Jaguar E-Type

1968
Jaguar E-Type
1968 Jaguar Restored E Type Series 1.5 2+2

Description:

Engine : 4.2 Liter DOHC Inline 6
Body Style: Coupe
Miles :50251
Stock #132007
Interior Color: Saddle
Exterior Color : Black
Certified Price:  $29,900


I don’t think I’ll get many arguments when I say that the Jaguar E-Type has to be one of the most beautiful cars ever conceived by the mind of man. The design is fifty years old now, and still looks timeless and elegant go ahead and compare it to, say, a 1959 Cadillac and see which one has aged more gracefully. Along the way, the E-Type evolved slightly, getting more reliable, more comfortable, and, Heaven help me, even more practical. Witness this gorgeous black 1968 4.2 2+2: a powerful, reliable engine, an automatic transmission, and a spacious cockpit with two additional seats in back for occasional use or a positively huge cargo bay. Oh, yeah, it has also been restored and is one heck of a solid running, driving Jag that you can probably use every day.

The 2+2 version of the coupe was added in 1966. The body is 9 in (229 mm) longer and the roof angles are different with a more vertical windscreen. There was a transitional series of cars built in 1967-68, unofficially called “Series 1½”, which are externally similar to Series 1 cars. Due to American pressure the new features were open headlights, a collapsible steering column, and safety dashboard “rocker” switches for US models. Some Series 1½ cars, such as the one shown here, also have twin cooling fans and adjustable seat backs.

I think maybe only British Racing Green can look better than black on an Ectypes lean sheet metal, but only if you’re a real Anglophile. The bodywork on this car was expertly done when the car was restored some years ago, and does show some signs of use today, but what I’m really seeing is that someone really cared about this car and took incredible care of it. You know that if you build a black car, you need to make it straight, and that’s especially difficult on a car full of complex curves like this Jag. The great condition suggests first that the car was very straight to begin with and second, that the workmanship was very good. As I said, I’m seeing some signs of age on the restoration, and of course the car has been driven a little bit, but the fact that it still looks this good is testament to quality work and excellent care.

Chrome and other trim are good, and look correct for the age of the restoration. It was all done to a very high standard several years ago, like the paint, and has been very well maintained ever since. The Series 1.5 cars lost the glass covers over the headlights, but everything else remained the same, so the net result is a better functioning set of headlights that still look spectacular, especially with their chrome buckets and surrounds that lead into the chrome strips that run the length of the front fender. The grille is in excellent condition, and out back, the bumpers fit flush to the body. Lenses are good all-around except for a small crack in the passenger’s side front parking light, but most folks would never notice it. The windshield is unmarked, and dig the triple windshield wipers for wiping that tall expanse of glass! Too cool to watch.

Under that long bonnet (that’s hood to us Americans), this E-Type carries a 4.2 liter inline six. The first reflection of the American influence was the introduction of a bigger engine in 1964. Based on the familiar XK engine, it had re-spaced cylinder bores that allowed it to be expanded from 3,781 cc (231 cu. in.) to 4,235 cc (258 cu. in.). The 4.2 had about 10% more torque than before, making it better suited for lugging in American-style traffic and it is an excellent power plant in front of the 3-speed automatic transmission. Rebuilt several years ago when the car was restored, it runs extremely well today. It shows none of the fussiness that you might expect a Jaguar with multiple carburetors to exhibit, and I would wager that this car is daily-driver reliable. The two Stromberg carburetors aren’t tricky or complicated, and do their job without drawing any attention to themselves, and look good doing it. You’ll notice that a Crane aftermarket ignition system has been added for reliability and performance, but everything else is as the factory intended. Clearly the car has been driven and enjoyed, but that also means that it is fully sorted and turn-key ready, too. All the polished aluminum bits, from the cam covers to the intake manifold, have a lovely patina that I think looks so much better than a mirror polished finish. Also notice the dual cooling fans up front, which were designed to cure the overheating issues that some early cars suffered when subjected to American city-style traffic conditions (the aftermarket and any restorer worth his salt have pretty much cured all the E’s overheating issues today). 4.2s benefit from a proper alternator, which ensures reliable electricity no “Lucas, Prince of Darkness” jokes need apply to this black cat.

