Beschreibung:

At the International Automobile Show in New York City on Good Friday, 1961 Jaguar made headlines when Playboy centerfold Marilyn Hanold clad in a glistening evening gown and white gloves unveiled their new 'XK-E' or 'E-Type' - a sensationally styled coupe itself shimmering in Opalescent Bronze. One look at this car, in that same color may give some clues as to the impact that car had. It could be argued that the 'Open Two Seater' or Roadster owned much in terms of looks to the 'C' Type and 'D' Type that preceded it, certainly it was conceptually close to the latter, but in the Fixed Head Coupe Jaguar accomplished a feat rarely achieved in design, a truly innovative, brand new style of coupe bodywork. In the U.S. marketing materials stated 'It is an entirely new concept in high speed motoring', they continued 'The interior design of this Gran Turismo car sets a new standard of spaciousness in such automobiles without impairing its functionalism. Large door at the rear, with release catch located in car, incorporates window and gives unobstructed access to luggage compartment, spare wheel and tools; hinged luggage retainers behind seats drop down to increase floor space if desired'. It wasn't a town and country style car they were talking about, but one of the most beautiful coupe designs of all time and a sports car capable of 150 mph! If you're looking to create a similar impression to that which the model did back in '61, this may be your ticket – an absolutely stunningly restored first generation XKE Coupe which has just emerged from a comprehensive concours rebuild. Assisting its visual effect is the choice of color, Opalescent Bronze, a period metallic hue which changes , which the car was delivered new in Reno, Nevada almost fifty years ago to the day on February 26, 1962. By definition it was already a highly desirable automobile – an early flat floor car with welded louver hood, it still wore period California 'black plates', and retained matched numbers throughout. That specification gave it huge potential and made it the perfect basis for future concours prize winning, so a meticulous restoration was begun. With work carried out by a known specialist in the marque, Classic Showcase of Oceanside, California, literally every single aspect was attended to and visually documented as it progressed. The bodywork was stripped down to bare metal, then properly refurbished, leaded, primed, sealed, painted, clear coated, color sanded and finally buffed to a mirror finish. The standard of preparation necessitated that every aspect match its exterior and so in restoring the car, it was decided to replace the windshield with a new/old stock Triplex windshield and new door glass. All mechanical systems and components were gone through, and restored or replaced as needed, this included rebuilding the engine with new pistons, oil pump, timing chain, bearings, valves, guides, seals, and the head was completely rebuilt as were the carburetors. A new fuel pump was fitted and the car rewired. In addition transmission, clutch and rear end were totally rebuilt, and the drive shaft balanced. The suspension was rebuilt with new shocks, bushings and bearings. All other systems, such as the electrical, hydraulic, cooling, and fuel system have been restored or replaced; and the car received all new rubber. It has also received a new battery, the gas tank has been epoxy sealed, and the alloy radiator has been restored. One point of minor poetic license was the decision to retrim in the car in scarlet red, in place of the original biscuit color, as evidenced from the finished article has been a great success and naturally in every other respect the interior is to correct period patterns, the instruments, gauges, knobs, switches were rebuilt, re-screened or replaced, and the seat frames were restored. The new proper interior included padding, carpet, panels, dash, and leather seats custom fitted and installed. With new rubbers throughout, fully re