1962 Jaguar XK-E Factory Lightweight Race Car Pictures

At the time of its introduction in 1961, the Jaguar E-Types, or XK-E, was the most newsworthy of sports cars. The car combined startling styling, a near-150-mph top speed, and a relatively low price for such a complete package. The only thing that could compete performance-wise was a Ferrari at a significantly higher price.

The E-Type was a completely different-looking vehicle than its predecessors. Its projectile-shaped styling was based on the famoud D-Type racers of the 1950's. What had been the most potent optional engine on the XK-150 became the standard engine on the XK-E. The construction was of the unibody type which reduced the weight by 400 pounds. The Jaguar E-Type remains one of the most beautiful automobiles of all times.

1963 Specifications:
Wheelbase: 96 in.
Weight: 2,625 lbs
Engine: 6-cylinder, 230-cid, 265-hp
Price: $5,895

Total production of E-Type coupes for 1961-1964: 7760

1962 Jaguar XKE E-Type Series I Roadster Pictures

Roadster
Chassis Num: 877799


Originally delivered to Southern California and believed to have been raced in SCCA in the late 1960's and early 1970's. Retired to a garage in Oregon in the 1970's where a restoration was aborted until July of 2005. Since then it has had a thorough restoration has been undertaken by David Ferguson of Images. The Quail 2006 Showing is the first for the car.



Roadster
Chassis Num: 875618
Engine Num: R1878-9

The 1962 Jaguar XKE E-Type Series I Roadster finished in Hunter Green and tan trim, carpets, and convertible soft top was offered for sale at the 2006 Worldwide Group Auction. It was expected to fetch between $90,000-$100,000. It has traveled just under 40,000 miles since new. It has also been treated to a restoration. At the end of the auction the vehicle was left unsold.

1962 Jaguar Series I E-Type Roadster Pictures

Roadster
Chassis Num: j62 876351
Engine Num: R 2973-9

This 1962 Jaguar Series I E-Type Roadster was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held in Amelia Island, Florida where it was estimated to sell between $110,000 - $130,000. The car is powered by a 3781cc double overhead camshaft six-cylinder engine with three SU carburetors and capable of producing 265 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel disc brakes. Since new, the car has been treated to a complete restoration and has been judged a 100 point JCNA National Champion in 2005 and 2006. It has traveled less than 500 miles since the restoration and has been kept in a temperature and humidity controlled environment. It has the correct tool roll and Shelly screw jack.

This car has been featured in books such as the Standard Guide to British Sports Car as well as being shown at concours and various events. It is a multiple Best of Show and Best of Class winner.

At auction, the car's excellent restoration and concours winning reputation inspired a winning bid of $143,000.

1962 Jaguar XKE-Type Series 1 Roadster Pictures

Roadster
Chassis Num: 876963
Engine Num: R4728-9

This 1962 Jaguar XKE-Type Series 1 Roadster is a matching numbers example that was given a comprehensive and sympathetic restoration. It is finished in the correct color of Cotswold Blue, has a black leather interior, original chrome trim, glass, and other major fittings. It has traveled just 50 miles post restoration which was completed in July of 2008.

There were just 5,249 examples of the Series 1 3.8-liter roadster delivered to the US from 1961 - 1964. In 2008, this XKE-Type Series 1 Roadster was offered for sale at the Hilton Head Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by Worldwide Auctioneers. It had an estimated value of $90,000 - $110,000. As the gavel fell for the third and final time, bidding had failed to satisfy the reserve and the lot was left unsold.
The Jaguar E type, also known as the XK-E, brought style and performance together to create a mass-produced supercar. The road-going sports car was conceived in 1956 as a replacement for the D-type. In March of 1961 the E-Type was officially introduced to the world at the Geneva, Switzerland Motor show.

It's design was created by an aerodynamic engineer named Malcolm Sayer. The front engine, rear-wheel drive vehicle featured a moncoque body and a tubular front chassis. The six-cylinder double-cam engine had three SU carburetors and produced 265 horsepower. The suspension was independent with disc brakes on all four wheels. It brought together the best or aerodynamics, coupled with the latest technology and propelled by a potent engine. The vehicle was not only fast, it offered excellent performance and handling. Some of the most common complaints it received were the cabin being too cramped and it suffered from poor ventilation.

The E-Type was a popular vehicle. It was fast, performed well, and was competitively priced. Due to the United States safety and emission regulations, some of the horsepower was lost. The headlamp covers were also removed prior to the close of the 1960's.

A 4.2-liter engine and synchromesh gearbox was introduced in 1964. In 1966, the 2+2 coupe was introduced and featured a longer wheelbase. The Series II cars were not as quick as its predecessors. The Series III, however, was a different story. Powered by a V-12 engine they were once again able to propel the E-Type over 145 miles per hour.

Production for the E-Type ceased in 1975, after 72,520 examples being produced. It was replaced by the XJ-S; a vehicle that was larger, heavier, and not as visually appealing.