Vehicle Description
1969 Jaguar XKE 2+2 Coupe
When the Ferrari FF was introduced in 2011, it was met with mixed
reviews. A Grand Touring car with four seats was a departure for
the sports car company and while some dubbed it's odd, shooting
brake shape as "the most beautiful super car of 2011," others
criticized it for sullying Ferrari purity. What does this have to
do with the Jaguar 2+2? In the same way the Ferrari became a
lightning rod of the purity debate, the 2+2 E-types suffer the same
fate. And just as FF's have a loyal and ardent fan base, so too do
the Jaguar 2+2's!
For consignment, a 1969 Jaguar XKE 2+2 coupe, midway through a
restoration and spent some time in dry Arizona along the way.
Here's one you can drive and take the kids, and a decent amount of
luggage or picnic baskets as well.
Exterior
Striking Carmen Red covers our car cleanly and accentuated by metal
trim that includes the pursed grille, headlight cove trim and
rings, the chrome bumpers, window frame, and a spear that extends
from the A-pillar to just beyond the B-pillar, broken only by the
door seam. The curved windshield is decidedly upright and starts
the greenhouse that is completed with large side windows over a
narrow body and a generous rear window on the side hinged hatch.
The C-pillar height on the 2+2 is taller, allowing headroom for
occupants of the smaller, rear seats. Ah, but that nose, classic
E-type elongation, power bulge, gently curved fender tops, louvered
hood, inset headlights over a wrap-around grin, retaining all of
the enduring beauty that consistently puts XKE's on lists of the
most beautiful cars ever produced. Chrome wire wheels are the real
deal here and could use some dedicated detailing to bring out their
true beauty and may require rechroming of one center hub. Other
imperfections on this cat include sizable paint chips on the hood,
a number of scratches, rust on the rocker panel, evidence of filler
in the door jamb along with evidence of filler repair in the
driver's rocker.
Interior
Simple tan leather door panels greet occupants and show some
separation of the door card on the driver's side and where the
leather wraps the door actuator depression on the passenger side.
The wide leather clad door sills could use some cleaning but are in
otherwise good condition. Stitched leather bucket seats are
inviting and tall, with curved backs and flat bottoms, the driver's
side showing a touch of wear on the entry point. Small low rear
seats mirror the pattern and look virtually untouched. The
beautiful wood rimmed steering wheel would benefit from restoration
and the cockpit-like dash panel has wonderful rows of gauges and
toggle switches while the primary gauges for the driver are large
and clear. An AM radio sits just ahead of the leather knobbed
shifter in a black leather boot on the tan leather center console
that's topped with an armrest and bordering the robust chrome
parking brake lever. The thick pile tan carpet is soiled on the
driver's side but is luxurious and clean on the passenger's
footwell. In the hatch, the floor and walls are lined in fine, tan
leather and the storage surface is dressed in aluminum slats that
continue on the back of the movable rear seat.
Drivetrain
Pulling the hood up from the cowl after releasing from inside the
cabin reveals the driver quality 4.2-liter DOHC inline 6 cylinder
rated at 245 horsepower and fueled by two rebuilt SU carburetors. A
4-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels and 3.54
gears while disc brakes are found front and rear.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath although the stainless steel mufflers and
chrome tips provide glimmering tidbits of cleanliness for the dual
exhaust. Surface rust is mostly reserved for the front cradle and a
build up of grease is observed on the wheel and suspension
components. Oil is noted on the rear differential, oil pan, and
transmission pan, and we note areas of overspray. A bit of invasive
and flaking rust is seen on a belly pan near a body mount and seems
to be isolated in this area. Torsion bar suspension is provided up
front while coil overs are equipped on the rear independent
suspension.
Drive-Ability
The inline six purrs to life and we look out over the long nose and
point it to the ramp to our test route. The car feels and sounds
wonderful and has noticeable power on tap. The brakes and other
important features all seem to work and our report notes the rear
tail lights and brake lights are not working and the heater blower
is not functioning.
Among the most revered classics, Jaguar E-types have enjoyed an
enthusiastic following and active club participation throughout the
world. 2+2's have seen an increase in interest as perhaps more
attainable members of XKE family, providing all of the classic
parts of the marque and adding an intriguing twist in body lines
and interior capacity.
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
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
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