Last updated on April 2, 2023
Today’s car is a very rare 1962 Jaguar XKE-D-L that is owned by Tris Buckley. This one of a kind exemplifies Enzo Ferrari’s famous quote “Jaguar’s E-Type is the most beautiful car in the world.” I think this one raises the bar and is one of the most beautiful cars I have seen. It combines the best components of the D-type and another one of a kind the 1964 Linder, referred to as the XKE-D-L.
The D-Type shares the no top, the frameless windscreen, with driver side headrest fairing, and the Jaguar Racing Green finish. The XKE-D-L, has long sleek lines with four headlamps aerodynamically recessed into the Jaguar’s bonnet, the round rear end uninterrupted by the license plate cutouts to further streamline the teardrop design along with the aggressive rear fenders and no bumpers.
This car also has 3 unique cockpit configurations. The D-type dual cockpit as seen in the photos. An E-type lightweight coupe design with a fixed aluminum vented roof and vented rear boot lid. And a fully open top race car with a rollbar. While each of them are street and track legal Tris has assures me It will most likely stay in it’s current configuration.
The bonnet came from one of Jaguars race cars that was in a crash and pounded out to perfection. The car is finished in classic Jaguar Racing Green. The interior is finished in black leather that is covering the racing seats along with the diamond pattern that covers the floor and the wrapped Mota-Lita steering wheel that is Jaguar badged. It is powered by Jaguar’s in line 6 DOHC producing an estimated 320 to 340 hp, 4.2 liter, with 3-2 bbl Weber carburetors mated to a CJ-5 five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. With the help of builtin cooling ducts slowing this baby down are Wilwood aluminum four piston disc brakes upfront and in the rear are upgraded inboard ventilated rear disc brakes. The independent front suspension is equipped with control arms and adjustable GAZ dampers, and an adjustable torsion bar. The modular independent rear suspension has a widened rear track that has the Jaguar double wishbone setup that is equipped with GAZ rear adjustable shocks with the adjustable ride height feature. The 15×7 Dunlop racing wheels are clad with Dunlop racing tires.
The XKE’s were produced between 1961 and 1974. The original MSRP for a 1962 Jaguar XKE convertible was between $5,599 – $5,890. There were 2,749 convertibles produced in 1962. This one of a kind Jaguar is a work of art and an amazing driving automobile. This unique British sports cars from the postwar era is something you usually only get to see at Concours d’Elegance events, but Tris enjoys driving and sharing his cars. What a treat to see it at the local Marina del Rey Cars and Coffee event. Thanks for riding along. Frank
