Vehicle Description
The XKE series Jaguar was an instant success from the moment it
appeared on the automotive scene in 1961! Featuring monocoque
construction, 4-wheel independent suspension & disc brakes, and
rack & pinion steering. As each new generation was improved from
the last, it continued to offer more and more to buyers as the
premier luxury sports car from England! This included improved
brakes, better suspension, superior interior comfort, more
significant cooling, and bigger displacement engines! The Series II
came about in 1968 with wrap around rear bumper, larger
repositioned turn signals & taillights, larger grill opening with
twin electric fans for better cooling, open headlamps, redesigned
toggle switches on the dash, as well as twin Strombergs replacing
the triple SU's under the hood.
Offered here is a very clean 1969 Jaguar XKE Convertible finished
in Pale Primrose over Cinnamon interior with black vinyl soft top!
Powered by its original, number's matching drivetrain featuring the
4.2L Inline 6 DOHC engine and 4-speed fully synchromesh manual
transmission! Options include power disc brakes, wood steering
wheel & shift knob, telescoping steering column, 72-spoke chrome
wire spoke wheels wrapped in 185VR15 Michelin XVS radial tires,
outside mirror, aftermarket Audiovox AM/FM/Cassette radio with 4
matching speakers, windshield washers, tinted glass, Smiths
instrumentation, and chrome-tipped exhaust!
This special XKE sold new to a southern California owner, Earl
Cole, who would have the car's color changed early on from Sable
Brown to Pale Primrose, a color he preferred. It would remain in
his care before selling to a career military officer stationed in
San Diego in December 1974. The Jaguar would never change hands
again for another 49 years! This new owner would take it with him
to his base in Hawaii in November 1985 thru 1992, then transition
to the Washington D.C. area that fall until 1995. While in
Washington D.C. in 1993, the car would receive its first
recommended engine overhaul to update the valve guides with a full
valve job, new head studs, along with new pistons/rings, all new
bearings/gaskets, new water pump, etc. While the engine and
transmission were out, it would receive a new repaint to the body
and chassis components. After just a few hundred miles of
enjoyment, the Jaguar would stay in storage for some time, then
make another move with the family to Cary, NC.
It continued to be driven sparingly due to busy schedules, then
travel to Paducah, KY in 1995 where they planned to spend their
retirement. It would be purchases by the St. Louis Car Museum in
March 2023. Prior to our ownership in December 2020, this car was
shipped to Le Stable in Glen Carbon, IL, a prominent Midwest Jaguar
restoration facility, for a complete refresh of the entire fuel
system, suspension, and brakes since it had been off the road for
much of its later years. This included flushing the fuel tank,
rebuilding all three SU carburetors, new choke components, new fuel
filter & sump screen, fuel pump & lines, new air filters, spark
plugs & wires, clutch slave cylinder, brake reservoir cap with
switch, new rear shocks, lower radiator hoses, thermostat, new
tires, and fresh fluids throughout. The engine is stated to have
less than 500 miles on it since the former overhaul, and it
continues to perform exceptionally well after recent tuning from
LeStable in March. Cosmetically, the door panels and convertible
top were just replaced along with some various rubber components
like the hood and boot seals.
It presents as an honest, original driver today. The paint isn't
perfect, just like the interior shows some wear. Although, its
garage kept care has lent to the solid structure with no accident
history. Moreover, the triple SU carb upgrade and professional
servicing have made the car terrific fun to drive today without
worry of adding to the patina! A car to enjoy for sure! Please call
with any question or to schedule a chance to review in person.
Thanks as always for looking!