1968 Jaguar E-Type Series II Roadster

• Comprehensively restored
• Original colour combination
• Registered in France

Introduced in 3.8-litre form in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type caused a sensation when it appeared, with instantly classic lines and 150mph top speed. Its design owed much to that of the racing D-Type: a monocoque tub forming the main structure while a tubular spaceframe extended forwards to support the engine. The latter was the 3.8-litre, triple-carburettor, 'S' unit first offered as an option on the XK150. An optimistic 265bhp was claimed, but whatever the installed horsepower, the E-Type's performance did not disappoint; firstly, because it weighed around 227kg less than the XK150 and secondly because aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer used experience gained with the D-Type to create one of the most elegant and efficient shapes ever to grace a motor car. The first major upgrade did not appear until 1965 when the 4.2-litre version arrived boasting a more user-friendly gearbox with synchromesh on first gear alongside the bigger, torquier engine.

Proposed changes in United States automobile legislation would eventually result in the revised Series 2, announced in October 1968, though modifications began to be phased in during 1967. Externally the Series 2 was readily identifiable by its larger sidelights, raised bumpers, deleted headlight covers, twin reversing lights and square rear number plate, while the interior was revised with rocker-type dashboard switches, new seats and a collapsible steering column. Beneath the skin, Ad-West power steering, Girling brake callipers and an up-rated radiator were among the many Series 2 mechanical improvements.

Today, the E-Type's graceful lines live on in modern Jaguar sports cars, and there can be little doubt that William Lyons' sublime creation would feature in any knowledgeable enthusiast's 'Top Ten' of the world's most beautiful cars of all time; indeed, even Enzo Ferrari felt obliged to concede that the E-type was 'the most beautiful car ever made'.

This left-hand-drive Series 2 roadster was delivered new to British Leyland in New York City, USA and, according to its owner, is believed to have had only one owner from 1969 to 2015 when it passed to the current vendor. The accompanying Jaguar Heritage Certificate confirms that the car was originally finished in black with matching leather interior trim and soft-top, just as it is today. Since its acquisition by our vendor in 2015 the E-Type has been comprehensively refurbished, the body restored and repainted; the engine overhauled and tuned; and the soft-top renewed. All of these works were carried out by Classic Cars Company, the specialist in British cars based in Normandy, and the related invoices are on file together with French registration papers and the aforementioned Jaguar Heritage Certificate.