Tip-Top 1964 Series I E-Type Coupe Restomod Headlines Sotheby’s

By Arison Knapp - September 30, 2016

In the event you happen to be in the market for a meticulously resto-modded Jaguar E-Type coupe, then this 1964 Series I should be high on your list. Readying for sale through RM Sotheby’s for the Hershey, Pennsylvania event in October, this sexy cat was originally purchased not far from where it’s being auctioned. The current owner, which is surprisingly only the second, acquired this gorgeous blue Fixed Head Coupe back in 2003. He enjoyed it in original survivor shape for a couple of years before giving it a full body-off restoration. With a twist of modern performance updates that complement its surviving shape, this Jaguar is deservedly the headliner at the Sotheby’s event.

In the description, the owner lists a host of work and updates done through a master Jaguar restoration specialist named Pierre Gusman. A little Googling comes up almost empty on past projects, but I’ll take Sotheby’s word for it about his expertise. During the full body-off restoration Gusman’s team found no rusting whatsoever throughout the monocoque chassis and componentry, which adds to its tip-top level of quality. This nearly untarnished foundation led to an easier job of restoring, replacing, or refinishing worn bits. If you examine the pictures the coupe exterior appears concours quality, as if it came directly from Jaguar Heritage.

Areas of heavy focus by the resto team were the hydraulics, electrical system, drivetrain, suspension, body, and paint. The famous growling straight-six 3.8L engine was overhauled and complimented by installing a syncro 5-speed manual in-place of the OEM 4-speed manual gearbox. The original gearbox is included as an extra part in the sale, along with factory tools, a jack, docs, and a spare tire. Matching the new horsepower is the improvement of brake horsepower with the addition of 4-corner Wilwood brakes for superior stopping power. Wrapping the world-class job together beautifully is the impeccable blue metallic finish and tasteful grey, leather interior.

Any bidders?