1968 Series 1.5 E-Type OTS
The Series 1.5 takes a lot of the style of the Series 1 and melds it with the Series 2, the small grill opening, the small tail lights mounted over the smaller bumpers, although uncovered, the headlights sit further back in the bonnet than the Series 2, these are just some of the blending of the two series.
This particular Series 1.5 has quite the story.
It is a 2 owner car. The first owner gave it to the current owner back in 1979 as part of a business deal. The car was in need of some work, as it had suffered a ding upfront that affected the bonnet and the sub-frame assembly and had been sitting for a while.
The current owner, not having the funds at that time to perform the work, tucked her into a rental garage, where it sat for roughly 10 years, until the garage was sold. The car was moved to another garage, when that too was no longer available (several years later), the owner decided to get her restored. He brought her over to a local restoration shop that was fairly well known in the central CT area. The car was disassembled and the restoration began. Unfortunately, disorganization and a drug problem of the shop owner, sidetracked the build. Legal battles kept the car stuck at the shop, in pieces. Eventually the owner of this Jaguar was contacted by someone who purchased the building and demanded payment to get the car back. The current owner begrudgingly agreed to the price. All the bits were picked up and moved to another restoration shop. At this time he was made aware that the original sub-frame, bonnet and engine had been replaced (word has it that the original engine was badly cracked and non-repairable).
The new restoration shop got to work. The engine is within a couple hundred numbers of the original, as is the number on the sub-frame assembly, but they do not match the numbers on the tag. The body numbers do.
The interior was completely redone in black leather, the body repainted in what they were told is Signal Red, whereas the original color appears to be Carmen Red, based on photos.
The engine was completely rebuilt as was every other component on the car, bushings, brakes, bearings... everything. The car was built to be driven so the restoration was not done to JCNA Concours specifications, so things like hose clamps and such may not be "concours correct" However, she can certainly win at any non sanctioned show.
The car is stunning!
In the 2014, the current owner (who is now into his 90's) took the car to a couple British Car shows and drove her quite a bit along the eastern coast of CT, thoroughly enjoying her drive, but not enjoying the entry and egress.
With less than 1000 miles on the car from her "rebirth", in 2016, he brought the car back to the shop that restored her and asked that they handle the sale of her. 5 years later the car remained unsold, as they only kept the car in their showroom and didn't advertise her anywhere. She was started and driven occasionally.
The car has just been gone through, had the oil changed and all systems checked and she is ready for her new owner.
The 4.2L inline 6 engine, although armed with the twin Stromburgs of a later Series 2, pulls very strong and starts easily and runs and drives wonderfully. The 4 speed manual shifts very easily, the 4 wheel disc brakes stop her surely.
The new cloth top will protect you from the elements. The leather seats will hold you comfortably. All the electrics, lights, wipers, horn, heat/fan, etc work correctly.
This car is in essence a new car, with test drive miles on it.
She is ready for a driving tour, the show circuit and especially the road.
Very easily a #1 condition car.
Asking price on this now purring Cat is $95,000
Any questions, for many more photos and video, to arrange a time to see her in person or to make an offer, please don't hesitate to contact me.
