2022-03-27 08:59:21 | pauls writes:

Car to be at auction 3/22

www.carandclassic.com/auctions/1963-jaguar-e-type-38-roadster-g219p8

Auction description:

1963 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Roadster

Colour Maroon

Odometer 87,934 Miles

Engine size 3800

Location Hertfordshire

Country United Kingdom

Matching numbers car

Ground up thorough restoration

Very good original condition throughout

Originally supplied to its first owner in America in 1963 it was eventually re-imported to the UK in 2002 in original but shabby condition, having spent the previous 37 years languishing in a barn.

The current owner bought it and is the first and only UK registered keeper and set about the car’s complete restoration from the ground up.

A great deal of time and effort has been spent keeping the car as original as possible with parts being renovated rather than replaced, and no stone was left unturned in the 3-year restoration process to achieve the fabulous example that is now being offered for auction.

The car was initially stripped down to its chassis which happily was good and solid with the exception of the rear sub-frame which needed completely renovating. The car was treated to new floors, inner and outer sills before applying several coats of rust proofing.

The 3.8 litre engine was completely stripped down and rebuilt, receiving a re-bore, new pistons & rings, with the original crankshaft and camshafts being re-ground and it still runs with points ignition and perfect oil pressure.

The brakes and suspension were all stripped down and renovated as required with new brake discs being fitted at the front.

In addition to converting the car to right hand drive a few acceptable and useful modifications have been made. 

Series 2 exhaust tail pipes have been fitted, the original and non-synchromesh Moss gearbox was replaced by the fully synchromesh gearbox from the series 2 which involved some clever and careful machining of the bell housing to ensure a perfect fit, that removes the need to double de-clutch down into first gear.

The car has also had a new clutch, new radiator with a multi-bladed fan for more effective cooling, and still runs with its original heater matrix.

Since completing the restoration the owner has lovingly maintained and serviced the car, continuing the process of improving and fettling it into the superb example that is now. The intention was to pass on to his son but due to a change in family circumstances it is now reluctantly being offered up for auction.

The Paperwork 

The cars V5c shows one UK owner, various MOTs and a whole file of receipts for various parts and works carried out over the last 20 years are also present.

The car still has its original key which works the ignition and the door locks, an original owners operating, maintenance and service handbook and a Jaguar E Type Maintenance Chart.

The Interior 

The interior has been re-trimmed in black leather using seats with some foam removed from the base to increase available headroom. The original seats are included in the sale.

The 60 year old interior has been kept as original as possible and is in great overall condition with just the right amount of patina and wear to remind you of the car’s age.

The Jaguar dashboard and central switch panel is complete and has that great classic Jaguar look and feel that they used in many of their cars from that era.

The inner lining of the new high quality black mohair hood has some water marks that would probably clean up nicely and the rest of the hood and its mechanism goes up and down easily and without fuss.

There is an aftermarket cd player fitted with some speakers mounted behind the front seats.

Carpets are all very good and other than a few chromed fittings that are showing their age the whole interior is a place that oozes character and charm like only a classic car from this era can.

The Exterior 

Finished in its original paint colour of Metallic Maroon the car looks sensational, with excellent panel gaps and not a rust bubble in the paintwork to be found.

All the chrome external trim is original with only the front and rear bumpers being re-chromed, so there’s a nice patina to the trim that certainly doesn’t detract from the overall beauty and presence of this series 1.

Wheels are all new with very recent tyres and the hood is also in great condition with no loose stitching or rips and clear plastic windows.

Even the wiper arms, all three of them, are original to the car and the car simply looks fabulous from every single angle.

The Mechanics 

Totally restored and maintained correctly and consistently during his 20 years ownership this is a car that starts, runs and drives as it should with no current or known issues. The ride as a passenger can only be described as exhilarating. 

The limited slip diff works perfectly and the gearbox is light and precise so you can just revel in the very distinctive and addictive sound of that great XK 3.8 engine and exhaust note.