1964 E-Type Fixed-Head Coupe Project
SOLD
We’ve found another GREAT Series 1 E-Type project! The restoration is well underway, most of the metalwork and bodywork is complete, and this one RUNS AND DRIVES!
This is a 1964 Series 1, 3.8-liter E-Type Fixed-Head Coupe restoration project. It is complete, numbers-matching, and does not appear to have ever suffered a major collision. This E-Type was originally Opalescent Dark Blue with a Dark Blue interior. The metalwork is completed, and only the bodywork and alignment of the bonnet remains before the finish paint can be applied.
Provenance –
This E-Type is all numbers matching – it still has the original data plate, which matches the original chassis number stamped into the picture frame. The engine block and head are both stamped with the correct number matching the data plate, the gearbox is original as well, and the original body tag is also still present.
The thumbnails below show the original data plate and all of the matching engine, gearbox, and body stampings or tags. The last 2 digits of the chassis number have been removed for privacy, but they do match, of course. You can click these photos to enlarge them.
We do have a clear US title, and will also provide a bill of sale.
History –
This E-Type has been under the same ownership for the past 38 years. The current owner purchased the car in 1985, and after a few repairs to the brake system and rear axle assembly, had the car repainted in its original Opalescent Dark blue, and then enjoyed the car for the next 8 years – driving the car regularly and attending many shows and events.
In 1994, the current owner then decided to embark on a more complete FULL restoration of the car to a very high standard, and the car was completely disassembled and work began. Delays at various body shops slowed the project down, but over the next several years, the body shell was stripped to bare metal and restored by professionals – the outer sills were replaced and the shell was block sanded and put into a high-quality primer. Next, the underside of the car and firewall were sprayed in the correct Opalescent Dark Blue, and re-assembly of the car began – with MANY new components, plating of original components, etc.
In the years that followed, the restoration continued, but as it often does on these projects, life itself got in the way, and progress was slow and sporadic at times. The current owner is getting older now, and has decided that it is finally time for someone else to take over the project and see it through to completion.
Body Shell and Bonnet –
The car has never suffered any major collisions, and the body shell is straight and solid. IT has been stripped to bare metal, new outer sills installed, and then primed and block sanded. The original doors and rear hatch fit very well.
As you can see from the photos, the bonnet is very good! It has been shipped and put into primer, and while I do see a few areas of filler still present, these are obviously minor areas that were used in the past to fill shallow dents, etc. The mouth shape is PERFECT, and the overall fit to the body shell is also quite good even in its current temporarily fitted state.
Drivetrain & Running Gear –
The car does currently run and can be driven around the block! – if a temporary fuel source is fitted (the fuel tank has been restored but not yet re-installed and connected). The cooling system is filled with Evans coolant. The suspension has been restored and rebuilt, and the entire braking system has been rebuilt as well and is filled with DOT 5 brake fluid. The owner has indicated that the carburettors are a bit fussy and may require going through again as the car has been sitting.
Runs and Drives! –
Here is a short video of the engine being test run before assembly continues on the project. Give the video a few minutes to load – it can be a bit slow coming down from the internet, but once it does it is a good video and you’ll see that the engine runs strong.
Interior –
In the first restoration completed by the current owner, a new G.W. Bartlett dark blue interior kit was purchased and installed. The seats are still in excellent condition, as are most of the interior vinyl and Hardura pieces. Many of the wool pieces, however – carpet, etc. – have suffered in the garage over the years, and will need replacement. I recommend taking stock of what is there, and then contacting OSJI – Original Specification Jaguar Interiors (who are the current owners of the G.W. Bartlett company) and working with them to replace the necessary components. OR – Talk to them about a new interior in a different color that would contrast well with the Opalescent Dark Blue – Biscuit, Red, and especially “Saddle” are all popular combinations.
Location & Shipping –
This E-Type is located at the current owner’s home in Ohio, USA. We have worked with Schumacher Logistics, CFR Rinkens, Direct Express (and many others…) in the past to ship cars to the UK, Europe, and Australia with good results, and I am sure that they can work out the transportation for you if you are an overseas buyer. We have sold many E-Types over the years, and are familiar with the process of shipping them overseas.
Conclusion –
This is a GREAT E-Type project that could be completed in a very reasonable amount of time – Most of the hard work is all done!
It is the Series 1 E-Type that people dream of – numbers matching, complete, and with a straight and unmolested body. And with ALL of the sought-after Series 1 features! – triple SU carbs, Covered headlamps, smooth cam covers, toggle switches, the 3.8 bucket seats, and the high-revving 3.8-liter DOHC engine! As a complete, matching-numbers 3.8-liter coupe, originally delivered in Opalescent Dark Blue, this is truly an “Investment grade” E-Type!
So stop dreaming and get to work – grab this one, finish the restoration – which is WELL underway, and start LIVING your E-Type dream! But if you are interested, DON’T WAIT – as I’ve said many times, they go FAST!
