1969 Jaguar E-Type Series II 4.2 Roadster

4,235cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Dual Stromberg 175 CD Carburetors
265bhp at 5,400rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

* Factory Black car over Tan Interior
* Matching numbers chassis, engine, and gearbox
* Meticulously restored and documented by marque Expert
* Accompanied by heritage certificate, owner's manual, restoration records

THE JAGUAR E-TYPE

The first significant up-grade of Jaguar's sensational E-Type sports car occurred in October 1964 with the launch of the 4.2-liter version. Along with the bigger, torquier engine came a more user-friendly gearbox with synchromesh on first gear, and a superior Lockheed brake servo. Apart from '4.2' badging, the car's external appearance was unchanged but under the skin there were numerous detail improvements.

These mainly concerned the cooling and electrical systems, the latter gaining an alternator and adopting the industry standard negative ground, while the interior boasted a matt black dashboard and improved seating arrangements. The top speed of around 240km/h remained unchanged, the main performance gain resulting from the larger engine being improved acceleration. Like its 3.8-liter forbear, the 4.2-liter E-Type was built in roadster and coupe forms, and in 1966 gained an additional 2+2 coupé variant on a 9" longer wheelbase.

Being described as "The most beautiful car" by Enzo Ferrari, the Jaguar E-type epitomized the glamour and excitement of the 60s. The E-Type became a "Must Have" accessory for the jet set like Princess Grace, Steve McQueen, Tony Curtiss, Charlton Heston, Frank Sinatra and many others.

In 1968 all three versions of the E-Type underwent major revision to comply with US safety and emissions legislation. Interior changes included a collapsible steering column and rocker switches in place of the earlier toggles. The primary exterior change was open headlights so the car could be seen from the side at night and to eliminate condensation that caused limited visibility and rust.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This beautiful roadster is a so-called 'Series 1.5' example, a desirable, factory-built transitional model combining an S1 bodyshell (minus covered headlights) with the larger, more powerful 4.2-liter XK six, improved gearbox, brakes, and other welcome upgrades of the S2.
Its matching-numbers engine and gearbox have been rebuilt and excluding a handful of tasteful and entirely functional reliability and performance upgrades, the car remains largely standard throughout.
This roadster displays very straight sheet metal and tight shut lines following bodywork performed as part of a larger restoration effort. Paint is a high-quality respray in the car's original factory code 9000 'Black', and knock-off wheels are paired with Bridgestone tires of an appropriate size and vintage look.
The rear end treatment is identical to that of standard S1 roadsters, including its elegant taillight design, though 4.2 script on the trunk lid leaves no doubt as to the car's S1.5 spec. Have there ever been a better set of exhaust pipes in the history of production cars than those fitted here?

Inside, Series 1.5 cars feature the revised switchgear and other detail changes of full Series 2 examples, and this example benefits from freshened upholstery on correct, headrest-less seats. Note the taught fit of the convertible top as well. Underneath, mechanical systems have undergone much work performed by noted Albuquerque, New Mexico-based marque specialist Dr. Jaguar, including full rebuilds of the matching-numbers engine and gearbox. Another welcome departure from standard specification includes a trio of SU HD8 carbs, a better-sounding, more responsive setup used on earlier 3.8 E-Types. This configuration replaces the twin Zenith-Stromberg's fitted to S1.5 cars as standard, and helps liberate more power from the wonderful twin-cam straight-six. Underpinnings including the suspension and braking systems have been fully gone-through.

The restoration remains quite sympathetic to original factory spec, with the exception of a few very welcome, tastefully executed reliability upgrades such as alloy heater and radiator cores. Electricals have been sorted, and the car is now claimed to be fully functional, including the beautiful and period-correct Blaupunkt radio.

Sale includes extensive restoration documentation, the aforementioned Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate, and the car is fully equipped with a factory tool kit and spare. It's believed that fewer than 2,500 Series 1.5 roadsters were ever made, and exclusively for U.S. and Canadian markets.