The Jaguar E-Type represents a seminal moment in the annals of sports car design, a fact highlighted in a recent installment of “Jay Leno’s Garage,” which showcases an exceptionally well-maintained specimen.
Located for many years amid assorted debris in a Burbank, California garage, this 1963 E-Type has been uniquely preserved. Initially driven for just a few years by its original owner and recording a mere 17,000 miles on the odometer, the vehicle has been maintained in an untouched state. Notably, this particular E-Type was found merely a mile from Jay Leno’s own garage and has consequently been added to his collection.
Subsequent to its extraction from years of neglect, certain refurbishments were undertaken to ensure the car’s roadworthiness. Components such as the brake and clutch master cylinders were replaced, alongside the brake and fuel lines. The differential received service, and a malfunctioning passenger-side door was rectified. Moreover, the original wheels, which had succumbed to corrosion, were substituted with slightly broader alternatives. However, all other elements, including the paint, interior, and convertible top, remain original. According to Leno, it appears that the top has never even been lowered.
Over the last half-century, the car remained concealed under an assortment of items like blankets and water heaters. While this situation resulted in some minor bodywork dents—subsequently repaired without affecting the original paint—it also effectively shielded the car from rust. Leno observes in the accompanying video that this protection even extended to preserving chalk marks made by factory workers during the vehicle’s assembly.
This particular E-Type belongs to the initial Series I line, characterized by the minimalist aesthetics that originally captivated the audience at its Geneva launch on March 15, 1961. Subsequent Series II and Series III versions expanded upon this design, and Jaguar eventually replaced the inline-6 engine featured in the earliest models with a V-12. Nonetheless, the Series I E-Type continues to be the most sought-after iteration.
Now fully operational, this convertible has taken its place alongside a white 1963 Jaguar E-Type coupe in Leno’s extensive collection. What distinguishes this vehicle is its remarkable state of originality; Leno even asserts that its performance surpasses that of some restored E-Types, a claim that seems beyond dispute.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about 1963 Jaguar E-Type
What is the main focus of the featured episode of “Jay Leno’s Garage”?
The main focus of the featured episode is a 1963 Jaguar E-Type that was discovered in a garage in Burbank, California. The vehicle is exceptionally well-preserved and has been added to Jay Leno’s personal collection.
Where was this 1963 Jaguar E-Type found?
The 1963 Jaguar E-Type was found in a garage in Burbank, California, where it had been stored under assorted items for many years.
What kind of work was done to make the car roadworthy?
To make the car roadworthy, several components were replaced or serviced. These included the brake and clutch master cylinders, as well as brake and fuel lines. The differential was serviced, and a sticking passenger-side door was fixed. Additionally, corroded wheels were replaced with slightly wider versions.
What remains original on the car?
Almost everything remains original on the car, including the paint, interior, and convertible top. According to Jay Leno, it appears that the convertible top has never even been lowered.
What series does this Jaguar E-Type belong to and why is it considered special?
The vehicle belongs to the Series I line of the Jaguar E-Type. This series is known for its minimalist aesthetics and is considered the most sought-after iteration of the E-Type models.
How did the car’s storage condition affect its preservation?
While the car was stored under an assortment of items like blankets and water heaters for the past 50 years, this situation shielded the bodywork from rust and even preserved factory chalk marks.
How does this E-Type compare with other models in Jay Leno’s collection?
This 1963 Jaguar E-Type is distinguished by its state of originality. Jay Leno asserts that its performance even surpasses some of the restored E-Types in his collection.
More about 1963 Jaguar E-Type
- Jay Leno’s Garage Official Website
- Jaguar E-Type History
- Automotive Restoration Techniques
- Classic Cars Preservation Guide
- Jaguar E-Type Series Overview
- Vehicle Odometer Readings and Mileage
6 comments
That thing even had factory chalk marks still? thats mindblowing. It’s like a museum piece that you can actually drive.
Man, that’s a find of a lifetime right there. I cant even imagine stumbling onto a classic like this E-Type just gathering dust!
Wow! A Series I in that condition? Jay Leno is one lucky dude, series I is where it’s at, y’know.
So happy they kept it mostly original. it’s like a time capsule on four wheels!
Brake and fuel lines replaced? Absolutely necessary for something that old. safety first, people.
kinda amazed that it had only 17,000 miles on it. Like, who locks up a beauty like that and barely drives it??