Patina’d One-Owner Series I E-Type Coupe Sold at Auction
Owning this desirable E-Type would be a dream come true for any Jaguar fan.
Ask any Jaguar fan what their dream car is, and most will tell you that it’s an E-Type. Press a little further, and they’ll tell you that they prefer a Series I fixed-head coupe. The ultimate dream, of course, would be to buy one from its original owner. Someone who coveted the car when new, and loved it and cared for it in the ensuing years, until age and health dictated that it find a new home.
Someone’s dream came true on BringATrailer this week. This 1966 Jaguar XKE 4.2 liter Series I fixed-head coupe was purchased new in Oklahoma City in 1966. It was driven regularly until 1992, and was pulled out of storage in 2018.
From there, the car received a sympathetic mechanical restoration. The patina of the original Opalescent Silver Blue paint tells a love story that’s lasted over half a century. While its once brilliant sheen has faded to a matte finish, the car still looks incredible. It is, after all, a Series I E-type coupe. Most of the car is original, although it was involved in an accident years ago, resulting in repairs to the left front. The wire wheels are also new, as the old ones, which were included with the sale, have bent and rusty spokes.
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Like most unrestored British cars of the era, this XKE has a bit of rust starting, but nothing too serious. If the new owner plans on keeping the car mostly original, it likely wouldn’t need to be addressed for many years, assuming proper care and storage.
The interior is in similarly well-preserved condition. The original Blaupunkt radio is present, but not working. The seats have a few splits on the seams. The odometer works, but the indicated mileage is inaccurate. According to the seller, the speedometer was replaced sometime around the 10k mile mark.
The car’s mechanical refresh included a new stainless steel exhaust system. Work was also performed on the clutch hydraulics, carburetors, and brake system. Still, the engine leaks, and the brakes could use some additional work.
Regardless of these issues, this car represented an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy the most desirable E-Type from the original owner. When the hammer fell on Tuesday, June 18th, the final selling price was $73,000. All things considered, that’s quite a bargain.
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