1963 Jaguar E Type Series 1

This E-Type is in very good condition after being restored around 10 years ago, immediately prior to the current vendor’s ownership. The owner is the car’s only keeper since the rebuild, but he does not have access to the car’s US history. On completion of the restoration the odometer was reset to zero, and now there are 11,697 miles on the clock. During the vendor’s ownership, he has spent in excess of £20k since 2014 on the following:

• Full cylinder head rebuild including new camshafts

• New Coopercraft brakes, front and rear and new master cylinders

• New shock absorbers, front and rear

• Full front suspension rebuild including reconditioned steering rack and polybush bushes

• Gearbox overhaul (5 speed Getrag)

• Carburettor overhaul

• New 123 electronic distributor

• Four new tyres (2022)

• Zircotec exhaust manifolds

The vendor purchased the car in 2014 from the Carriage Company when they had just finished the rebuild, which included converting it to right hand drive. The vendor explains: “I believe the car was imported from USA around 2005 (I spoke to the person that imported it who advised it was extremely solid on arrival). It was subject to a rebuild some point after and I suspect that the Carriage Company bought it before the rebuild was complete as I have no receipts to cover the main rebuild. I believe the car was first registered in the UK in 2014 by the Carriage Company just before I bought it”.

This E-Type has done a number of longer distance tours, including a trip to Le Mans Classic three times (including this year) and it’s been driven around the wild Atlantic Way in Ireland last year (written up for the club magazine). The vendor explains: “Because of this, it has always been important to keep the car in mechanically very good condition”. He confirms that the car has no mechanical or electrical issues.

Often referred to as one of the most beautiful cars ever created, this Carmen Red ‘63 E-Type Series 1 is a beauty. The E-Type's exterior is characterised by its sleek lines, elegant proportions, and distinctively British styling. With its long, curvaceous bonnet, it creates a sense of motion even when the car is at a standstill. The front end showcases a distinctive oval grille surrounded by chrome trim. The iconic Jaguar emblem is positioned at the centre of the grille with headlights positioned on either side with a slightly recessed curve. The wheel arches are subtly flared, accommodating the car's wide tyres, and the fenders flow smoothly into the body, adding to its streamlined appearance. The rear features a centralised twin exhaust and the tail lights frame the rear corners, with a simple, yet elegant design. The shut lines and panel gaps look tidy, and whilst the paint is fine as it is, it may benefit from a refresh, as there is the odd paint defect. The car sits on chrome wire-spoke wheels to add to the overall look. It’s not an overstatement to say the Series 1's design is a masterpiece of automotive artistry, combining timeless elegance with purposeful performance.

The stunning exterior is complemented by its luxurious and sporty interior. The black dashboard is elegantly designed with a minimalist layout. It features a set of analogue gauges, switches, cigar lighter and fuel gauge. The classic wooden steering wheel is adorned with the Jaguar logo in the centre. The centre console is relatively slim and houses the gear stick, radio and handbrake. The heating and ventilation controls are positioned next to the cubby on the passenger side. The beige leather bucket seats provide support for spirited driving. The car comes with floor mats to protect the beige carpets, though there looks to be some evidence of marking, which may come out with a good shampoo. Chrome accents and detailing are prevalent throughout, from the door handles to the switches and knobs – and the door cards look tidy. Beauty does not come at the price of functionality, as under the boot floor you’ll find a spare wheel, Their is also a set of custom made luggage available by seperate negotiation.

The 3.8 litre engine is mated to a 5-speed Getrag gearbox. The engine is an inline-six, meaning it has six cylinders arranged in a single row to deliver a smooth and balanced ride. The engine is naturally aspirated, meaning it doesn't have any forced induction, like a supercharger. The power output produces approximately 265 horsepower and around 260 lb-ft of torque. This enables the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 7 seconds and to reach a top speed of around 150 mph (241 km/h). The tubular exhaust headers deliver top performance and a distinctive exhaust note. The engine block is made of cast iron for durability, while the cylinder head is made of aluminium to reduce weight.

This Series 1 dates back to 4th February 1963 and was previously registered overseas. It has only had one prior keeper, as the vendor has been its only owner since the rebuild in 2014. The car comes with a Production Record Trace Certificate to prove authenticity. It was originally registered in New Jersey as a left-hand drive, and it was converted as part of the restoration. It formerly donned Opalescent Dark Green with a sand roof and a beige interior. This car has also featured in multiple publications, giving it provenance, and there is a photo archive to document the restoration. It also comes with the original operating, maintenance and service handbook, which is a nice touch.

The Series 1 E-Type is a blend of classic British luxury and sportiness. It's a space that combines functionality with style, providing an engaging and memorable driving environment that captures the essence of driving a true classic sports car. We anticipate that a prospective buyer will need to part with somewhere between £80,000-£100,000 to take this car home.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at Bonhams|Cars Online in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are strictly by appointment, and we are open weekdays between 10am-4pm. To arrange an inspection appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.