Vehicle Description
1969 Jaguar XKE Roadster
The Jaguar E-Type, for the North American market, is a British
sports car that was manufactured by Jaguar Cars Ltd between 1961
and 1975. Its combination of beauty, high performance, and
competitive pricing established the model as an icon of the
motoring world. The E-Type with 150 mph top speed, sub-7-second 0
to 60 mph acceleration, monocoque construction, disc brakes,
rack-and-pinion steering, and independent front and rear suspension
distinguished the car and spurred industry-wide changes. The E-Type
was based on Jaguar's D-Type racing car, which had won the 24 Hours
of Le Mans three consecutive years beginning in 1955, and employed
what was, for the early 1960's, a novel racing design principle,
with a front subframe carrying the engine, front suspension and
front bodywork bolted directly to the body tub. No ladder frame
chassis, as was common at the time, was needed and as such the
first cars weighed only 2900lb.
Few automotive brands can match Jaguar when it comes to consistency
in design. From the E-type forward, long wheelbase platforms with
elongated noses and short rear overhangs became the company's
signature look. This XKE stays true to that formula, with sleek
body lines that have been carefully maintained, after benefitting
from some restoration through the years. For consignment after 46
years of ownership, this always garage kept and covered curvaceous
"crumpet catcher" with a DOHC 6-cylinder, sexy leather interior,
and an instant converted drop top from top up, and you are Austin
Powers all over again...Yeah Baby!
Exterior
Signs of prior bodywork, as stated by our consignor, are slightly
evident in the cracked and checked respray of Pale Primrose that
bathes the steel body of this sporty Brit. It still retains its
shine, and the steel panels retain their consistent gaps. Nice thin
wrap-around bumpers are in very good condition adorn the front and
rear and the pesky government hasn't intervened yet with their
mandated 5mph crash bumpers. A side view is candy for the eyes as
the line in this car is unmatched. On top, a black vinyl roof is on
that presents with a heavily yellowed rear plastic window, a few
small tears and some seam separation. 15-inch chrome wire wheels
with knock off Jaguar badged center hubs are wrapped with older
185R15 thin red stripe rubber, (no Avons here). No visible rust,
just beautiful lines accentuated by near perfect chromed
trimmings.
Interior
Jaguar hit the mark on this interior, making use of fine leathers
and interior surfaces just as original and our consignor has kept
it that way. Two nearly pristine buckets, recovered not long after
our consignor purchased the car, sit in a spacious driver and
passenger compartment, and are backed by a large carpeted storage
area, which also doubles as top storage when the roof is lowered.
These buckets are finished in a tan tuck and roll leather with
smooth bolsters. The leather remains crack free but there is some
wear noted on the driver's upper outside facing bolster. Fronting
the buckets is a pristine black leather padded dash, which is
peppered with various Smiths gauges, toggle switches, and sliders
for cool air, fan speeds, and lighting. A matching leather center
console rises to the dash and contains the obligatory ashtray as
well as the shifter and chrome parking brake handle. Noted is a
cigar lighter just above the aftermarket AM/FM/Cassette player, as
smoking those "fags" is so pedestrian! Tan carpeting covers the
floors and is protected by Coco style floor mats. Of note, a few
spots of heavy rust are seen in the rear of each of the door
jambs.
Drivetrain
Pulling the bonnet forward we can reveal the entire engine bay and
front suspension and have unlimited access to all areas. Neatly
inside the patinaed engine bay is an original 4.2 Liter DOHC inline
6 cylinder, which is fed by 2 Stromberg carburetors and is capable
of making 245hp. An original 4-speed manual transmission is on
back, and the rear axle sports 3.54 gears. Surfaces display a nice
patina and light surface rust with light corrosion.
Undercarriage
Looking good underneath with rust free components, and nice
straight steel frame and floor pans. There is some rust beginning
on the pinch weld area of both rocker panels and surface rust is
noted on some suspension and braking parts but all else is coated
in a liberal application of black undercoating. Independent coil
spring suspension is all around with the rear being a quad coilover
set up, as are disc brakes. A dual exhaust is seen and has some
surface rust but remains solid and leak free.
Drive-Ability
I'm a sucker for anything British so of course I had my hand in the
air to test drive this beauty, and I was totally satisfied upon my
return from the test track. After a full choke start, and half
choke warmup, it ran just beautifully, with loads of top end power,
nice ride, and good cornering. The inline 6 cylinder has a sound
like no other, and it was definitely a head turner. Nearly like
driving a piece of sculpture, a very pleasant overall
experience.
One of the most desirable cars when the first version came out in
the early 1960's that were based on the late 50's Jaguar race car
designs, this car was instantly wildly successful. We are fortunate
to have examples like this still around like this one, that can be
driven and enjoyed. A true rolling example of automotive art right
here in our Hallowed Halls!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
