1965 JAGUAR KOUGAR E-TYPE "GORGOUS 3.8 LITER, FAST, ROADSTER

Description

BECAUSE LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO DRIVE A BORING CAR!!! The Classic Car Gallery 2316 Fairfield Ave Bridgeport, CT 06605 203-446-3477 1967 Kougar Jaguar Roadster “3.8 Liter Jaguar Engine, Amazing Style and Performance, well sorted” Vin P1B55349DN In the late 1970s, an Englishman named Rick Stevens set out to build a sports car based on the legendary British cars of the early post-war era, such as Frazer Nash, Allard and H.R.G. These were the cars of his childhood but they were scarce, sometimes fragile, and more... than he could afford. He decided to build his own version of the classic road-racers, but using modern componentry. Stevens paired up with the legendary engineers Dick Crosthwaite and John Gardiner (of the iconic firm Crosthwaite & Gardiner) to design and build his dream sports car. The 1970s was the age of the kit car, with any variety of cheap fiberglass likeness being built to sit atop a VW or some other similarly ubiquitous chassis, usually with extremely dubious results. There were dozens of manufacturers in the game offering conversions and full bodies to build any type of machine imaginable. Thankfully, Mr. Stevens opted to take a more traditional, British cottage-industry approach. With the help of his engineering consultants, a chassis was designed utilizing a tubular steel chassis which using the four-wheel independent suspension, four wheel disc brakes and running gear from a Jaguar S-Type Saloon. The Kougar, as it would become known, was immediately set apart from the sea of cheap “kits” thanks to its high quality construction and sophisticated Jaguar running gear. In terms of styling, the body, cycle fenders and distinctive radiator grille were inspired by the Frazer Nash LeMans of 1950, but given a more curvaceous look on the low-slung chassis. The Kougar has a cut-down cockpit with minimal weather protection and a dash that featured a full array of Jaguar instrumentation. With its light weight and 3.8 liter XK engine, the Kougar delivers serious performance. Most of these cars were constructed at the works in England as this car was designed from the ground up for serial production and finished to a high standard. Today, they are considered classics in their own right, and a handful of lucky enthusiasts have been able to experience the thrill that only the Kougar Jaguar Sports can deliver. This striking Kougar-Jaguar is a wonderful example of this rare and exciting sports car. Finished in bold yellow over black upholstery and chrome wire wheels, this car makes a serious roadster statement. The yellow paint presents in very good condition, with nice gloss and finish quality on the body’s multitude of curves (there are a few stress cracks around the car). Chrome trim is limited to headlights, radiator grille (hand made), and a few body fittings and secondary lamps, it all presents in fine condition. The spartan cockpit fits even large people (not something that can be said of early British roadster), trimmed in simple black upholstery, is in very good condition and is tidy and clean. The dash features an array of instruments and switchgear that would be familiar to any Jaguar driver, as they were lifted from a 1965 S-Type. Free of wood trim or frivolous detailing, the Kougar is purposeful and businesslike – a serious tool for driving. The 3.8 liter six cylinder Jaguar engine features 3 SU Carburetors and Jaguars signature alloy cam covers. The twin cam engine dominates the view under the hood and the car runs as well as it looks. The engine compartment is tidy and the engine, transmission and clutch are well sorted. This car starts easily, is easy to drive and offers excellent performance. Its 4-speed manual transmission shifts well and the OVERDRIVE works as it should.Its a wonderful looking car, that needs to be driven to be fully appreciated. It is perhaps difficult to classify the Kougar – this is not a kit-car, nor is it a “repli-car” or copy of any one model in particular. What we can say for sure is that this is a very well-built and thoughtfully engineered sports car that harkens back to a bygone era of motoring. It has a raw, visceral appeal thanks to the legendary Jaguar XK engine, which, in 3.8 liter form, is a sweet, rev-happy and responsive. Spoked wire wheels compliment the Jaguar four wheel independent suspension and brakes as well as the modern tires to ensure surefooted handling; a vast improvement on the 3.8 S-Type Saloon from which donated its chassis components. This is a car that captures the essence of early post-war sports cars in its style and soundtrack, but is imminently more usable thanks to the reliable and flexible Jaguar powertrain. Fast, fun and exciting, this Kougar is ready and willing to deliver its next thrill ride. The car is currently registered in Vermont as a 1965 Jaguar, please make sure that you can register the car in your state before bidding on the car. Feel free to call 203-446-3477 or email if we can answer any of your questions.