs replacing
Centre console fitted incorrectly – no access to fuse panel
This is an opportunity to secure a desirable early Jaguar E type Series 1 3.8l Fixed Head Coupe and invest your time and effort to restore it to top condition

This example is available for viewing at the Crossley & Webb showroom in Gardens Cape Town