We have a 1966 E-Type coupe that has been in storage. It is partially reassembled after painting but we have all the parts and everything is in great condition. We were told the car was sent new directly from the factory to Shelby where it was powered with a Ford 351.

The VIN number on the door post and on the pink slip is J66IE32019.

I cannot find anything anywhere using the VIN number and I cannot find anything referencing the Shelby connection. Have you heard of this? Do you know of any resources that will help me drill down on the true history of this car?

We are ready to sell it but we want to provide an honest record of the car's origins.

Thank you!

Bruce Conn
Trabuco Canyon, California

 

The "VIN" quoted might translate to 1E32019 (note 1, not I) which is not listed on XKE Data. The number suggests that it was built October 1965.

 

Thank you for the feedback. Saturday I am (literally) heading down to the barn where the car is stored. Are there any other markers I should look for to help with my research?

 

From the factory there is an ID plate riveted in the well below the fuel filter bowl (right side below the bonnet catch) but that may be missing on your car. The chassis number was also stamped on the "picture frame" just above the right front shock absorber top mounting. With an engine swap the frame may have been altered though. This website may help to explain -
How to identify a 1961 - 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 (3.8L and 4.2L) | classicregister

 

Hmmmm....My first question is why Shelby would use the 351? In 1965 his company was transitioning from the 289 CI to the 427CI engine....(In the Cobra)...Since he was already building cars with those engines, the 351 would seem out of character....I'm not saying I don't believe it, but it is suspicious.
Edward

 

As BazJag has pointed out, the factory assigned chassis number for this E-Type is 1E32019. The J66 prefix to the chassis number was a California thing during those years: it indicated "J"aguar + year 19"66". The prefix has been mashed into the chassis number to make the CA VIN J661E32019. That indicates a Jaguar that was first sold and titled in CA in 1966 (or maybe just model year 1966 - I can't remember). CA attached the "Jxx" tag in various places and various forms. I have seen the 3-digit tag all by itself riveted near the gas fuel bowl and elsewhere. Maybe it was left up to the selling dealer to install the tag. As to the Shelby provenance, this is the first I have heard of such a thing, so I have nothing to add to that beyond this geezer's skepticism. I echo Edward's comment that the 351 seems not exactly period correct. But what do I know? Don't trust but verify!

 

Especially since 351 production didn't begin until 1968, for Ford's 1969 model year.

Cheers
DD

 

Hello. These are photos of the id plates. So far, only well-founded skepticism surrounding the Shelby connection. I guess the worst case would be if it had been sold in the US and somebody ripped it apart to shove a Ford motor in it. I have more photos of the car, if helpful.

Bruce Conn
Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679

 

That BAR tag almost certainly relates to getting the car 'smog certified' with a non-Jaguar engine. This would've occurred mid-80s or later, I'd say

Cheers
DD

 

You have an engine number on that plate, and that can only be a Jaguar engine. If you send the details to Jaguar Heritage, they'll be able to give you more information. I have to say it does sound as if it has been 'lumped' but when only you can tell us. Is the V8 still in the car ? If it is the mystery should be closer to being solved. It is possible the owner blew up the engine, and a US-made V8 was a cheaper option. Jaguar certainly never gave their engines away !!

 

I've owned my '67 for 45+ years. Have never read of anyone lumping in a 351. However, the chevy 350s and the 289s have been grafted. Besides the 351 is wider and would be lots more difficult within the OEM framework. This is not to say it couldn't be done, just not the usual lump!
There is a guy in Texas (Jaguar Chevy V8 Conversion Kit from John's Cars) that may be os help.
Good Luck