1965 Jaguar XKE Coupe Series 1

1965 Jaguar E-Type Coupe Description

This is my personal 1965 Jaguar XKE and a great car ready for a new owner. I purchased it in 2014 with the intention of keeping it forever… but I am not using it and it’s time for this classic to go to a new home. The sale includes a Jaguar Heritage Certificate along with original ownership materials, books, and tools.The 4.2 responds quickly to its pushbutton starter, settling into an even idle and accelerating smoothly with a throaty exhaust note.
The car has a few sensible upgrades to improve drivability, which include a 5-speed manual transmission (original 4-speed included), electric fan, spin-on oil filter, upgraded alternator, remote rear brake bleeders.
Documents show the car was purchased new in Santa Monica by Charles H. Older, who was an ace Flying Tigers fighter pilot and later the presiding judge in the Charles Manson murder trial. After 16 years of ownership it was sold to Older’s next-door neighbor before its 1994 purchase by the previous owner, who kept the car for 20 years.
In the mid 1990s, it was stripped to bare metal and repainted in the current silver over the course of two years. The finish still shines over panels showing good fit with even gaps. The previous owner says the car bears signs of use, but had no rust or filler when painted.
Chrome bumpers and trim are straight, including dual fender-mounted mirrors and trademark triple wiper blades. Dual exhausts frame a single central reverse light. Lenses look clear and free of cracks or fading. Chrome knockoff wires are shod in tires with approximately 1000 miles and a spare wire wheel is included.
Blue leather seats are unrestored and still show well with expected wear. Three-point seat belts have been fitted up front.
The signature E-Type wood wheel is uncracked and in good shape with an unfaded horn button. Smiths gauges were freshened, while knobs, Series 1 toggle switches, and levers show minimal signs of use. The updated 5-speed retains the stock shifter and knob for an original look. The clock is inoperative as is the dealer-installed Blaupunkt radio.
The original 4.2-liter twincam inline six was reportedly rebuilt in the mid 1990s. With seven main bearings and fed by triple SU carburetors, it was good for 265 bhp and 283 lb·ft of torque when new.
A T5 five-speed manual transmission with 0.73:1 fifth gear replaced the original four-speed in 2004. The original numbers-matching gearbox is included in the sale. Independent rear suspension was also overhauled, and the inboard rear disc brakes were fitted with remote bleeders.
Included ownership records go back to the original purchaser, while service records date to 1981.
The sale includes a clear title in my name.