by Buzz Lynn –
This 1963 Jaguar XKE (J63-887530) was purchased new by Mr. Stanly Lynn in February 1963 from Al Pernett Imported Cars in Riverside, California. Mr. Lynn sold the car in 1988, having covered just 26,000 miles, some of which included rides into town with his young grandson (me).
Unbeknownst to the family, and over the next 35 years, it was owned and shown throughout the 1990’s by a well-known collector and Jaguar Club of North America judge, an internationally-respected architect who displayed the car at The Quail in 2011 for the E-Type’s 50th anniversary, a UK-based E-Type restoration company that used the car for a reference standard, and two automotive engineers that showed the car over their eight-year ownership, including at Greystone Mansion Concours in 2017 and the Carmel Concours on the Avenue in 2021.
Serendipitously, it surfaced on Bring A Trailer in July 2023 and was purchased by the original owner’s grandson (again me), returning the car to Lynn family ownership. Over its 60 year existence, this E-Type has covered just 29,000 well-documented miles and has never been restored.
I am a life-long car guy, and it started with this very car that my grandfather bought new in 1963. I rode shotgun as a little kid on short trips into the town of Los Gatos, CA. The smells, the sounds, and especially the eyefuls of red leather left a lasting impression on my little kid self about how wonderful a car should make you feel.
Eventually, in 1988, my grandfather sold the car. I asked my uncle from time to time if he knew the whereabouts but to no avail. Fast-forward to July 25th, 2023, my birthday…I’m strolling through Bring a Trailer and notice (among a dozen other cars that interest me daily) a pretty E-Type just like my grandfather’s. It was well-presented with lots of pictures, and I marveled at how cool it looked. And of course, it reminded me of all the childhood memories with my Grandfather.
The auction listing was still just a nice car in those moments of reading. Then, 200 pictures deep, I saw the original black and white photo of my grandfather shaking hands with the salesman, and the next photo of his original 1963 California registration that I realized “HOLY SCHIZZ-NIZZLE!”, this is my grandfather’s actual car! What a birthday present! Karma had truly run over my Dogma, Kismet struck, and it was meant to be. And I wasn’t even looking!
Stanly Lynn (on the right) taking possession of his new 1963 Jaguar XKE
Without hesitation I drove 6 hours to see the car, bid, and bought the car (reserve not met, but I was able to negotiate a sale).
I still can’t believe this happened to me and I pinch myself that I get to live my car dreams every day.
I will be taking this special Jaguar to The Quail, A Motor Sport Gathering in Carmel, CA on August 16, 2024.
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
My thanks to the author, Buzz Lynn, for sharing this interesting story and I also thank my friend Desiree Gillingham for bringing this to my attention and introducing me to the author.
Mike Gulett, Editor
Jaguar XKE original sales receipt
Photos compliments of Bring a Trailer.
Congratulations on your special find of bringing back the spirit of your Grandfather. I had a 69 coupe that I lost to an electrical fire, so I know the fine stimulating smells you spoke about and the excitement that starting up and driving pleasure that can only be experienced in so few cars, a Jag Coupe is one of them. I still own a 48 Mk4, 69 XKE roadster, 2007 X Type Sportwagon and a 67 3.8S. I am 73 and I told myself no more cars but you inspired me to find another E Type coupe 66-67 preferred. By the way I have other cars as well, I hope my wife does not see this note.I am sure you will never let this car go. I will send you some pics later.
Regards,
Zig
Thank you, Zig! I appreciate the kind words, and completely understand why you MUST have another E-Type. Of course, you are correct, I will never let it go, as my daughter (age 30, and knows how to drive a stick) informed me it is too important a piece of family history.
If you are at The Quail this year, please stop and say hi!
Well Mike, then you are lucky and blessed. That rarely ever happens and when it does it betters your life. I told my 8 yr old grandkid Mason that I was thinking of selling the Mangusta. He said in a very serious and shocked way, “you can’t sell it, what else am I going to drive when I learn how to in 7 years. I thought that was my car”?
Jeff, I can appreciate Mason’s comment, as I was that 8-yr old kid making the same comment to my grandfather about this car. Of course he sold it without my permission. 😉 But I was 26 at the time and in no position in life to actually PAY him for it. Just as well that I didn’t know until after the fact.
Fortunately, the car found me – one of life’s enduring brass rings that I had to grab. Hopefully Kismet/Karma strikes Mason about the Mangusta.
Buzz,
Congratulations! Your story reminds me a bit of mine with my grandfather’s Apollo – still in the family.
Thanks, Josh. I appreciate it. So glad a very special car remains with you and yours too.
The Josh Bagley Apollo story on My Car Quest is here:
https://mycarquest.com/2023/07/our-family-1964-apollo-gt-5000.html
Great – thanks, Mike!
Josh, what a fantastic story about the Apollo! I can’t help but think our grandfathers might have crossed paths in the early 1960’s, as my grandfather was an aeronautical engineer living in Los Altos and then Los Gatos. His office/warehouse was in the “Russ Building” (no idea where that is) in San Francisco.
Anyway, glad your grandfather got yours out of the drink and kept it in the family all those years.
Amazing story! After a string of British sports cars (MGB//GT and several Triumph TR-250s), I too dreamed of owning a Jaguar E-Type, especially the ’66-’67 4.2 model with headlights still under glass.. I never accomplished that dream, however shifted to C3, then C2 Corvettes later for practicality (no body rust, full frame and air conditioning, especially important because I live in So. FL). Still, in our cool winters, I still lust after an E-Type.
Thanks, Andy! I still pinch myself over my good fortune. That is a lovely Corvette you have! And I especially hope you scratch that E-type itch one day! An accountant friend reminds me, “Fly first class. Because if you don’t your heirs will.” Apply this line of thought to whatever you need to right now, and in an endeavor in life. 🙂
Best,
Buzz
Hi Buzz
What a fantastic story with a terrific ending. Congratulations. I have a few of my dad’s cars which I cherish.
I look forward to chatting with you at The Quail next month as I will be exhibiting a 74 Pantera which will probably be parked close to your beautiful E-Tyoe.
Enjoy
Buddy Pepp
Thank you, Buddy! I hope to see you there and will LOVE seeing your Pantera!
Here is Buddy Pepp’s car story on My Car Quest.
https://mycarquest.com/2018/10/all-in-the-family-iso-rivolta-gt.html
Excellent – thanks again, Mike!
Wow, Buddy, what a fine stable of cars you have! (I just read your story) There is something very special (perhaps Devine?) about the cars that enter our lives early, then shape and influence our dreams and desires for the decades thereafter. As was my grandfather’s E-Type for me, so were your father’s cars for you…can’t put a price on that.
Again, looking forward to seeing you at the Quail!
This story brought back memories of my first encounter with an XKE. Mr Rosevelt Jr. in drivers seat.
The invitation.
John, this is a neat little piece of history.
Thanks Mr Lynn ! You should know all to well the impression that car made in folks when they first laid eye on one ! Enzo said so much himself.
Buddy, Mike – Just reiterating what a pleasure it was to meet you both at The Quail. What a beautiful day!
Wish I could figure out how to post 2 pics in the same message, but Mike, this one’s for you!