Vehicle Description
When the time came for Jaguar to replace the aging XK-150, which
traced its roots back to 1948 with the XK-120, Jaguar boss Sir
William Lyons relied again on his proven strategy of applying
race-proven technology and exotic styling to a mass-market car to
keep costs in check. Lyons and his chief aerodynamicist Malcolm
Sayer worked together to design the new sports car, which employed
a semi-monocoque tub utilizing ingenious bolt-on front sub-frames
to support the engine and independent front suspension, inspired by
the Le Mans-winning D-Type. The new E-Type featured the inventive
modular independent rear suspension with inboard brakes, pioneered
on the Mk10. The E-type also boasted such exotic tech as four-wheel
disc brakes, torsion bar front suspension, and a 3.8-liter version
of the XK twin-cam inline six pumping out a startling 265
horsepower; numbers one would expect from a car costing twice as
much. Along with its impressive mechanical spec, the gorgeous body
was quite unlike anything ever seen before. Beautiful and
curvaceous yet with sporty aggression, the E-Type was a smashing
success from day one, stunning audiences at the 1961 Geneva Auto
Salon, and earning praise from the press, public, and fellow
automakers alike. An improved 4.2-liter version of the E-Type
superseded the 3.8 for the 1965 model year. Torque and flexibility
improved, and a new interior offered superior comfort. Soon,
increasingly strict safety and emissions regulations in the USA
forced Jaguar's hand to revise the E-Type again in late 1967.
Halfway through the model year, the covered headlamps of the
original design gave way to a new, safety-friendly open headlamp
design that carried over to the Series II, although the small
taillights of the first design remained. The shift to the
full-fledged Series II was gradual as Jaguar ran through their
stocks of parts and slowly adopted the new ones. Other differences
included the use of rocker switches in place of toggles and the
fitment of twin Stromberg carburetors in place of the triple SU
units for improved emissions. These interim cars are colloquially
known as "Series 1.5" (yet officially still the Series 1
4.2-liter), and interestingly, many of them differ from car to car
as Jaguar gradually introduced new parts. By late in 1968, the
Series II arrived, marking the end of the very short-lived Series
1.5. This 1968 E-Type Series 1.5 Open Two Seat roadster is a
US-market car, dispatched from the Jaguar works in Coventry on 28
December 1967. The subject of a comprehensive restoration completed
in 2018, it is beautifully presented in its original colors of
Carmen red over a black leather interior and black top. The
accompanying Heritage certificate shows it arrived via Jaguar Cars,
New York early in 1968 though little else is known of its initial
history. From the early 1980s, it lived in the Province of Ontario,
Canada, with records showing just two family owners between 1984
and 2003. In approximately 2008, the car was disassembled for a
meticulous restoration, documented in a series of photos. In 2014,
the restored and painted shell arrived at Autofarm Ltd, a British
car specialist shop in Monkton, Ontario, for assembly, a new
interior, and final fettling. Looking fresh and highly attractive,
this E-Type presents today in beautiful condition. The body is
exceptionally straight, and the notoriously tricky doors and bonnet
fit properly with even, consistent gaps. Paintwork in the original
Carmen red is excellent, with deep gloss and good quality
detailing. Brightwork consists of a mix of new bumpers and door
trims, with original door handles and other minor fittings. It
rides on a set of sparkling wire wheels supplied by MWS
International and fitted with black wall Vredestein Sprint Classic
radial tires. Like the body, the black interior is restored to a
high standard and appears quite fresh. Black leather on the seats
is taut, with virtually no creasing or signs of use. Proper,
factory-correct materials are used throughout the cabin and in the
boot, including the vinyl sills, Hardura top well, wool carpet,
door panels, and dash covering. With a late 1967 production date,
this car has rocker switches in place of the earlier-style toggles,
yet it still has all of the charm and appeal that makes an E-Type
feel so special from behind the wheel. Beneath the clamshell bonnet
sits the original, numbers-matching 4.2-liter XK engine, backed by
a four-speed manual gearbox. The presentation is outstanding, with
beautifully detailed chassis components and hardware. A trio of SU
carburetors replaced the troublesome emissions-era Zenith-Stromberg
units for improved reliability, performance, and road manners. For
the purist, the original carburetors and manifold are included in
the sale. Beyond the carburetor change, the engine is authentically
detailed, with correct ribbed cam covers, period-appropriate wiring
and plumbing, and gorgeous new porcelain-coated exhaust manifolds.
Looking underneath, the paint on the floors is nearly as lovely as
it is on top. Gloss black suspension components feature all new
hardware, and a polished Bell stainless steel exhaust system
delivers beautiful looks and a suitably throaty soundtrack. Fresh
from restoration and ready for enjoyment, this marvelous E-Type OTS
is ideally suited for touring, club events, and casual show. The
extensive restoration is thoroughly documented through hundreds of
digital photos, notes, and numerous receipts. In addition, a Jaguar
Daimler Heritage Trust certificate, owner's manual and original
carburetors accompany the sale. This E-Type is one of the best
examples of the Series 1.5 we have offered, freshly restored and
ready for enjoyment.
