Vehicle Description
1969 Jaguar XKE 2+2 Coupe
There are car shows and then there are Concours d'Elegance
exhibitions. They date back to 17thcentury France when aristocrats
would gather to show off their horse carriages. That turned into
automobiles and today, Concours events are by invitation or
application and routinely present the best of the best, the finest,
most well preserved or flawlessly restored automobiles on planet
Earth.
For consignment, a consistent Concours d'Elegance winner, numbers
matching E-type, meticulously restored and maintained by one owner
for the past 32 years. Every part, nut and bolt were removed and
restored to original specifications and finish. Before retiring
from the show circuit five years ago it had garnered first place
awards at the Greenwich Concours, Meadowbrook, Radnor, and others
along with winning several Jaguar Clubs of North America honors.
The car will be accompanied by detailed records and receipts, the
Heritage Trust certificate and proper tools used for display.
Exterior
Miles deep black paint coats the flowing, legendary lines of this
big cat and almost appears like wet paint. Every bit of chrome and
brightwork is original to the car and has been worked to a mirror
finish or where historically correct, a matted sheen. The inset
headlights and gaping mouth at the front end of the long nose, is
iconic as it is epic and all in wonderful condition. The louvers on
the hood, a spot often missed during cleanings, is absolutely
spotless. The wire spoke wheels with Jaguar center caps are
impeccable as are the gaps on this car. The twin tailpipe extends
past the rear bumper present with blemish free chrome. It wasn't
easy finding imperfections but a small paint bubble on a wheel arch
was noted and some roughness is exposed under the clean rubber body
molding as at each point of its ends near the wheel arch.
Interior
The lap of luxury begins with Cinnamon leather, gently bathing the
door panels in a simple and sophisticated design. Step over the
wide, leather clad door sill and find yourself immersed in Cinnamon
bucket seats, finely stitched in even vertical lines, well padded
and curved. The back seats are small but also covered in luxurious
stitched leather. The rear seat back can be moved forward over the
bottoms to lengthen the rear with sculpted precision. The wood
steering wheel with brushed metal spokes is right at home in the
car and the E-type horn button is elegant, not something we
generally say about horn buttons. A large speedometer and
tachometer are straight ahead, and the remaining dashboard is a
visual and tactile pleasure for the senses. A myriad of gauges,
toggle switches that are plastic but robust, and a clock occupy the
center area, all looking like new. A row of thin vents lines the
dash and an AM/FM radio is also present. An array of colorful
warning lights in their own bezels monitor various conditions or
indicate flashers. From the dash we move down to the leather
covered center console where a stout automatic shifter sits in a
domed housing. The parking brake is fine polished metal and a
padded armrest is consistent with the interior quality. The rear
hatch opens on side mounted hinges and reveals a stunning leather
cargo area with polished aluminum slats evenly dispersed over the
length of the compartment and continuing on the back of the rear
seats, a subtle and tasteful design. The plush tan carpet on the
floors is in fine condition and the matching floor mats look barely
used. The headliner and pillar treatment are a soft, fleece like
material and are perfect.
Drivetrain
The numbers matching 4.2 liter DOHC inline 6 cylinder is in place,
rated at an astounding 246 horsepower and tied to the original Borg
Warner BW8 3-speed automatic transmission. Power is sent to the
rear wheels and 2.88 gears and is slowed by power disc brakes on
both ends. All of these items were fastidiously gone through and
rebuilt, and every minute and item of work has been documented. You
don't win Concours events with a dirty engine and true to form,
open the reverse hinged bonnet to reveal a gleaming work of art.
After documenting hundreds of muscle cars with aftermarket bling
under the hood, to see an original engine and how much polished
metal Jaguar utilized from the factory, is quite astounding and you
don't have to be an engineer for this powerplant to take your
breath away.
Undercarriage
Yes, stringent Concours judging requires a look underneath and this
E-type does not disappoint. Incredibly clean with only minor hints
of any usage, it mostly appears as if it just exited the Coventry
plant. In particular, the dual exhaust which flows into stock
mufflers, ends in a pair of chrome resonators followed by the
chrome tailpipes. They are mounted below a glossy black bottom
panel which is a showcase as impressive as the topside of this car.
Independent suspension with torsion bars are up front; we note the
A-arms are unpainted, forged metal and quite a sight as they
connect with the wheel and brake parts. The rear suspension is
comprised of coil overs.
Drive-Ability
Even seasoned classic car people can get the slight jitters when
Concours level cars are to be tested. The engine fired right up and
the big smooth six is sweet sounding. We point the long nose
towards our loop and accelerate with ease. The cat has claws but we
weren't about to show them. The long sweeping rear of the car
allows for good visibility and despite a slightly longer body than
the standard E-types, the car turns in beautifully and the brakes
work as new. We note some interior inoperable items including the
clock, the radio, and the low-speed wiper mode.
We don't know if this is the best 2+2 in the country, but we would
guess it's bloody well close. If you've ever dreamed of entering
Concours events, here's a turnkey opportunity. If you've always
wanted to add a pristine E-Type to your collection, and who
doesn't, then this fine automobile is worthy of your
consideration.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
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