1963 Jaguar E-Type OTS

One of 6,886 LHD 3.8 Liter Series 1 Open Two Seaters built between 1961 and 1964.  Built in May 1964, this car is only 361 cars from the end of the 3.8 Liter Series 1 production.  Only 1,274 E-Type convertibles were exported from England in 1964.  Although this car was dispatched in May of 1964, and it's first owner took possession in July of 1964, it is titled as a 1963 model.  I have complete owner history of the car from 1973 to present where it spent its time in the Western U.S.

This car has been beautifully finished in Carmen Red with Biscuit interior and a Black Sun-Fast cloth top and boot cover.  The original chrome wire wheels have been meticulously cleaned and polished and fitted with new knock-offs.  Dunlop 205/65 HR-15 Sport A2 radials provide great traction and handling.

The previous owner of this superb E-Type began purchasing parts and restoring the car in 1989.  I have his receipts for parts and labor purchased between 1989 and 1999 for engine rebuilding, transmission and rear axle rebuilding, chrome work, powder coating, new trim parts, misc components, gaskets and seals, wiring harnesses, and instrument restoration.  The gorgeous bodywork and paint was also applied during this same time frame, approximately 1991, and still looks fantastic.  Literally every nut and bolt of this E-Type has been removed to be restored or replaced.  Although a few liberties have been taken, this car has been restored back to original appearance with upgrades such as powder coated parts to extend the life and look of the suspension.  When I purchased the car in 2006 it was almost completely assembled with exception of the whole interior, headlamp assemblies, top assembly, windshield trim, and miscellaneous trim.

The engine, transmission, and rear axle assembly are original to the car with numbers matching those found on the body plate and Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate.  These were rebuilt to original specification by qualified import shops and the engine purrs like a (Jaguar) kitten.  Ratchet the choke lever up, turn the key, and push the starter button to bring the mighty 3.8 to life.  The engine displays 75 psi oil pressure when cold and never below 50 psi when hot.  Water temperature hovers near 70 C during normal driving, and has never exceeded 90 C on even the hottest days in traffic.  All mechanicals operate as if a new E-Type.  There are just over 300 test miles on the completed restoration.

The cam covers have been chromed to provide a lasting shine.  The exhaust manifolds have been porcelain coated just like original.  All suspension components have been powder coated either silver or black to provide superior wear.  Correct components have replaced originals wherever possible.

The interior kit is from BAS Jaguar Trim and is as correct as they come.  Wilton wool carpets and Connolly leather adorn the seats and console trim.  Seat frames were stripped and powder coated before all wood trim and tack strips were replaced.  All new foam and seat cushions were installed for a firm and comfortable ride.  Seat mounting rails were zinc plated and allow for proper seat adjustment.  Jaguar floor mats have been installed since new to keep the rugs free from contamination.  Jaguar logo seat belts were added for safety.  NOTE:  Polka dot aluminum finish panels for console and switch panel were phased out in September of 1963.  Also, 4.2 style console with lid began in August 1963.

A new 15" wheel has been installed to help with occupant egress.  The original will be included with the sale.  All gauges were refinished and calibrated.  The odometer was zeroed at the time, so original mileage is not known.  The clock worked for the first 6 months but has since stopped functioning.  Both clock reset and trip meter reset cables are installed.  New speakers have been installed in the radio console but I have not installed a radio.  This is left to the new owner and his choice of stereo.  The ash receiver has been re-plated and a outfitted with a new knob and trim bezel.  All toggle switch arms have been replaced with new components.

All chrome trim was either re-plated or purchased new.  Original side glass was retained during the restoration but new replacement glass has been purchased and is not yet installed.

The refined interior is a testament to Jaguar engineers.  Though complex in design and the number of components used, it provides a functional and ergonomic layout lacking in most modern era vehicles.

The top frame assembly was dipped to remove both oxidation and paint before the grey enamel was applied.  A new header bow was installed along with all new latches and mounting hardware.  New leather straps and chrome top canopy bezels were installed.  New and re-plated original fasteners were used to complete the assembly.  Correct Lift-the-Dot studs were installed to secure the boot cover.

The suspension and floor pan detail on this car is spectacular.  Most parts powder coated to provide a durable and cleanable surface.

Included within the boot is a matching new spare, original tool kit, original scissor jack with bag, spinner hammer, and spinner removal tool.  New boot boards cover the new fuel tank and lines.  Finished boot area displays the Jaguar Service Manual and Complete Official Jaguar "E" provided with the purchase.  The Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate verifies all engine and body numbers to be original, and also provides original owner and place of sale information.

More photos available by CLICKING HERE.

This car was placed in a JCNA (Jaguar Club of North America) Sanctioned Concours on July 19, 2008, in McMinnville, Oregon, at the 2008 JOCO (Jaguar Owners Club of Oregon) Wheels and Wings event.  Below are photographs of the four original score sheets from the event.  Barring the massive 24 point (2.4 out of 100 points) deduction for the chrome cam covers, thermostat housing, fuel & coolant runners, and carb linkage, the car scored quite well.  The only other deduction was for an original condition jack assembly that has light surface rust, but still shows it's original blue paint.  These scores are posted on the JCNA web site at www.jcna.com.  Though I consider no car as perfect, this E-Type was scored by three JCNA judges as very near so.  This is a very nice car!