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1965 Jaguar XKE E-Type

The Jaguar E-Type (XKE) was introduced in the 3.8-liter form in May of 1961, wearing classic smooth lines, attractive appearances, and a top speed of 150 MPH. The styling, coupled with 265 horsepower and a substantial weight saving of over 500 pounds on its immediate predecessor, the XK150 was a formidable combination. Much of its design and configuration was attributed to the racing D-Type, including the use of a monocoque tub forming the main structure, while a tubular spaceframe extended forwards to support the engine. The powerplant was the same 3.8-liter, triple-carburetor 'S' unit first offered as an option on the preceding XK150. Developed from that of the original XK120 sports car and refined in the racing D-Type, the double-wishbone, an independent front suspension was mounted on the forward subframe. The back was also independent, a revolutionary feature at the time as most of its major rivals relied on the traditional live rear axle. Dunlop disc brakes were fitted to all four wheels; those at the rear were mounted inboard alongside the differential to reduce un-sprung weight.

Evolutionary improvements resulted in the introduction of the 4.2-liter engine, fully synchronized gearbox, and greater legroom to accommodate six-foot-plus drivers.

Jaguar built the E-Type in three series from 1961 to 1975. Series I cars were introduced in March of 1961 and initially intended for export only. Series 2 E-Types were produced from 1968 through 1971, followed by the Series 3 which remained in production until 1975. Series 2 cars had numerous improvements to comply with the U.S. National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration mandate, including the absence of the glass headlight covers, the addition of a wrap-around rear bumper, an enlarged grille, twin electric fans, larger front indicators, and tail lights repositioned below the bumpers. Series 3 E-Type models had a new 5.3-liter Jaguar V-12 engine, power steering, and uprated brakes. Optional equipment included air conditioning, wire wheels, and an automatic transmission. The total Series I production was 38,419 examples, followed by 18,809 Series II models, and 15,287 of the Series III.

1965 Jaugar XKE (E-Type)
The 1965 Jaguar XKE was powered by an inline dual-overhead-cam six-cylinder engine with a cast-iron block and aluminum-alloy head. It displaced 4,235cc (258.4 CID / 4.2 Liters), had solid valve lifters, three SU side-draft carburetors, 9.0:1 compression, seven main bearings, and delivered 265 horsepower at 5,400 RPM and 245 lb-ft of torque. The engine was backed by an all-synchromesh four-speed manual transmission with overdrive optional. It had a rack and pinion steering system, and disc brakes.

The base factory price of the roadster in the United States was $5,385 while the coupe listed for $5,580. The only major available option was air conditioning adding an additional $600 to the base price. The base prices were similar to the 1954 E-Type, increasing by approximately $50.

On the trunk (boot) lid was the word 'E-Type Jaguar 4.2'.

E-Type Semi-Lightweight Competition
Soon after the introduction of the E-Type, many found their way to the racetracks. In fact, the first 20 cars off the line were allocated to customers who made their racing intentions clear. In the Grand Touring class for production sports cars, the E-Type performed exceptionally well, with a victory at its racing debut at Oulton Park on April 3rd of 1961 driven by Graham Hill in Tommy Sopwith's car, 'ECD 400'. In 1963, the GT class was elevated to Manufacturers' Championship status, prompting Jaguar to develop a small batch of lightweight cars to challenge Ferrari. The list of FIA regulations for the Gran Turismo category stipulated that a minimum of 100 cars had to be built, but permitted coachwork modifications, thus enabling Jaguar to claim that its lightweights were standard E-types fitted with altered bodywork. Ferrari had used similar tactics with its limited edition 250 GTO, claiming that they were re-bodied 250 GTs. In reality, all twelve off the lightweight E-Types constructed in the period were built from scratch with aluminum bodies, although invoiced as a new standard road car with additional modifications and numbered in the normal production sequence, albeit with an 'S' chassis number prefix.

The lightweight versions used the aluminum versions of the E-Type's monocoque tub and outer body panels and the engine received an alloy cylinder block, dry-sump lubrication, Lucas mechanical fuel injection, and 'wide-angle' head. These changes increased horsepower to over 300 bhp. Initially, the production four-speed gearbox was used but changed towards the end of 1963 with a ZF five-speed unit.

The prototype example, '4 WPD', was a works development racer campaigned by John Coombs and driven by Graham Hill. The twelve factory-built examples were intended for competition use by Jaguar dealers or specially selected privateers.


by Daniel Vaughan | May 2009

Related Reading : Jaguar E-Series History

The Jaguar E type, also known as the XK-E, brought style and performance together to create a mass-produced supercar. The road-going sports car was conceived in 1956 as a replacement for the D-type. In March of 1961, the E-Type was officially introduced to the world at the Geneva, Switzerland Motor show. Its design was created by an aerodynamic engineer named Malcolm Sayer. The front-engine,....
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1965 Jaguar XKE E-Type Vehicle Profiles

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Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

$1,300-$5,390
1965 XKE E-Type
$5,600-$24,400
1965 Jaguar XKE E-Type Price Range: $5,390 - $5,600

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Other 1965 Jaguar Models

E-Type S1

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
96.00 in.
6 cyl., 230.73 CID., 265.00hp
$5,599 - $5,890
96.00 in.
6 cyl., 231.89 CID., 265.00hp
$5,599 - $5,890
96.00 in.
6 cyl., 230.73 CID., 265.00hp
$5,599 - $5,895
96.00 in.
6 cyl., 230.73 CID., 265.00hp
$5,300 - $5,500
96.00 in.
6 cyl., 258.44 CID., 265.00hp
$5,390 - $5,600
96.00 in.
6 cyl., 258.44 CID., 265.00hp
$5,400 - $6,100
96.00 in.
6 cyl., 256.30 CID., 265.00hp
$5,370 - $5,740

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