The Jaguar E-Type was a high point in sports car history, and this episode of “Jay Leno’s Garage” features a well-preserved example.
This 1963 E-Type spent years buried under clutter in a garage in Burbank, California. But because it was parked by its original owner after just a few years on the road, with only about 17,000 miles on the odometer, it remains in all-original condition. And because the E-Type was entombed about a mile from Jay Leno’s Garage, it’s now part of the collection.
Some work was done to make the car roadworthy after it was pulled out of its slumber. The brake and clutch master cylinders, as well as the brake and fuel lines, were replaced, the differential was serviced, and the sticking passenger-side door was fixed. The wheels were also replaced with slightly wider versions, as the originals were corroded. Everything else is original, though, including the paint, interior, and top. As far as Leno can tell, the top has never even been down.
The car spent most of the past 50 years underneath piles of blankets, water heaters, and other junk. That left some dents in the bodywork (which were repaired without harming the paint), but also protected the bodywork from rust, Leno notes in the video. It even preserved chalk marks left by factory workers during assembly.
This E-Type is an earlier Series I model, with the cleaner look that first wowed attendees at the E-Type’s launch in Geneva on Match 15, 1961. Later Series II and Series III models augmented this styling, and Jaguar later replaced the inline-6 engine used in the first cars with a V-12. But the Series I E-Type is still considered the most desirable version.
Now in drivable condition, this convertible joins a white 1963 Jaguar E-Type coupe in Leno’s collection. This car’s originality makes it stand out, though, and Leno says it even drives better than some restored E-Types. How can you argue with that?
This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com
J, I’m an old guy and always loved Jaguars. Your 1963 barn find is beautiful. If you ever want to sell it, let me know. I know I probably couldn’t afford it , but it would be nice to dream about it for a day or two. Thanks for the video and the minimal restoration. You did it the right way. Thanks, and let me know. Jim
WOW! Great video, Great car, Jay Leno I love you!❤️
Mr. Jay Leno, Sir. What an amazing life you have enjoyed. I envy you tremendously. I absolutely love the Series I Jaguar XKE’s. I have owned 8 of them in my past. My favorite is the 1966. Why in the world don’t they continue to produce them??? The vehicles now-a-days are so ugly and undesirable, I can’t even stand to see, or look-at them! Anyway, I love all or your television shows and your appearances on television. Keep-up the good work! -Jimmy Winsboro
Great show Mr. Leno, thanks!!!
The Jaguar XKE is one car I could bring home without any repercussions from the wife, especially if it was British Racing Green with a camel colored interior. We both love the styling!
This is a wonderful find, I had a restoration workshop twenty years ago specifically for E types. I have a LHD W40 LWB Jaguar sedan in mint condition and I have decided to ship it back to the UK, home if you like. I love your articles.
Col. Trevor Rogers New Zealand.