Vehicle Description
1970 Jaguar XKE Roadster
The iconic Jaguar E-Type has a long history, with three series of
the car produced over a period of 15 years. The British sports car
was reputedly named the "most beautiful car in the world" by none
other than Enzo Ferrari and is often considered to be one of, if
not the greatest, sports car of all time. The first ever E-Type
Jaguar was the product of dedicated development at the hands of the
Jaguar racing team following the D-Types iconic success at the Le
Mans 24 hour race in the previous decade. The car was first
displayed to the press on 15 March 1961 to an unbelievable level of
excitement, giving birth to a true automotive icon - but it almost
wasn't to be. Such was the demand for road tests from the British
media that the E-Type scheduled for Geneva was still on UK shores
on the evening of 14 March 1961. So, in fittingly dramatic style,
Jaguar executive Bob Berry drove the car flat-out from the factory
in Coventry all the way to the Parc des Eaux-Vives in Geneva -
arriving just 20 minutes before the car was to be revealed to the
world. Of course, 20 minutes later, pandemonium ensued. The car was
revolutionary in many ways, but it was the stylish and iconic
bodywork that set it apart from the rest of the cars currently in
production. It also featured faired-in headlights and a centred
twin exhaust, which was different to all other production models at
the time. Rumour has it that Enzo Ferrari called it "the most
beautiful car ever made" when it was released. It wasn't just the
looks that impressed many about the Jaguar E-Type and made it one
of the most desirable cars in production, though. The launch price
of the car was around £2,250, comparatively valued at £38,000 in
today's money, which made it surprisingly more affordable than many
other sports cars. Although the same can't be said for the cost of
the Jaguar E-Type today, as its iconic history has made it an
expensive vintage on the modern market. -Thx To Etypeuk.com
For consignment, shades of Austin Powers in the form of this very
recognizable British Automobile, the XKE Jaguar. Treated to a full
on restoration of this 46,131 title verified original mile rust
free car in 2007 then bathed in the correct Pale Primrose Yellow
this car falls into the driver quality plus condition. With its
Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate and all the correct numbers
throughout, you will be hard pressed to find a better example that
you can drive without fear of ruining things. Add in the optional
factory hardtop, factory AC, the original tonneau cover, tire jack,
tools and tool roll as well as a reproduction owners and
maintenance manual you'll be tooling about in high style
governor...aye what?
Exterior
Jaguar motors nailed it when they penned this design which utilizes
a long long bulbous bonnet, curvaceous fenders which wrap chrome
wire knockoff wheels, and a curved to a pinched boot, framed by a
chrome wrap around bumper. These bumpers are pre large rubber
government mandated crash pads so they look great. The paint on
this car is very good with only a few minor inclusions and dings.
This is due to the 2007 restoration that took the rust free body
down to bare metal, all panels repaired and some prior accident
damage fixed on the passengers rear quarter panel. This has left us
with a wonderfully consistent miles deep finish. The chrome and
badging are all original as well as trim is all gleaming and nary
any faults. Convertible top is very nicely preserved, and presents
in a slightly faded black canvas with a lightly yellowed plastic
window. A black tonneau cover wraps up the top nicely when it is in
the down position and a rarely seen factory Pale Primrose Yellow
hardtop can be installed for inclement weather driving. Chromed
15-inch wire wheels with knockoff hubs are seen on all 4 corners
and these are wrapped in 205/70R15's in the front and 195/75R15 in
the rear. No more Avons!!
Interior
Yards of mostly original black leather cover the bomber style with
headrests, bucket seats, door panels, and dash top, and it's all
very nice. The dash is peppered with numerous Smiths gauges, and a
full lineup of toggle switches. An original wood steering wheel
fronts the dash, which holds the factory AM/FM radio as well as the
controls for the rarely seen factory air conditioning. Racing
between the seats, a recovered with replaced Hardura matting
console holds the ash receptacle and chrome and black shift lever.
Black carpet in very nice condition is covering the floor and small
rear stowage area. The trunk is nearly perfect and covered in tan
vinyl and holding the tool rolls with no damage here.
Drivetrain
A flip forward of the bonnet reveals the factory original 4.2 liter
DOHC Inline 6 cylinder, and the original dual Su carbs. The
original 4-speed manual transmission is attached. The rear axle is
a 3.54 version. A nice and clean well maintained mill and with a
lightly patinaed engine bay looking all good.
Undercarriage
All clean and shiny underneath, reworked, and very clean
independent torsion bar front suspension, and independent coil
overs for the back. Disc brakes reside on all 4 corners and factory
style dual exhaust is on the for exhale. No structural problems,
and a very sturdy and clean frame.
Drive-Ability
As expected because it has been maintained and as a result of this
and the rebuild, along with years of careful maintenance, this car
started and ran flawlessly, had a nice throaty exhaust sound, and
all the controls worked save for the horn not honking and the brake
lights not illuminating. A wonderful driver and fantastic handling
for this king of the British sports car lineup, and British
Leyland's finest creation.
A beautiful example with a wonderful restoration indeed, all
wrapped up in Primrose Yellow and black leather which all retain
their original luster. A nicely aged engine bay, great suspension,
and solid brakes. A nice find if you are in the market for some
shag-a-licious Jaguar iconic British design prior to the rubber
bumper era. I want a Jagwah!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
