05/22/2026
The engineering of a 1965 milestone.
The 1965 model year marked a significant mechanical evolution for the Series 1 Open Two Seater. While Malcolm Sayer’s revolutionary aerodynamic monocoque remained unchanged, 1961 to 1964 models featured an exposed, non-telescopic steering column and a notoriously unforgiving Moss gearbox. The arrival of the 1965 4.2 Litre introduced a fully synchronized, Jaguar-designed four-speed transmission, an adjustable steering column, and vastly improved seat ergonomics—making it widely considered the definitive driver’s E-Type.
Even with these mechanical updates, the convertible top mechanism required absolute precision. It had to fold completely flush beneath a vinyl boot cover to preserve Sayer’s strict aerodynamic profile, avoiding the bulky, exposed stacks common on rival sports cars of the era.
Securing the top on this 1965 Series 1 requires precision alignment across the three-bow folding mechanism to ensure a level, weather-tight seal along the chrome windshield header.
Follow to watch this Series 1 head out for final road testing.