Jaguar fans will be asking about the front subframes on this car, and I can assure them that they have been restored and are structurally sound in every way. You’ll also notice correct Koni shocks at all four corners, giving this E-Type a distinctly sporting feel on the road. The automatic transmission, a Borg Warner 3-speed unit, works properly and is surprisingly quick to shift and it isn’t nearly the handicap that most people imagine, and I think I prefer it to some of the downright horrible manual transmissions offered in certain E-Types. The rear suspension has been recently disassembled and detailed, and shows extremely well with dual Konis and coil-overs on each side. Floors are solid, with the original undercoating still intact and undisturbed. The exhaust seems to be a mixture of original and replacement parts, and the system sounds great. There are disc brakes all around, including the famous inboard-mounted rear discs as part of the fully independent rear end. Wheels are, of course, gorgeous chrome wire wheels with knock-off centers wearing 205/70/15 Pirelli P4000 radials.

The interior is a beautiful oasis of tan leather done as only the British can do it. Originally red, the restorer chose tan leather when it was time to restore the car, and the black-on-tan combination is stunning. The seats sport fresh leather covers over the original frames, and the pattern is correct. The carpets are also new, and the Series 1.5 cars switched from aluminum trim inside to more leather and vinyl for a softer, more comfortable feel. The headliner, door panels, and cargo bay feature more new materials in tan, although plastic and vinyl items like the door surrounds have been painted to match and in places reveal the original red color. The dash is very presentable, with bright clear gauges and an excellent pad with no indication of UV damage. The steering wheel is all-original with no cracks or damage, and the spokes and horn button look exactly appropriate in the car. The trunk compartment shows well and features a spare chrome knock-off wheel along with a correct jack and wrench.

And you’re in luck here: this Jag has a ton of paperwork, too. Restoration receipts? We have them, including one for more than $21,000 for the paint and bodywork. There are invoices for the mechanical restoration, as well. There are also several envelopes full of restoration photo showing many of the components before, during, and after the restoration. And at the AACA Ohio Region Stan Hywet Meet, this car scored 88 out of 100 points in judged competition. Finally, a new car cover in an unopened box is included with the sale.

The problem with E-Type Jaguars is that they’re either question marks with a ton of hidden issues, or they are near-6-figure show queens. Getting a clean, drivable, reliable car with no issues is tougher than it sounds. Well, here’s a gorgeous black one that is ready to drive and enjoy. These are very contemporary-feeling cars on the road, they’re reliable and easily keep up with modern traffic and with the 2+2 body style and they’re surprisingly practical, too. You’ll be treated like an A-list celebrity whenever you pull up to the valet in one of these, and anywhere you go, every eye will be on you. They are accepted at virtually any car show you’ll care to attend, and there’s nobody in the world who doesn’t know what it is there isn’t a car this recognizable this side of a 1957 Chevy. Think about it if you’re looking for a great fair-weather driver, you could have this beautiful vintage Jag or a Mazda Miata. Yeah, I know which one I’d rather drive.

Specifications:
Basic
Year
1968
Make
Jaguar
Secondary Make
n/a
Model Name
E-Type
Secondary Model
n/a
Vehicle Type
Passenger Car
Hobby Segment
Sports Car
Mileage
50251
Engine / Transmission
Engine Type
Gasoline
Engine Size
4.2 Liter DOHC Inline 6
Engine Number
n/a
Fuel Specification
n/a
Fuel Delivery System Type
n/a
Transmission Type
3 Speed Automatic
Transmission Spec
n/a
Transmission Number
n/a
Misc
Entertainment System Type
n/a
Battery Location
n/a
Battery Shut Off
n/a
Battery Charger
n/a
Interior
Interior Color
Saddle
Seating Type
Bucket
Seat Material
Leather
Shifter Type
Floor
Center Console
Yes
Body
Body Style
Coupe
Doors
2
Body Color
n/a
Paint Type
n/a
Stripes
No
Chassis
Front Suspension Type
n/a
Rear Suspension Type
n/a
Axle Specification
n/a
Front Wheel Specification
n/a
Rear Wheel Specification
n/a
Front Tire Specification
n/a
Rear Tire Specification
n/a
Front Brakes Specification
n/a
Rear Brakes Specification
n/a
Spare
n/a
Exhaust Type
n/a
Muffler Type
n/a
History
Restoration Status
n/a
Mileage Since Restoration
n/a
Awards Summary
n/a
Historical Documents Summary
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