This fully-restored and stunning maroon/biscuit Series I roadster with factory A/C is a rare gem amongst Jaguar roadsters. Originally delivered to Texas, the car has been restored to a very high level and is one of the most desirable years and models of the famous XKE. The car has a fully rebuilt engine, transmission, rear end, and had had the entire suspension, braking and steering system rebuilt. The body fit and finish is very good and the paint is also very good. The all-new interior is excellent and the bright work is also very nice. It has only 49K original miles, comes with a complete set of tools and manuals and drives like a new car.
The Jaguar XKE Series 1 was introduced, initially for export only, in March 1961. The domestic market launch came four months later in July 1961. The cars at this time used the triple SU carburetted 3.8 litre six-cylinder Jaguar XK6 engine from the XK150S. The 3.8-litre engine was increased to 4.2 litres in October 1964.
The 4.2-litre engine produced the same power as the 3.8-litre (265 bhp) and same top speed (150 mph;241 km/h), but increased torque from 240 to 283 lb·ft. Acceleration remained pretty much the same and 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) times were around 6.4 seconds for both engines, but maximum power was now reached at 5,400rpm instead of 5,500rpm on the 3.8-litre. That all meant better throttle response for drivers that did not want to shift down gear. The 4.2 litre resulted in increased torque of approximately 10% across the power band. Its new block was also longer and was completely redesigned to make room for 5mm larger bores, and Jaguar also redesigned the crankshaft to use newer bearings. Other engine upgrades included a new alternator/generator and an electric cooling fan for the radiator.
Autocar road tested a UK spec E-Type 4.2 fixed head coupe in May 1965. The maximum speed was 153 mph (246 km/h), the 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) time was 7.6 seconds and the 1⁄4 mile (402 m) from a standing start took 15.1 seconds. They summarized it as "In its 4.2 guise the E-type is a fast car (the fastest we have ever tested) and offers just about the easiest way to travel quickly by road."
All E-Types featured independent coil spring rear suspension with torsion bar front ends, and four wheel disc brakes, in-board at the rear, all were power-assisted. Jaguar was one of the first vehicle manufacturers to equip cars with disc brakes as standard from the XK150 in 1958. The Series 1 (except for late 1967 models) can be recognized by glass-covered headlights (up to 1967), small "mouth" opening at the front, signal lights and tail-lights above bumpers and exhaust tips under the number plate in the rear.
3.8-litre cars have leather-upholstered bucket seats, an aluminum-trimmed center instrument panel and console and a Moss four-speed gearbox that lacks synchromesh for first gear. 4.2-litre cars have more comfortable seats, improved brakes and electrical systems, and an all-synchromesh four-speed gearbox. 4.2-litre cars also have a badge on the boot proclaiming "Jaguar 4.2 Litre E-Type" (3.8 cars have a simple "Jaguar" badge). Optional extras included chrome spoked wheels and a detachable hard top for the OTS
A Jaguar collector would have to look very hard to find a nicer example of a Series I XKE, especially with factory A/C. It is located in the Denver, CO area and will be offered at the "The Finest" Collector Car Auction in Aspen on September 10, 2016. http://www.thefinest.com/aspen-2016