HISTORY OF THE SERIES II E-TYPE:
Considered by many to be the quintessential British sports car, the
Jaguar E-Type caused a sensation upon its unveiling in 1961. Its
breathtaking styling drew admirers from every corner of the world -
even Enzo Ferrari called it "the most beautiful car ever made."
Beneath the elegant bodywork was a thoroughly modern machine,
featuring rack-and-pinion steering, fully independent suspension,
and four-wheel disc brakes with inboard-mounted rears. Powered by
the proven XK engine, the E-Type offered a blend of beauty and
performance that was years ahead of its time.
The Series II, introduced in 1968, carried this legacy forward with
a larger grille opening for improved cooling, refined interior
details, and the robust 4.2-litre XK engine producing over 240hp in
U.S. specification. With its stylish lines, strong performance, and
continual improvements, the Series II quickly became a highly
desirable evolution of Jaguar's most iconic sports car.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED:
The 1969 Jaguar E-Type Series II Open Two-Seater offered here is
finished in its factory-correct combination of Signal Red over
Black Leather with a matching Black convertible top. According to
its Jaguar-Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, chassis no. 1R8049
was completed at Coventry on December 19, 1968, and dispatched to
British Leyland New York the following January.
The car's earliest history remains undocumented, but in 1999 it was
purchased by its most recent long-term owner from a resident of
Pomona, California. At that time, it displayed just over 40,000
miles. The California owner reportedly stated that the
numbers-matching 4.2-litre XK engine had been rebuilt in the early
1990s with fewer than 5,000 miles since. In 2023, after many years
of storage, the E-Type was entrusted to IT'S ALIVE! to be brought
back to roadworthy condition.
A careful inspection confirmed the car was free of rust or rot,
supporting the claim of long-term California ownership. Both the
engine and body number tags matched the Jaguar-Daimler Heritage
Trust Certificate, verifying its originality. Our specialists
performed an extensive mechanical recommissioning, including a
complete fuel system overhaul with new lines, hoses, and a
restored, lined fuel tank. The braking system was rebuilt with new
front calipers, rotors, pads, hoses, master cylinder, and brake
servo assembly. Additional work included new engine mounts and
various electrical components. After this, the E-Type returned to
the road for the first time in nearly a decade.
Although thrilled to have the car running once more, the previous
owner decided the scope of cosmetic restoration was more than he
wished to pursue. Recognizing the car's outstanding potential, IT'S
ALIVE! acquired the Jaguar to complete its restoration
in-house.
The car was fully stripped of trim, glass, and brightwork in
preparation for a professional respray in its original Signal Red.
Reassembly included new windshield glass, fresh weatherstripping,
and new rubber seals throughout. Exterior brightwork was either
re-plated or replaced, including bumpers, wiper arms, blades, and
window trim.
Inside, the cabin was carefully refreshed using materials sourced
from Muncie Imports & Classics. The seats were re-trimmed in new
black leather with fresh foam, accompanied by a new center console
covering, carpets, sill covers, and cargo-area inserts. The
original wood-rimmed steering wheel was restored, while authentic
details such as the original 1968-dated KANGOL seatbelts were
retained. A new black vinyl convertible top and matching boot
complete the presentation, ensuring the car looks its best whether
the top is raised or lowered.
Today, chassis 1R8049 presents as a fully restored Series II E-Type
Open Two-Seater, with over $50,000 invested in mechanical and
cosmetic work by IT'S ALIVE! It is offered with its Heritage
Certificate, original components, and thoughtful upgrades such as
new Coker 185R15 Redline tires mounted on 72-spoke chrome wire
wheels. During a recent test drive, IT'S ALIVE! owner Jeff Homsher
praised the car, noting it performed "flawlessly."
We are proud to present this low-mileage, numbers-matching E-Type
in its striking factory-correct colors - a standout example of
Jaguar's most iconic sports car. To arrange your inspection or test
drive, please contact us at (314) 710-6600 or email
[email protected]
