The written word cannot adequately or accurately capture all this is the Jaguar XKE.  To say that it is an icon of automotive style is to say far too little for it is the preeminent icon of automotive style.  To say that it is “elegant” or “timeless” or, heaven forbid, “the most beautiful car ever made” is to simply regurgitate yesterday’s clichés.  Rather, to fully understand the mystic of the XKE, the car must be viscerally experienced through the engagement of the visual, auditory, olfactory and tactile senses. 

The car traces its origins to the Jaguar racing cars of the mid to late 1950’s.  These cars, the C and D Types, were primarily built to be race cars and, through them, Jaguar perfected its knowledge of powertrains and drivelines.

After Jaguar mastered the mechanical fundamentals, the XKE’s primary designer, Malcolm Sayer, set out to craft a body shell based mathematical principles he claimed to have learned from a German professor.  Whatever these mathematical principles were, they produced one of the most striking body shells in automotive history.  This body shell has been described as “Phalliform perfection” and sitting behind the steering wheel staring down the XKE’s long bulbous cowl it is easy to see how that name arose. 

The XKE’s appearance in 1961 at the Geneva Motor Show revolutionized the automobile world by making every other car seem instantly dated.  The body shell was longer, lower, slimmer, sleeker and smoother than any production model to date and made its competitors seem, well, downright dowdy.  Further, given its original asking price (about $42,000 USD in today’s dollars), it made its competitors seems grossly overpriced.

The car’s beauty was more than skin deep, however, for underneath the gently rolled steel rested a partially monocoque chassis connected to front and rear tubular subframes.  These subframes were used to support a fully independent rear suspension and a torsion bar front suspension.  This combination approach to the frame made the XKE much lighter than its predecessors and greatly improved the car’s driving dynamics.  Further, owing to the design of the front subframe, the engine could be placed behind the front axle thereby giving the car a 51:49 weight distribution ratio.  This had the obvious positive effect on performance and handling.

The initial powertrain, a 3.8 litre, twin cam, straight six cylinder, was capable of producing a monstrous 265 horsepower and had a top speed approaching 150 miles per hour.  This easily made the XKE the then fastest production car in the world.  In order to help tame the magnificent 3.8, the car was equipped with four wheel, power assisted disc brakes.   

In October 1964, Jaguar increased the engine's displacement to 4.2 litres.  Despite the increased displacement, the engine pproduced the same horsepower (265 bhp) and had the same top speed (150 mph).  However, the larger engine did reach maximum power at 5400 rpm (verses 5500 on the 3.8 litre).  This gave the driver better throttle response and a perception of greater speed (it was a chimeral perception as both engines had a 0 to 60 time of roughly 7 seconds).

Further refinements of the Series I 4.2 litre car  included an all synchromesh gearbox, larger seats and "improved" electrical systems.

Production of the XKE (marketed in Europe as the E Type) ran from 1961 to 1974 and can be roughly divided into three periods: Series I (1961-1967), Series II (1968-1971) and Series III (1971-1974).  

The Series I car a true sports car with little in the way of amenities or pretensions.  Its closed headlights, small “mouth” and airplane inspired cockpit make it the most highly sought after of all XKE’s.   Jaguar produced a total of 38,419 Series I (and 1.5) cars but it is estimated that less than fifty percent of those cars are available today.  Importantly, Jaguar produced only 6,749 Series I 4.2 litre OTS Roadsters (of that number, 5,888 were LHD).  Thus, the car you are looking at is 1 of 5,888 LHD known to originally exist and believed to be one of roughly 2,944 remaining LHD OTS Roadsters. 

VIN numbers on Series I OTS LHD Roadsters range from 1E10001 to 1E15888.  The car presented here carries VIN 1E11658 making it the 1,657 XKE OTS Roadster made.  The body number is 4E3061, the engine number is 7E6015-9 and the transmission number is EJ5070.  These numbers match the data plate issued with the car and the stamps on the components and show that it is a "numbers matching" car.  The car also has its original tool kit, tools, jack and owner's manuals, including a manual for the non-functioning (but original) Blaupunct radio.

I acquired this car from an Ohio collector who reported that the car had primarily been sitting for the past 20 years.  Originally, the car was painted a light gray and had a black interior.  At some unknown point in the past, the car was converted to a canary yellow with an opalescent overspray.  This paint scheme glistens brightly in the sun and gives the car an appealing glimmer.  The paint - though attractive - is not concourse level and rises to no more than driver quality, i.e., it has slight defects but no rust bubbles or large blemishes.

Prior to selling the car, the prior owner performed a light cosmetic refurbishment by recovering the seats in top grade leather.  In addition, he replaced all interior carpeting with period correct, black wool carpet, including new carpeting in the boot.  The prior owner also placed a new Stayfast canvas top on the car and also installed new window rubber on the top.  Finally, the prior owner replaced the clutch, replaced the wire wheels, added new whitewall Pirelli P300's (size 205/70R15), rechromed the front and rear bumpers and had the entire car professionally detailed.  His cosmetic refurbishment adds greatly to this car's obvious appeal.

