Jaguar XKE 1966

This 1966 Jaguar E-type is a late production 4.2L fixed head coupe that has been a longtime Bay Area car. A fully documented restoration was completed in 1990 by the previous, third owner who had the car for 30 years. It remains in excellent mechanical condition with good cosmetics that are just beginning to show some age. Exhaustively documented from near new, hand-written maintenance logs, registration stubs, and a photographed restoration process are all included in the sale. The seller bought the car in 1999 and is the fourth owner. He notes that the car has matching numbers with 9k total miles on the rebuilt drivetrain since the restoration.

Pre-restoration photos show a slightly lighter shade of blue as the car’s correct factory color, though the repaint is reported to be an OEM color for this model year. Perhaps the most noticeable cosmetic issue is a wavy passenger door where it was closed with a knee nudge, otherwise the original sheet metal is straight and the chrome remains in good condition. Series 1 coupes are among our favorite E-types variants, and though this example could use some tweaking it’s hard to go wrong with a covered headlight 4.2L in these colors.

Navy blue leather upholstery complements the exterior very nicely, and while some light wear can be seen in a few places overall things are completely serviceable inside the cabin. Smith’s gauges are clear and fully functional, and we especially like the Series 1-specific toggle switches and black textured dash. Faults listed by the seller are minor and include a small cut visible near a patch of discoloration on the driver side seat’s right bolster and a small trim piece on the same side has been bent slightly out of shape after being snagged on a coat. Headliner, cargo area and dash all remain quite nice, and the original steering wheel’s aging wood is a good indicator that this car has been enjoyed throughout it’s life.

The engine and transmission were overhauled by Perry's Jaguar and, although it has oil leaks, as is to be expected with any Coventry product of this era, both are said to be in good working order. The seller adds that the car has proven to be more reliable than his vintage Datsuns in a short period of time when used as a daily commuter.

More recent work includes an oil and filter change, new park plugs, lubed front suspension and a fitment of a new air filter. Mechanical faults are described as only a groan during stationary steering, and the car is otherwise claimed to be an absolute pleasure to drive.