The 1969 Jaguar E-Type Series II Fixed Head Coupe featured here is
finished in its stunning, factory-correct color combination of Pale
Primrose Yellow over Black leather interior. According to the
accompanying Jaguar-Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, chassis no.
1R26405 was completed at the Coventry Works in May 1969. Dispatched
to British Leyland of New York in June of that year, this E-Type
was delivered new to California, as evidenced by its original
blue-and-yellow license plates and a copy of a previously issued
California state title. The title confirms 1970 as the year of the
car's first sale, and the registration documents the original plate
number: 973 BEX.
This Pale Primrose Series II is believed to have had only three
previous owners. The second owner reportedly acquired the car in
1976 from the San Francisco suburb of Concord. For reasons unknown,
but likely due to a growing family's need for a more practical
vehicle, the car was parked in a garage in 1989. Telltale November
1989 expiration tags on the rear plate confirm how long it sat
idle.
More than thirty years later, the widow and son of the second owner
offered the car on BringATrailer.com as a non-running project.
Quickly labeled a true "barn find" by the BaT community, the
31,000-mile Series II Coupe fetched over $32,000 in October 2022,
selling to a St. Louis-based English sports car enthusiast.
When car no. 1R26405 arrived at IT'S ALIVE! in November 2022, the
new owner had one question: Can she be brought back to life without
a full nut-and-bolt restoration? A thorough inspection revealed
that while the car no longer wore its original Pale Primrose
finish, the body was remarkably solid-free from corrosion, just as
one would hope from a lifelong California car with low mileage. The
original, numbers-matching 4.2L engine turned freely and passed a
compression test, showing promising signs of life. The decision was
made to approach the restoration in phases: first addressing the
engine and drivability, with cosmetics to follow.
Our in-house technicians began by removing and rebuilding the
original Zenith-Stromberg carburetors with new throttle shafts and
adjustable jets. The entire fuel system was disassembled, with all
hoses replaced and steel lines either cleaned or renewed. A
solid-state fuel pump was installed, and the original fuel tank was
cleaned, boiled, leak-tested, and reinstalled. The engine received
a full tune-up with fresh ignition components-while the original,
date-stamped 1969 ignition coil was preserved. The cooling system
was serviced with a new water pump and all new hoses and clamps,
while the radiator was flushed and tested. With fuel, ignition, and
cooling sorted, the numbers-matching engine roared back to life in
January 2023-for the first time in more than three decades. It was
clear that 1R26405 wasn't just running, it was proud and loud.
In February 2023, phase two began: restoring drivability. The
clutch and brake hydraulics were rebuilt, and the IRS assembly was
removed, cleaned, disassembled, and restored using our proprietary
XK-E IRS process. New rotors, pads, calipers, and stainless-steel
braided flex lines were installed, along with a brand-new LHD brake
pipe set. The IRS was reassembled with new subframe mounts and
GIRLING remote rear caliper bleeders. After final bleeding and
adjustments, the car was driven for the first time in nearly 35
years in the fall of 2023.
After investing over $24,000 in parts and labor, the owner reached
a crossroads. Though the car was running beautifully, it still
needed cosmetic restoration. Rather than doubling down, the owner
traded the Series II to IT'S ALIVE! in exchange for a Jaguar Mark
II Saloon-better suited for their lifestyle. Now in the hands of a
premier Jaguar restoration specialist, the coupe received the
attention it deserved.
Under our care, 1R26405 was stripped of all chrome, trim, lamps,
lenses, and glass in preparation for a full exterior respray in its
original Pale Primrose Yellow. The reassembly included new
windshield glass, fresh weatherstripping, and new body rubber. All
exterior brightwork was either re-plated or replaced, including the
bumpers, drip rail moldings, wiper arms, blades, and window trim.
To highlight the E-Type's motorsport heritage, we replaced the
original chrome steel wheels with bolt-on 15" alloy DUNLOP wheels,
wrapped in four new VREDESTEIN 185R15 Sprint Classic tires. The
iconic California license plates were cleaned and straightened,
complemented by a period SCCA San Francisco Region sticker on the
rear window. Four removable, magnetic white 12" roundels
(referencing the car's model year) add a final motorsport
touch.
Inside, the interior was refreshed using materials sourced from
Muncie Imports & Classics. Underneath new carpeting lies a layer of
Dynamat insulation. Additional new items include seat leather and
foam, sill vinyl, center console coverings, and cargo-area inserts.
The original suede headliner, matching visors, wood-rimmed steering
wheel, 1969-dated KANGOL seatbelts, and a functional period
PHILLIPS AM/FM radio remain in place. Under the bonnet, the
numbers-matching 4.2L XK engine has been detailed, and the
factory-painted frame rails were carefully preserved during
cleaning.
Today, 1R26405 presents as a fully restored Series II Coupe with a
brilliant finish, refreshed interior, and sorted mechanicals. The
detailed engine bay provides a true "wow factor" when opening the
bonnet to reveal the legendary XK inline-six, while thoughtful
touches like the alloy DUNLOP wheels help this E-Type stand
out-even among other restored examples.
IT'S ALIVE! is proud to offer this low-mileage, California-kept,
sympathetically restored E-Type Series II Fixed Head Coupe. To
inquire further, call us at 314-710-6600 or email
[email protected].
