• History file includes Jaguar Heritage certificate • US-market car, in the UK since 2018
• Lovely runner and very honest
• Recommissioned by specialist Northern Jaguar
The Background
Jaguar’s E-Type was a model that gently evolved over three distinct generations; as the sylph-like Jag matured, so certain refinements and evolutionary elements were stirred into the mix.
The car we have here is a Series 2, the version that was introduced from 1968 with the aim of globalising the model. The United States was the real focus here, with federal regulations dictating a few changes – such as the removal of the glass covers from the headlight apertures, and a steering lock which moved the ignition switch from the dash to the (now collapsible) steering column.
Other distinguishing features of a Series 2 include the wraparound rear bumper with taillights repositioned beneath, chunkier front indicators, improved seats, and a larger front grille to aid the engine’s twin fans.
The Series 2 took all of the desirable elements of the original E-Type and wrapped them up in a more mature and complete package. Today, it’s a hugely desirable proposition.
As befits the American-influenced changes of the Series 2, the example we have here is actually a genuine American-spec car.
It’s been in the UK since June 2018, and up until that point it spent its life in the USA – the Heritage certificate confirms that it was originally supplied as a left-hand-drive model by British Leyland New York, and the window sticker in the windscreen proudly places it in Indiana in the late-1970s; there are also documents in the file from 1982-2001 when it was registered in Michigan.
We don’t know a lot about its history on the other side of the Atlantic, but what we do know is that it’s a thoroughly complete and pleasingly original example that’s highly entertaining to drive.
The file of paperwork here may not be huge but it tells you everything you need to know: the V5 shows that it’s correctly registered with the DVLA, and was first registered in the UK on June 1st 2018.
The all-important Jaguar Heritage certificate shows that the E-Type was built on September 19th 1969 – a left-hand-drive car in Regency Red with black interior – and supplied by British Leyland New York on October 3rd of the same year. When the Jaguar was imported to the UK it went to a new keeper up in Wakefield, and there are receipts from specialists for parts acquired.
Most importantly, an invoice from Northern Jaguar in Harrogate shows that in August 2018 the E-Type was treated to a new fuel tank and pump, rebuilt alternator, brake servo, clutch slave cylinder, high-torque starter, distributor cap, fan relay switch, radiator cap and five new tyres among various other bits and bobs.
The interior of this E-Type is complete and honest. This is believed to be an unrestored car and the cabin has aged the years relatively well – there’s some separating stitches on the seats but no undue wear or damage. The carpets appear decent and there are rubber mats to protect them.
The dash is in generally good order and all the gauges and controls appear to work; a period push-button radio is fitted, which brings a certain charm. There’s a little age-related wear to some of the buttons and switches, but this is all in-keeping with the car’s character.
The gear gaiter and centre console stowage lid are a little worn, but the door cards are good and the wood-rim steering wheel is a lovely item. Inside the boot it’s all tidy with a nice clean carpet; underneath we find the correct spare wire wheel with a good tyre.
Everything’s complete and in period-correct federal spec.
The paintwork is an attractive colour, although one might argue that this car is a repaint away from being a really lovely example: the bodywork is in generally good condition throughout with a few very minor dings here and there (most notably along the side of the bonnet on the passenger side, the driver’s side rear wing and the leading edge of the bonnet by one of the bumper over-riders) – if a buyer were to invest in a quality paint job (and while they’re at it, they could delete the US-market side markers), it could be an absolutely splendid thing.
That said, it’s perfectly presentable as it is and certainly turned more than a few heads during our London test drive. The wire wheels are in good condition and fitted with fresh rubber, and the soft-top is in decent order and raises, latches and stows with ease.
The light lenses and window glass are in good condition, and all of the correct trim is in place. Crucially, the shell appears to be impressively solid with very few signs of visible corrosion that we could see. It’s complete, presentable, and has all the right bits.
The car runs and drives well, and we can see from the paperwork that it’s had a fair chunk of money spent on it since it’s been in the UK to get everything running right.
The engine starts happily and idles evenly, pulling keenly through the revs and making that wonderful sound so distinctive of the 4.2-litre straight-six. We know that the carburettors have been overhauled, and it’s recently had a new fuel tank and pump, rebuilt alternator, brake servo, clutch slave cylinder, high-torque starter, distributor cap, fan relay switch, radiator cap, and assorted other jobs attended to.
The result is a Jaguar that’s very pleasing and enjoyable to drive, with no notable issues on the mechanical side of things.
The Series 2 is a very desirable era of E-Type for many collectors and aficionados, and this one has all of the correct model-specific parts. The federal spec isn’t too intrusive either – aside from the fact that it’s LHD, the side markers are the only really notable change as this was from a time that pre-dated ugly impact bumpers.
What we’re looking at here, essentially, is a complete and usable Roadster that’s had a fair amount of money spent since importation on making sure that everything is doing what it should.
And while one or two aesthetic areas may be a little careworn, that goes hand-in-hand with a terrific honesty: an original-spec car that’s been used and enjoyed, and is very willing to keep on doing so for many years to come.
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1969 Jaguar E-Type Roadster Series 2 (LHD)
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