Body no. R3918

Jaguar's XK sports models had been a phenomenal success. Svelte and powerful, the 1948 XK120 received an enthusiastic welcome in Europe and the United States, for while it was expensive, priced like a Buick, it had no competition in its market niche. Its dual overhead cam six was unparalleled, and its modern styling unrivaled by any other British sports car. Successor models XK 140 and XK 150 perpetuated the legend, but by the late 1950s they were looking dated, though their engineering and performance still excelled. In 1958, Jaguar technical director William Heynes and designer Malcolm Sayer convinced their boss, Sir William Lyons, that a new production sports model was needed. Thus was born the E-Type, one of Jaguar's longest-running and most revered models.

Aside from the engine and transmission, the production E-Type was all new. It combined a multi-tube front chassis with a monocoque center section. Front suspension was similar to the XK 150's wishbones and torsion bars, but the rear was revolutionary. Comprising transverse lower links and fixed-length driveshafts, its wheels were suspended on coil spring-shock absorber units, two to a side. The differential was mounted to a hefty steel crossmember and hosted inboard disk brakes. Anti-roll bars were installed front and rear.

At 2,520 pounds, it was 500 pounds lighter than the XK 150 and more powerful to boot. The 3.8 liter twin cam engine was fed through three SU sidedraft carbs and developed 265bhp. A top speed of 150mph was easily achieved with the standard 3.31 to 1 gearing. In its day, the E-Type was bested only by Ferraris and the Mercedes-Benz 300SL. Its debut came at the March 1961 Geneva Motor Show, to universal applause and plaudits from the pundits. Its pure form, almost devoid of ornamentation, blew everyone away, a sleek shape with only a tiny mouth for breathing, and slender bar bumpers and chrome wire wheels for glitz. The US intro came the following month at the New York International Auto Show where, in recognition of the strong brand awareness accorded its XK predecessors, it was advertised and sold as the "XKE."

From the start there were two models, a soft top with roll-up windows, called "roadster," and a fixed-head coupe. At $5,595 for the roadster and $300 more for the coupe it was more than twice the price of an MGA but also twice the car. On the other hand, its sticker was barely half that of a 300SL. The original E-Type remained in production, with few changes, for ten years. Early models, however, with their flat-floor cockpits and hand-fitted "welded" bonnet louvers, are in particular demand.

This Jaguar is presented in red with black leather interior. Largely owned by one enthusiast since 1985, it is a Texas and Arizona car that has been well cared for and recently serviced. The engine, transmission, rear end, suspension, hydraulic system, fuel system and cooling system were overhauled by Jaguar professionals. As part of the restoration, the car was disassembled and stripped of paint to facilitate the complete of bodywork and correction to fit. The brakes and manifold were also rebuilt. To make the old a bit more tractable some upgrades have been performed including the installation of an aluminum radiator, electronic ignition system and an auxiliary fan. The jack and knock-off hammer are ready for us in the trunk, should a tire change be required, and the top boot is in very nice condition. A fresh interior, Koni shocks, new wire wheels, new tires and much more round out the work completed on the car. A book of receipts and pictures documenting the restoration process will accompany the vehicle.

Ready for show or go, this XK-E is an excellent example of the early Series 1 cars and bound to please the most discriminating owner.