1967 Jaguar XK-E

We are pleased to offer 1967 Jaguar XKE Coupe s/n 34054, a nicely upgraded and improved later Series 1 XKE Coupe with matching-numbers and a Jaguar Heritage Certificate. All mechanical and suspension upgrades were done by Jason Len, owner of XKs Unlimited in San Luis Obispo, the well known and well respected XKE experts. As enthusiast know, the original E-Type was unveiled in March of 1961 at the Geneva Motor Show, initially for export only, and was an instant sensation. Its specifications were then state-of-the-art, its bodywork was, and still is, stunningly gorgeous and the price surprisingly affordable at $5,670 USD, making the E-Type a user-friendly and wallet-friendly instant icon of automotive history. With 265 hp and 283 lb ft of torque, top speed was stated as 150 mph with a sub-7 second 0-to-60 mph sprint, state-of-the-art performance for its time!

XKE Coupe s/n 34054 was completed on 28 December, 1966 and first dispatched on 11 Jan., 1967 to Jaguar Cars of New York, with a dark blue exterior and a light blue-grey interior. As a later Series I car factory updates included the larger 4.2 liter engine with increased torque, a quiet, smooth shifting, fully synchronized gearbox, much improved brakes and brake booster, more comfortable reclining seats, an alternator, improved radiator cooling fans, an electrical system with a negative ground and, of course, the last model-year of the very desirable covered headlights. Jaguars Le Mans winning racing heritage was obvious with independent suspension all around (at a time when Ferrari still used solid rear axles), disc brakes all around (inboard at the rear to reduce unsprung weight), and, of course, Jaguars legendary high-torque, smooth running, twin cam inline-6.

Little is known of the history of 1967 Jaguar XKE s/n 34054 from 1967 to 2001 but it is believed she was a one-owner car when sold to her second and current owner in 2001. In 2011 XKE Coupe s/n 34054 was treated to a painted-on light grey two-part racing stripe with painted-on white roundels with a thin black border. The current race number, 53, is a decal and can be easily changed. XKE Coupe s/n 34054 was next shipped to Jason Len, the owner of XKs Unlimited in San Luis Obispo, for a full inspection and mechanical upgrades. The goal was to make XKE Coupe s/n 34054 more fun to drive on classic car rallys, with more performance and the ability to easily keep up with other cars. As per a video made in 2011 by Jason Len of XKs Unlimited, the bolt-on front sub-frame had the usual small cracks one expects on any fifty-eight year old XKE and so the entire front sub-frame was replaced with a new and stronger front sub frame, which was painted to color-match before installation. The front suspension was also rebuilt and fitted with polyurethane bushings for a tight and more positive feel and improved steering response. The front sway bar was upgraded for a stiffer suspension and better handling and the front shocks were replaced with adjustable gas shocks. The rear suspension was also upgraded with stiffer springs and a stiffer sway bar plus four adjustable gas rear shocks with adjustable spring and ride height. The front torsion bars were fitted with adjustable torsion plates so that the ride height could be raised or lowered and all corner weights could be adjusted and equalized. Heavy duty wire wheels a half inch wider were installed for improved traction and handling, which required a re-shaping of the inner rear wheel well. A new set of wider KUMHO 225/60R 15 Ecsta tires was installed, putting more rubber to the ground while bigger Wilwood brake calipers were installed to haul it down when needed! Click on https://vimeo.com/1110097230 for Jason Lens video of the mechanical work done.

As per a second video, Jason Len also went over the mechanical upgrades which included a performance boost to about three-hundred horsepower. An set of XKs unlimited Big-bore stainless steel headers and a big-bore free-flowing exhaust system were added. The rear resonators were also removed for a freer-flowing exhaust and a better exhaust sound. Slightly more aggressive cams were installed and a trio of 45 DCOE Weber carbs were installed. An electronic ignition was also installed. The combination improved acceleration, raised the top end, yet was smooth and docile enough for normal street driving. While with Jason an XKs Unlimited designed four point roll bar was installed both for safety reasons and adding considerably to the stiffness of the cockpit and chassis. Period correct quick-release racing seat belts were also installed with shoulder straps for the driver. The front and rear bumpers were removed for a vintage racer look. Click on https://vimeo.com/1110097847 for Jason Lens video of the suspension work done by XKs Unlimited.