1965 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8-Liter Roadster
Editor’s Note: To drive and own a 1965 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8-liter Roadster one must also own and always wear driving gloves. We’re just kidding. Yet, this Jaguar makes one feel British simply from admiring its beauty and learning of its history. Enjoy this great article and the pristine pictures, which were both provided by RM Auctions. This car crossed the RM Auctions Monterey 2012 auction block.
Photo Credit: Darin Schnabel ©2012 Courtesy of RM Auctions
Lot 108
1965 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8-Liter Roadster
Sold for $82,500
Chassis no. 881584
265 bhp, 3,781 cc DOHC inline six-cylinder engine, triple SU carburetors, four-speed manual gearbox, independent front suspension with wishbones and torsion bars, independent rear suspension with lower wishbones, coil springs and anti-roll bar, and servo-assisted four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 96″
Titled in 1965.
• An extremely desirable late-production Series I 3.8-liter example
• Highly maintained and carefully enjoyed under the fastidious current owner
• Complete with invoices and logbook
Jaguar’s E-Type enjoyed a very successful production run, beginning with its highly-anticipated introduction at Geneva in 1961 and ending in mid-1974. With its monocoque passenger compartment and tail section, square tube-framed engine bay, tilting bonnet, and independent rear suspension, this new sports car has clearly descended from its Le Mans-conquering D-Type and evolutionary E2A predecessors. A well-appointed interior, a powerful yet civilized 3.8-liter DOHC XK engine directly descended from the XK 150S, and compliant suspension made William Lyons’ masterpiece into an ideal two-place touring car and a more than worthy replacement for the XK 150. Most of all, its performance was as breathtaking as its sleek appearance, with the magical 150 mph barrier finally within the reach of a series-production sports car.
An instant legend in its initial form, the Series I cars are particularly desirable for their wonderful driving experience, unencumbered by the many emissions and safety regulations imposed by the late-1960s. With their exceptional purity of line, sleek covered headlamps, and aircraft-type toggle switchgear, the Series I E-Type remains the choice of sports car aficionados everywhere today.
This late-production Series I 3.8-liter example from 1964 is now offered from its fastidious owner of the past 14 years, who acquired it immediately following the completion of a complete “nut and bolt” restoration. With approximately 57,600 miles and driven only during fair weather, a mere 400 miles annually on average, it benefits from regular service, with both the time and mileage carefully recorded in a logbook. With a view to continued ownership, extensive work was performed in November 2010 for enhanced driving pleasure, which resulted in a world of difference in terms of cooling, engine response, ride, shifting, and starting. Now offered only to reduce the size of the owner’s collection, this Series I Roadster is a highly-maintained example that demands serious attention.