Vehicle Description
The Jaguar E-Type is one of a select group of automobiles to earn
instant-icon status from the moment the public first laid eyes on
it. The Citroen DS, BMC Mini, and Ford Mustang are among those few
that caused as much of a sensation as the E-Type did at its public
unveiling at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show. Like the XK-series before
it, the E-Type combined gorgeous looks, race-bred technology, and
high performance in a relatively affordable, mass-produced package.
Starting with the earliest 3.8-liter "flat floor" models of 1961,
the E-Type evolved gradually through its first six years on the
market, with the most significant change coming with the 4.2-liter
engine in October 1964. Increasingly strict safety and emissions
standards coming out of Jaguar's biggest market, the USA, meant
more substantial changes to the iconic original design would be
necessary. Between mid-1967 and mid-1968, Jaguar gradually adopted
several changes brought on by new regulations, resulting in the
interim "Series 1.5" models. These cars had a redesigned front end
with open headlamps, new interior features, and emissions-friendly
Zenith Stromberg carburetors in place of SUs. It wasn't until later
in the 1968 model year that the full-fledged Series II appeared.
Still unmistakable as an E-Type, the Series 2 now had modernized
and more cohesive styling compared to the S 1.5. Most notable was a
new full-width rear bumper with larger rectangular taillights
integrated below. The open headlamps carried over, and exterior
lamps were enlarged to meet new requirements. Knock off wheels now
had pedestrian-friendly non-ear spinners, and the interior featured
a host of improvements including new seats and a row of rocker
switches in place of the toggles of the early cars. The suspension
was mostly unchanged, and the engine utilized the twin Zenith
carburetors introduced previously. Improvements to the brakes and
cooling and available factory air conditioning made the Series 2
the most practical and driver-friendly E-Type to date. Today's
Jaguar aficionados have renewed enthusiasm for the Series 2 as it
is one of the most user-friendly and best driving of the
six-cylinder models, while still retaining the beautiful
proportions and style that made the E-Type such a legend. Presented
in a handsome livery of Regency Red over a Biscuit interior, this
1970 E-Type Fixed Head Coupe is a beautiful example that has
enjoyed regular care and use in the hands of its recent owner. This
numbers-matching Series 2 coupe is very well-sorted, with records
showing extensive recent servicing to ensure it is road-ready. It
wears a high-quality respray in the factory-offered shade of
Regency Red, which remains in excellent condition. The paintwork is
beautiful, and the body shows proper alignment and fit. The
original brightwork is quite attractive and well-matched to this
car's road-ready nature while showing some light hazing and polish
marks in the finish. Chrome wire wheels are in similarly fine
condition, with correct "easy clean" hub centers and non-eared
spinners. The wheels wear period-correct 185 VR15 Blockley radials
with plenty of tread left. Lights, lenses, and body fittings are
all in excellent order. The two-seat cockpit, trimmed in
correct-type biscuit leather and vinyl, is in excellent condition
with recently rebuilt seats featuring new foams. Jaguar improved
the seat design for the Series 2, adding adjustable headrests and
reclining backrests that better accommodate taller drivers and
allow for superior long-distance comfort. The telescoping column
carries over from the earlier cars, as does the gorgeous
three-spoke wood-rimmed steering wheel. Original instruments and
switchgear of this car are in good condition, and the biscuit
carpets are excellent. Thanks to those redesigned seats and the
generous cargo area, the Series 2 Fixed Head is a superb grand
touring car. It offers plenty of luggage space for a weekend
getaway or a trip to the shops, with easy access through the
signature side-hinged hatch. Beneath the upholstered load floor
rests the spare wheel and a restored original-style jack in the
proper black Hardura bag. Thanks to consistent use and maintenance,
this E-Type performs superbly on the road. Recent mechanical work
includes a new brake servo and master cylinder, new pinion seal,
new parking brake pads, clutch slave cylinder, ball joints as
needed, and rebuilt carburetors. The 4.2-liter inline-six presents
in excellent condition, appearing clean and properly detailed with
the correct ribbed cam covers, and new brake fluid reservoirs and
heat shield. In 2018, the local chapter of the JCNA used this car
as a teaching guide for a concours judging clinic, and it scored an
impressive 9.9 points in the "Driven" category (the equivalent to a
99-point score for full concours cars). On-the-button and ready to
drive, this highly attractive and well-sorted E-Type fixed head
coupe is sure to reward its next caretaker with many more years of
grand touring in style.
