1963 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES 1 3.8 RHD FHC

MORE ABOUT THIS CAR...

Supplied new to Jaguar Cars, New York in 1963, this 3.8 coupe was first delivered in Opalescent Dark Blue over Dark Blue leather, presented as a left-hand drive to its first owner, a Mr Brown of Marysville California. Believed to have remained in the sunny state for the majority of its life with continuous use, it wasn’t until 2004 that the E-type would return to its country of manufacture.

Landing on UK soil as a highly original and rust-free restoration project, it wasn’t long until this Coupe was snapped up by a pair of classic car enthusiasts a year later, with the intention to breathe life back into this machine. As a result of its previous sun state lifestyle, the E-type remained in presentable condition and required minor repairs which extended to new floor sections, kickboard and sills.

Once all bodywork had been undertaken, recorded to be June 2010, restoring perfect bodylines and gaps, the E-type received a brand-new paint finish. The owners of the time proceed to purchase the required parts from well-known and trusted Jaguar suppliers in preparation of the cars rebuild. Unfortunately, this rebuild would never come due to unknown circumstances, instead the shell, parts and retained invoice history was safely packed away in dry storage.

It was 5 years later the shell was discovered and later arrived at E-Type UK in 2016, finished in the globally appreciated Opalescent Gunmetal. Offered as a restoration project, once again another keen enthusiast invested in this fabulous early example. Accompanied by a large box of new and original parts, which included its factory-correct 3.8 XK engine and 4-speed Moss box transmission, it was time this Coupe made its grand return. It was decided to turn what started out as a ‘no stone left unturned’ project by the previous owner, to a pursuit of the ultimate driving experience.

Starting with a blank canvas, the road to creating an ultimate performing 3.8 E-type began by fitting the supplied new or fully reconditioned parts, tending to every inch from fully rebuilding the IRS, carburettors, pedal box and steering column to fitting all new brake lines, bespoke wiring loom, bushes and mounts, ensuring this fabulous machine had countless more years of reliable and happy motoring ahead.

In the pursuit of true performance, this exceptional example was treated with a full rebuild to its factory original 3.8L engine now completed to fast road specification; gas flowed head, high lift cams, balanced and lightened crank with a lipseal conversion. The new beating heart of this sports car classic has also been paired with a 5-speed gearbox (original Moss box supplied), performance cooling featuring aluminium header tank, radiator and modern fan, 4.2 uprated braking with bespoke E-Type UK 4 pot callipers and vented discs.

Other upgrades fitted include:

• Now UK right-hand drive specification
• High torque starter
• Performance anti-roll bar and torsion bars 
• Full stainless-steel exhaust system with tubular manifolds
• Uprated alternator
• Electronic ignition sports coil
• Performance air filter
• Fully adjustable suspension setting
• 15” Triple lace stainless steel wire wheels
• H4 headlamps
• Heated and aerial windscreen
• Bespoke matching 3 point seat belts
• LED gauges and dials
• 15” three-spoke steering wheel
• Retrofitted CD player with dual speakers

Putting the cherry on top of this desirable example, now finished in the highly desirable and elegant Opalescent Gunmetal, the Coupe was paired with a bespoke Oxblood Red leather with Black piping, Alcantara headlining and sunvisors, fully rebuilt gauges and new brightwork. Having achieved the restorer’s trifecta; perfect bodywork, perfect cabin and perfect performance, this Series 1 was ready for its road debut.

Since completing its restoration 3 years ago, this amazing example has only ever been dry stored, meticulously cleaned after every use and most importantly has put less than 300 miles on the clock – all undeniable actions of a true classic car enthusiast. Seen today in exceptional condition, near identical to its 2017 finish, this matching numbers Coupe is offered to today’s blossoming classic car market.

If you’d like to arrange a viewing to experience this truly unique example, then please contact us on 01732 852 762 or email marcus@etypeuk.com for more information.