Vehicle Description
With the introduction of the Series II XKE, Jaguar ushered in a
host of refinements and improvements to ensure the model's
long-term success, particularly in the critical US market where new
safety and emissions regulations threatened the XKE's future.
Stylistically, the car featured a new bonnet with exposed
headlamps, larger side markers and rear lamps to appease
regulators, and an improved cockpit with more supportive seats and
updated switchgear. Emissions-friendly Stromberg carburetors
replaced the SUs of earlier cars, and the XKE (or E-Type, depending
on which side of the pond you resided) leaned a little further
toward comfortable GT and away from outright sports car. While
improving on the legendary original was bound to be difficult, the
Series II XKE rose to the occasion, offering near 150-mph
performance, with improved comfort and versatility. This 1969 XKE
fixed-head coupe is undoubtedly one of the best examples of a
Series II we've had the pleasure to offer. This beautiful Regency
Red coupe is a long-time California car which benefits from a
highly detailed restoration, with select improvements to enhance
drivability and performance. The Jaguar-Daimler Heritage
Certificate shows this car was originally finished in Willow Green
over black upholstery, and was completed on August 18, 1969. It was
delivered to an American customer via the factory, assigned a
temporary Coventry registration, UVC 623 H, and driven by the first
owner for an English holiday. It was then shipped to the first
owner's home in Northern California, where it remained for much of
its life, accruing some 40,000 miles in the process. The second
owner acquired it in the late 70s, and eventually disassembled the
car for a total restoration. It lingered as an on-again, off-again
project until work really got underway in the early 2000s. During
that time, the owner acquired a damaged 1970 coupe with just 17,000
miles, from which he took the drivetrain to fit to this car.
Completed in 2010, the outstanding restoration left no nut or bolt
unturned, done to a level rarely seen on the Series II. The shell
was completely stripped down and refinished in a period-correct
shade of Regency Red, and the cabin restored using correct black
leather and vinyl. Fit and finish are superb, with excellent
detailing, chrome, and brightwork. It rides on beautiful chrome
wire wheels with correct "safety" knock-offs and shod with period
correct Dunlop SP Sport radials. The cabin features black leather
seats and console, with factory-correct vinyl on the sills and
panels, and Wilton wool carpets. The cabin is in excellent order as
well, showing a bit of character in the form of some creasing and
light scuffing on the leather earned through regular use in most
recent ownership. Fittings include original instrumentation, a
period-style Moto-Lita steering wheel, correct-type radio, and the
all-important factory air conditioning. Mechanically, this car is
extremely well sorted, with heavy emphasis on long-distance touring
comfort. Aside from the factory A/C, it has been updated with a
5-speed all-synchro gearbox, fitted in conjunction with a 3.07:1
European spec rear differential for vastly improved high-speed
cruising ability. The low-mileage 4.2-liter engine runs strong and
is highly detailed, with authentic, factory-correct finishes and
fittings throughout the engine compartment. The car proved its
mettle by completing the Going to the Sun Rally in Montana without
a hitch. For many years, collectors overlooked the Series II XKE in
favor of the earlier models or the altogether different V12 Series
III, making meticulously restored examples such as this a rare
find. Today, the Series II has found a home among enthusiasts who
appreciate its balance of comfort, performance, value, and of
course, it's striking good looks. This superb coupe is an obvious
labor of love, and it is certain to reward drivers with many
pleasurable miles of Grand Touring. Offers welcome and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7359-1969-jaguar-xke-fhc/