After I obtained the car, I performed a thorough inspection and undertook an extensive rmechanical refurbishment.  As such, I had the following maintenance  items performed: 

1. Installed new front rotors, calipers, brake cables and pads (Wildwood calipers and pads);
2. Installed new aluminum radiator (sourced from Wizard Cooling);
3. Installed new steering column bushings;
4. Installed new clutch slave cylinder;
5. Installed new emergency brake cable;
6. Installed new valve cover gaskets;
7. Installed new cam shaft o-rings;
8. Installed new cam shaft cover gaskets;
9. Installed new exhaust flange gaskers;
10. Installed new exhaust manifold gaskets;
11. Installed new front wheel seals;
12. Recoated exhaust manifolds with matte black ceramic coating;
13. Installed new rack and pinion steering boots;
14. Installed new heater hoses;
15. Installed new boot shift lever;
16. Installed new antennae;
17. Installed new fan belt;
18. Installed new spark plugs;
19. Installed new spark plug wires;
20. Installed new distributor cap;
21. Installed new points and condensor;
22. Installed new oil pressure sending unit;
23. Installed new tachometer generator and drive;
24. Rebuilt alternator;
25. Flushed cooling and braking systems; 
26. Changed oil and oil filter;
27. Replaced air filter element with modern air cleaner; and
28. Balanced and synchronized the carbureators.

While I cannot claim that this car is a concourse level car, I can affirmatively state that the car is in fine mechanical shape and IS IN "buy it, drive it and enjoy it" condition.  Further, I can affirmatively state that I have driven this car in the 90+ degree weather that Texas is famous for and it did NOT overheat.  Thus, as the car curently sits, it starts easily, idles smoothly, handles nicely, steers precisely  and, if properly taken care of, should provide many years of spirited driving.  Finally, as an investment, Series I XKE OTS Roadsters simply do not depreciate and your decision to invest in this car should be handsomely rewarded. 

If you would like to see a video of me driving this car then please visit my You Tube channel - Thebavarianmotors.

If you are interested in purchasing this fine example of the "most beautiful car ever made" then please contact Mark Counts at 713-320-3059.

We are a licensed lender in the State of Texas and can assist you in obtaining financing for your automobile purchase.

If you need assistance with financing then please contract Mark counts at 713-320-3059.

Please ensure that you have obtained financing prior to bidding on one of our cars.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, our cars are sold "As Is" and without warranty.

However, some of our cars come with the full manufacturers warranty and some are eligible for extended warranties.

Please discuss the potential purchase of an extended warranty with your sales representative.

Unless stated otherwise in the vehicle's listing, shipping is the sole responsibility of the buyer.

There are many reputable transporters across the country and the Buyer is required to contract directly with one of them.

If required, we can locate a shipper for the Buyer but will not assume responsibility for the vehicle once it is consigned to a shipper.

Terms and Conditions

All vehicles we sell have clean and clear titles. 

We do NOT sell salvage vehicles or vehicles with reconditioned titles.

All vehicles are sold "AS IS" and there are no representations or warranties except those contained in the written sales contract or bill of sale.

The winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours by phone to start the transaction.

The winning bidder must respond within 2 days after the auction with a $500 deposit required via wire transfer, Visa/MC, or certified funds(cashier's check) to start the transaction.

It is understood that the vehicle is sold on an "As Is" basis. 

Buyer are free to purchase with or without an inspection.  

We strongly encourage pre-purchase inspections.  These inspections are relatively cheap and help ensure  that the Buyer is completely satisfied with their purchase.

All sales are subject to a state inspection fee of $40.75 and a Vehicle Inventory Tax based at .2271% of the purchase price. Ex. $10,000.00 X .2271% = 22.71.

Texas residents must pay applicable sales tax and a registration fee.

Out-of-state customers may pay tax and register the vehicle in their own applicable state. Upon request, we may be able to complete the buyer's home state registration.

The buyer is responsible for all shipping costs. We will arrange for shipping, if requested. Also, transportation to and from the airport and our location is buyer's responsibility.

We make every attempt to deliver our vehicles to our clients with two keys, key fobs, manuals, booklets, NAV CDs, wheel locks, tool kits, etc..., however, from time-to-time, a vehicle may be missing one or more of these items and we cannot guarantee that they will be included in the vehicle at the time of sale. Please call for the exact accessories included for the vehicle.

Our vehicles are pre-owned vehicles and they are sold in "As Is" condition. At time, some of our vehicles may still be in factory warranty or an extended warranty may be purchased. Ask for details.

For Canadian car buyers: If the title is to be released at the time of delivery (which is much mandatory to move the vehicle through customs), a wire transfer is the fastest  way to complete the sale.  If the payment is not by bank wire transfer, i.e., certified bank check or approved loan check, the title will only be released when all funds have cleared. Please keep in mind that the funds verification process can take up to 15 days. We will assist you with the documentation needed to clear Canadian customs, but knowing exactly which documents are required by your home province are the buyers responsibility. Requirements for Canada can be found at www.riv.ca under "Registration of import vehicles, Canada".

Notice to All Bidders

Please remember your eBay obligations. When you bid, you are entering into a legal and binding contract. Do not bid if you do not intend to buy this vehicle!

All bidders must have pre-approved loans or other financing.

The winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours by phone to complete the sale and to receive a purchase order via fax.

Major Credit Cards are accepted.

Please call for limits and details (credit card charges may incur a service fee).

Payments are accepted through paypal.com (Deposit only-$1,000 max.). Please call for limits.

We do not accept Escrow or E-Loan. Please call for exceptions prior to bidding.

Please remember that you have the option to call for the reserve price direct at 713-320-3059.

We appreciate your interest in this auction and look forward to seeing your bid. Good Luck and Happy Bidding!