Fantasy Junction

Description

1963 Jaguar XKE Eagle Lightweight
s/n 888326 engine no. 8L99151H
Silver with Green Leather Interior

When Jaguar unveiled the XKE at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, everything changed in the world of sports cars. Breathtaking design, unrivaled performance, and racing lineage made the XKE an immediate sensation. The beautiful lines and attractive pricing also made for top sales. But on the racetrack, the XKE proved out even more spectacularly with top performance recorded all over the world. In the same tradition that Jaguar built the original lightweight race cars, Eagle, the recognized experts in period correct XKE craftsmanship and performance enhancements, together with the commissioning owner, spared no expense creating this superb example of Jaguars’ legendary XKE Lightweight Coupe.

Built to impeccable standards by top fabrication specialists, following closely to factory specifications, using authentic parts, while enhancing performance and safety for contemporary competition use, this beautifully constructed Eagle Lightweight was hand-crafted with a host of professional contributing suppliers and performance experts, and completed in 2004. Beginning with a sound road car, this Series 1 coupe was completely disassembled and reconfigured to full Lightweight standards including extensive modifications to the engine, body, suspension, electronic systems, cooling system, brakes, and interior.

Beginning with the body, the structural steel core was retained while a set of custom RS hand-formed alloy body panels (alloy hood, doors, rear arches, and trunk lid) were fitted to the steel structure. A set of lightweight peg-drive Dunlop-type magnesium wheels were fitted, and the engine was comprehensively built by Rob Beere, updated to 4.7 Liter specifications. Engine improvements included big valve cylinder head with Sport cams, Sport lightened and balanced engine components, gas flowed head with matched ports, a gated anti-surge pump and big-bore tubular exhaust manifolds. The engine was mounted using specially fabricated Sport mounts, a harmonic crankshaft damper, electronic ignition with performance plug leads, and a modern performance electric fuel pump. Cooling was improved using a modern cooling fan, lightweight alloy radiator, brass water tank, and Kevlar reinforced cooling hoses. The 4.7 Liter engine was dyno-tuned returning 307hp at the rear wheels with more than 300 ft/pounds of torque from 3,200 to 5,200 rpm. An all synchro 5-speed Getrag gearbox was installed along with a 3.07:1 rear end. Brakes and suspension were upgraded as well with a high-powered stainless-steel shielded brake booster, AP front and rear alloy brake calipers with 315mm cross drilled ventilated rotors, and adjustable brake bias. GT torsion bars and springs, GT sway bars and bushings, polyurethane radius arm and arb bushings, Sport radius arm conversion, and billet aluminum steering rack mounts. Additional features included Spax adjustable shocks, high output charging system with 75-amp alternator, a lightweight geared starter motor, and halogen headlights. The total cost of the build and performance improvements exceeded $100,000.00.

Upon completion, the car was brought to California, titled, and registered as a 1963 Jaguar. The owner enjoyed the car for a few years before it was offered by Fantasy Junction and sold to the current consigning owner, at that time showing approximately 4,100 miles. An avid vintage performance car enthusiast, the current northern California owner engaged professional Jaguar performance specialists to service and upgrade the car as needed including regular fluids and service. In addition to general services including oil and filter changes, fluid exchanges, brake fluid flush, and seal replacement, a new electronic ignition kit was installed, the SU carburetors were tuned, ammeter removed and repaired, the water pump was rebuilt, various gaskets replaced, cooling system serviced, and various electrical wiring improved. The odometer currently indicates 4,533 miles.

Today the car presents as a spectacular example combining authentic aspects of the original Lightweight themes with impressive contemporary upgrades and excellent finishes throughout. The paint was done to a very high standard, with excellent gloss and consistent coverage, now showing just minor evidence of enjoyable use. Panel fit and gaps are excellent in all aspects of body construction including the muscular alloy rear fenders, smooth alloy nose, and alloy doors. With the front and rear bumpers removed, the body design is even more elegant and purposeful as a competition statement. The lighting, lenses, and windshield are in excellent condition including the leather bonnet latches, one of many handsome vintage touches. The magnesium wheels and Hoosier tires (rear set being wider than the front) create the perfect stance for this hunkered down XKE. The exposed rivet construction, outside alloy filler cap, and smoothed front/rear finishes all contribute to the competition presence of this Eagle Lightweight.

The interior of the car is as carefully thought out and as nicely detailed as the exterior. Opening the lightweight aluminum doors, the competition inspired interior is comfortable, not sparse, conveying the perfect balance of racing and road-going excellence. The seats are wrapped in supple green leather accompanied by 5-point seat harnesses, a leather wrapped central tunnel, black low-pile carpeting, and a stock XKE dashboard trimmed with green and black accents completes the interior finishes. Modest use is evident in the interior mostly to the driver’s side seat bolster which shows some wear from entry and exit. The wood steering wheel is slightly larger in diameter to allow improved rigidity under more spirited driving. The 5-speed Getrag gearbox is topped with an alloy shift knob and traditionally fitted with a matching green leather boot. A roll bar is installed, green headliner affixed to the inner roof panel and rear hatch, a modern fire system is in place, and a matching Dunlop type spare tire is located under the rear hatch panel. A custom-fabricated alloy fuel tank is in place, flanking the spare tire. The interior exhibits a nice blend of vintage competition Jaguars, with just enough comfort to enjoy driving without the harshness of typical competition cars.

Lifting the lightweight aluminum hood, the engine and engine bay reveals the 4.7 Liter engine with details prepared in homage to the original. Time and modest use have created a unified patina consistent with competition cars including heat toned header exhaust and buff aluminum finishes. Here too upgraded features have been thoughtfully installed for reliable use. Conceived and built with combined road and race use in mind, the engine systems are all easily accessed and modern upgrades including electronic ignition, electric fuel pump, modern alternator, and cooling enhancements (alloy radiator and electric fan) have proven to be appropriately specified. Further features include triple SU carburetors, traditional Lucas Engineering branded features, upgraded stainless steel braided fuel hoses, and an Optima battery. The underside of the car is very clean, nicely sorted, and appropriately finished reflective of the miles and use reported since the build was completed.

The car starts and drives very well. The 4.7 Liter engine is very strong with very quick throttle response and yet still usable for general driving, tours, or light duty track days. The 5-speed gearbox is a full synchro Getrag unit which operates smoothly. The brakes and steering are very well dialed in and the 3.07:1 rear end is suitable for highway use. In all, the driving experience is both invigorating and delightful, feeling very much like a competition car, in looks and heritage, but delivering a satisfying road manner that a capable driver can enjoy with confidence. The car is accompanied by numerous copies of build documentation, Eagle specifications sheets, dyno sheet, magazine articles, a series of photographs showing the build including body work and engine build, a car cover, and a set of tools in a tool roll.

For anyone seeking an exciting competition inspired car displaying exciting vintage presence, this Jaguar XKE Eagle Lightweight Coupe presents a unique design coupled with wonderful driving manners and superb performance that is sure to please any Jaguar performance enthusiast.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608