Vehicle Description
1969 Jaguar XKE Series II Roadster
Enzo Ferrari once called this beautiful bean-like shaped car "the
most beautiful car ever made". It is truly an iconic car, designed
by engineer Malcolm Stayer with significant input by Sir William
Lyons. It was the smart styling by Sayer and the fast speeds that
led to the E-Type being the car that every celebrity wanted. From
Frank Sinatra to George Best, Sid James, George Harrison and Tony
Curtis, the Jaguar E-Type model was the fashionable, high class
luxury that every wealthy man wanted during the swinging 60s. Thx
in part toetypeuk.com
For consignment, a 1969 Jaguar XKE Series II roadster with a title
verified 45,513 actual mile is now gracing our Hallowed Halls. This
car was the recipient of a rotisserie nut and bolt restoration with
added electric power steering, oversized wheels for better handling
and an improved stance and all the proper tire tools. Presented in
a stunning dark blue with red interior, this might be the best
British export since George Washington.
Exterior
In the right light, (or wrong light), this car is dark enough to
look black, but when illuminated, the two stage Indigo Blue paint
is miles deep and undoubtedly, dark blue. The classic, long hood
with its bulbous quarters is accented by the hump in the center,
louvers, and oval intake. A Series I conversion has been performed
on the Series II bonney and now covered headlights are at each
corner, framed below by a wraparound bumper that is one with the
body. The arc of the wheel wells accent the shape of this
aircraft-like car by covering the top of the tires and showcasing
the oversized 15-inch wire wheels with two bar knock offs that
greatly improve the stance and handling of this British cat. The
curved windscreen is born from the cowl and is slightly raked,
providing a semi-enclosed space to pilot the Jag. Rectangular tail
lights highlight the tail which also has a melded, wraparound
bumper, two LED reverse lights, and twin straight exhaust pipes
that split the distance under the plate bracket, while the sleek
trunk gently descends from the black canvas Haartz top. Paint,
metalwork, and the canvas top are all in fantastic condition and we
could not find exterior imperfections.
Interior
A breathtaking interior begins with fine red Connolly leather on
the door panels, flat and neat and augmented with metal trim pieces
and an inset door actuator. Not to be outdone by the doors, the
wide sill is also coated in red leather and rises to cover the
inside door frame. Low back red leather bucket seats with linear
stitching are spectacular and a striking contrast to the deep blue
paint. But that's not where the leather ends! It covers the center
armrest and the entire center console all the way into the
footwells. A classic 3 spoke steering wheel with polished spokes
and a wood rim, presents the driver with inviting textures. The
clean dash and clear, black faced gauges with a speedometer that
circles to 160 mph and a tachometer that redlines around 5,000
rpms. In the center, operational status gauges top a row of toggle
switches with precision configuration, over a padded frame that
surrounds an AM/FM radio MP3 capable retro radio. The black knobbed
shifter is wrapped in a boot of soft, black leather, another sharp
contrast to the red surfaces below it. Plush red Wilton carpet is
like velvet below, topped with proper coco mats. In the boot, a tan
vinyl cut to fit mat dresses up the flat deck of the interior and
sidewalls.
Drivetrain
Under the reverse hinged hood we find a wonderfully detailed and
gleaming 4.2 liter DOHC inline 6 cylinder motor, rated at 245
horsepower and fueled by three 2-barrel SU carburetors. A 4-speed
manual is on board and as a proper British sports car, sends power
to the rear wheels and 3.45 gears. Our consignor states upgrades
includes the aluminum radiator and the Wilwood calipers on the 4
wheel disc brakes and electric power steering.
Undercarriage
Clean as a fox hunt bugle, the underside is show worthy beginning
with the roll pan, Indigo blue, and extending all the way to the
back wheels and contouring around them. Stainless steel resonators
and mufflers then steal your eyes, shiny objects that are part of
the dual exhaust system. All linkage, boots, knuckles and other
wheel components are spotless. There are a few drops of oil on the
pan and some seepage by the oil filter. Torsion bar suspension is
supplied in the front and coil over in the back.
Drive-Ability
The legendary E-type is like sitting in a piece of rolling art and
this one is a masterpiece. The six cylinder provides a healthy
sound through the dual exhaust and the car rolls onto the test loop
with smooth acceleration, perfect tracking, and great handling.
It's not difficult to see why these well proportioned cars made
great race cars, but you'll want to reserve this one for shows and
luxury jaunts. As pretty as she is, we note some things not
operating including the reverse lights, the low beams, the clock
and the oil pressure gauge. The front suspension is making a bit of
unusual noise as well. Other than those things, all operational
items work as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that
these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we
cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of
your purchase.
In the world of collector cars, Jaguar XKE's are a top tier
consideration. It takes fine workmanship to restore one of these
and judges tend to scrutinize them a bit more than your average
show car, especially at the concours level. This example presents
in a wonderful color combination with many correct elements that
make it a collector grade E-type. Let's have a cup of tea and
discuss your potential purchase.
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.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
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
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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