HISTORY OF THE E-TYPE SERIES II:
Considered by many to be the quintessential British sports car, the
Jaguar E-Type's unveiling in 1961 caused a sensation with both the
press and the public. Admirers came from all walks of life; even
Enzo Ferrari famously referred to it as "the most beautiful car
ever made." Beneath its gorgeous looks was a revolutionary sports
car featuring rack-and-pinion steering, fully independent
suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes with inward-mounted rear
rotors-technology that matched the already proven performance of
the 3.8 litre XK engine.
The Series II E-Type was introduced in 1968 and continued the
model's tradition of strong performance mated to an iconic shape.
Improvements were plentiful and included an enlarged grille opening
to aid cooling, as well as a more refined interior that still
satisfied the sportiest of drivers. All Series II E-Types were
equipped with the larger 4.2 litre engine, and discerning buyers
could option power steering and air conditioning. A very small
percentage were further specified with the optional 3-speed
Borg-Warner fully automatic transmission, allowing the E-Type to
glide effortlessly through traffic.
With its timeless design, proven performance, and racing heritage,
the Jaguar E-Type remains one of the most coveted and sought-after
British classics of all time.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED:
The 1970 Jaguar E-Type Series II Fixed Head Coupe offered here is
finished in its factory-correct color combination of Signal Red
over Black leather interior trim. According to the accompanying
Jaguar-Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, chassis number 1R27909
was completed at Jaguar's Coventry works in March 1970 and
dispatched to British Leyland of New York the following month.
While the car's early ownership history remains undocumented, it is
believed to have spent much of its life in California. Evidence
supporting this includes a 1970s-era California Department of
Consumer Affairs NOx System Exemption sticker still affixed to the
right-hand side of the windshield. Additionally, a previous
Missouri State title issued in 2021 lists California as the prior
state of registration.
The vehicle reportedly underwent a thorough restoration beginning
around 2021, which included a respray in its factory original
Signal Red, along with new weatherstripping and refreshed
brightwork. When acquired by IT'S ALIVE! in the fall of 2025, our
team was immediately impressed by the car's level of fit and
finish, as well as its excellent running and driving
characteristics.
The XK-E displays evidence of a comprehensive restoration,
including new hardware securing the front suspension and engine
frames. Tasteful upgrades are present throughout, beginning under
the bonnet where the numbers-matching 4.2 litre DOHC inline-six has
been enhanced with a twin SU carburetor conversion. A set of steel
performance headers allows the engine to breathe freely, while
cooling is aided by an OE-style aluminum radiator with modern
electric fans-maintaining an original appearance while improving
performance and reliability.
Inside, much of the interior trim appears original, including the
headliner, sun visors, door cards, and center console, all of which
show minimal wear. The front seats, however, required attention due
to deteriorated foam and splitting leather. Our in-house
specialists addressed this by installing new black leather seat
covers and foam sourced from O.S.J.I. of Muncie, Indiana.
Additional interior appointments include a 15-inch riveted wood-rim
steering wheel-a nod to earlier Series I cars-along with dual
winged chrome knockoffs securing the 60-spoke chrome wire wheels.
Recent reconditioning by IT'S ALIVE! also included the installation
of a fresh set of 185R15 redline tires from Coker.
Today, this Series II E-Type performs as well as it presents,
offering the level of reliability found only in extremely
well-sorted examples. The numbers-matching 4.2 litre XK engine revs
freely and pulls consistently throughout the power band, while the
exhaust note-enhanced by a pair of inline Glasspack
mufflers-delivers an unmistakable Jaguar growl and gurgle.
Chassis 1R27909 presents as a fully restored and extremely
well-sorted Series II Fixed Head Coupe with a brilliant finish,
refreshed interior, and sorted mechanicals. The detailed engine bay
provides a true "wow factor" when the bonnet is opened to reveal
the legendary XK inline-six, while thoughtful touches such as the
wood-rim steering wheel and fresh redline tires help this E-Type
stand out-even among other restored examples.
IT'S ALIVE! is proud to offer this restored and exceptionally
well-presented Jaguar E-Type Series II Fixed Head Coupe. To inquire
further, please call 314-710-6600 or email
[email protected].
