(Stock #4449). In 1961, Jaguar created an automobile which was instantly acclaimed as one of the most innovative and beautiful cars of all time, the “XKE.” Enzo Ferrari is attributed to having said, in 1961, that “the XKE is the most beautiful car ever built.” And not just beautiful but fast and fabulous. The XKE was built in 3 body styles, the open roadster (OTS), the 2-seater coupe (FHC) and the 4-seated coupe (2-plus-2). The original6-cylinder engine remained in production through 1971, at which time the more powerful V-12 engine became available, offering incredibly smooth performance from its 5.3 liter, 4-carburetor engine with 4-speed fully synchromesh manual transmission.
We have uncovered a Unicorn of the XKE world. A completely original, chrome bumper (only original on V-12’s in 1972 and 1973) example, with just one owner since the early 1970’s. Our car was built in May of 1972 and was unusual even when new, ordered by a Jaguar enthusiast with the higher performance 9:1 compression engine with 4 carburetors, 4-speed manual transmission, factory air conditioning and 15” chrome wire wheels. An AM-FM factory stereo system and 4-wheel power disc brakes were standard in the XKE-V/12. Pampered over the years, the car was sold three years ago to another local enthusiast with a very impressive collection, who knew exactly what he had found. He purchased it and added it to his collection of very rare British cars of the 1940’s through the 2000’s. When he found this car, original right down to its original Willow Green paint, original Fawn Leather interior and original black convertible top and top boot, he knew that he had found the XKE “Unicorn.” He was so impressed with this car that he entered it in the Greenwich, Connecticut Concours d’ Elegance, winning the “Sponsor’s Choice” Award for originality. He then entered the car in the AACA National Meet in Hershey, Pennsylvania, where it won “Best Original” in its class. The car is very impressive to drive and is accompanied by original tools, owner’s manuals and a file of service records along with a leather-bound Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate confirming original colors and all matching numbers and options. It has covered just 32,527 miles in its 54 years. $115,000.
