Jaguar XKE Series I Removable Hardtop

Jaguar E-Type (XKE) Series I factory hardtop is a masterpiece of fiberglass and chrome that effectively turns the Open Two Seater (OTS) into a “fixed-head” GT. Because the Series I and Series II Roadsters share the same short-wheelbase body, the hardtops are physically interchangeable, though there are nuanced differences in original finishes.

Listing Details

• Jaguar XKE Series I Removable Hardtop
• Black Paint
• Beige Headliner
• Wraparound Rear Window
• Chrome Mounting Hardware

1. Design & Components

Unlike aftermarket versions, a genuine factory Series I hardtop is distinguished by the quality of its materials and its specific “wrap-around” aesthetic.

• Shell: Made of hand-laid fiberglass. It is exceptionally rigid but heavy, usually requiring two people to install safely.

• The “Chrome”: The most critical (and expensive) parts are the stainless steel or chrome-on-brass finishers that surround the rear window and the rain gutters. Finding a top with these intact is vital, as the trim is famously difficult to source separately.

• Windows: Originally fitted with a curved Perspex (acrylic) rear window. These often “craze” or yellow with age; modern replacements are available in glass, though some purists prefer the lighter weight of acrylic.

• Headliner: Usually a beige or grey wool-cloth or perforated vinyl (Ambla), depending on the year of the car.

2. Series I Compatibility (3.8 vs. 4.2)

While the shell is the same, there are minor technical differences:

• 3.8L Models: Often featured simpler interior trimmings and were sometimes supplied in a contrasting color (like black) regardless of the car’s body color.

• 4.2L Models: The latches and interior vinyl textures were updated to match the more refined 4.2 cabin.

• Series 1.5: Hardtops from 1967–1968 transition toward the Series II style, often losing some of the earlier delicate chrome details in favor of more robust seals.

3. Market Value (2026 Data)

The market for these has reached an all-time high as “matching” accessories become a requirement for Concours-level E-Types.

4. Installation & Fitment Tips

If you are buying a hardtop for a car that didn’t originally have one, you will need the Mounting Kit:

1. A-Pillar Latches: Three standard over-center latches secure the front to the windshield.

2. B-Pillar Brackets: Two specialized triangular chrome brackets must be bolted to the car’s body (behind the doors) to accept the top’s side pins.

3. The “Deck Protector”: Never install the top without the BD21015 rear seal and, ideally, a strip of clear paint protection film (PPF) on the car’s rear deck to prevent the fiberglass from vibrating through the paint.

5. Identification: Genuine vs. Aftermarket

• Genuine: Has the distinct recessed “rain gutters” with chrome inserts and a heavy, multi-piece internal frame.

• Aftermarket (e.g., Parrish or Honeybourne): Usually lacks the complex chrome window trim and uses simplified rubber window seals. These are excellent for “drivers” but do not add the same investment value to the car.