1969 Jaguar E-Type Series 2 OTS LHD
Highlights
• Gorgeous 4. 2-litre Series 2 E-Type in desirable ‘open two seater’ (OTS) configuration
• Very appealing dark opalescent green metallic over biscuit colour scheme
• Superb “Bare metal” restoration (documented and with receipts) 3. 5 years ago, just 63 miles since
• £10, 000 (with receipts) recently spent on brake, clutch and other mechanicals
• No taxes are due within the European Union however there will be a 5% import tax for UK re-import
• Original matching-numbers LHD example
The Appeal
Making its debut at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, the Jaguar E-Type was an icon from the very start. Successfully delivering achingly gorgeous looks combined with dynamic performance, the new Jaguar immediately blew away any competition and took its rightful place as one of the world’s most desirable cars.
Underneath it’s beautiful Malcolm Sayer designed body, the E-Type was a technical tour de force.
Influenced by the D-Type, winner of three consecutive Le Mans between 1955 and 1957, and equipped with the glorious 265 HP 3. 8-litre inline six-cylinder XK engine, the E-Type abandoned the classic separate chassis for a more modern monocoque and was a show-stopper not only for its very attractive design, but also for its stellar performance for the time, with an announced maximum speed of 150 mp/ h and for its affordability, being sold for around half the price of the other grand tourers with comparable performance on sale at the time.
The success was enormous and immediate, and the E-Type in roadster and coupé versions, became the symbol of an era full of enthusiasm and opportunities, beloved by film and music stars and by high-performance cars' enthusiasts.
In the following years, Jaguar continued to develop the E-Type, introducing a 4. 2-litre engine with more torque from 1964, equipping it with an all-synchromesh Jaguar designed four-speed gearbox and developing a 2+2 coupé version.
In 1967, the updated model known as the Series 1 ½, featured a new design with uncovered headlights and improved brakes.
These changes were integrated into the 1969 Series 2, whose development was influenced above all by new US safety regulations, which led to the introduction of headrests and a collapsible steering column, aesthetically updated with rear lights moved under the new wrap-a-round bumper, larger front turn signals, an enlarged grille, improved engine cooling, updated interior trim and seating.
The short-lived Series 2 E-Type brought together a myriad of improvements introduced by Jaguar since the arrival of the original in 1961 and added in some new ones to improve comfort and drivability. These were the last of the original E-Type shape and are revered by enthusiasts as particularly drivable and usable examples of Jaguar’s icon. This September 1969 example is in a particularly compelling colour scheme and is still fresh from it’s restoration. £10, 000 has been spent on renovating the brakes and clutch systems and general re-commissioning. The quality is clear from the paintwork and panel fit and reinforced by UK MOT and Danish SYN (MOT) technical inspections.
History and Paperwork
• Sold new in New York, USA in September 1969 which also shown on factory identification plates
• This fits with the VIN number, which shows it was a factory LHD car, one of 7, 853
• Carries a correct ‘7R’ engine prefix for the Series 2 cars
• Exported from Florida, USA to the UK October 2019
• UK Registration “Plate BHY 653H”
• Recently passed stringent Danish SYN (MOT) vehicle technical inspection
• Some documentation from USA and good documentation from UK and Denmark in the history folder.
• Current mileage 55, 252 miles, 63 miles since UK MOT test (16th June 2020, 55, 189 miles)
• Imported to Denmark July 2020 by a private collector, it was then put into storage until recent stringent Danish SYN (MOT) vehicle technical inspection and registration 31st October 2023 (“Plate AG80 899”)
• Vendor is an E Type enthusiast having had 6 E Types and a collector of various classic cars and motorbikes
• Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust (JDHT) certificate included confirming original specification and build date
• Every help will be given to the buyer in visiting Aalborg, Denmark, there are cheap direct flights to Aalborg from Stansted, UK; Amsterdam, Holland; and of course Copenhagen, Denmark.
• Transport of the car to anywhere in Germany or Holland is both easy and cheap and also to the UK via Esbjerg, Denmark to Immingham, UK
The Interior
• Biscuit leather interior and carpets in superb order, recently retrimmed and barely used since
• Matching beige convertible top neatly contrasts the paintwork and is in good order with clear screens
• Three spoke factory-correct wood-rimmed E-type steering wheel
• Interior trim including door cards and centre console retrimmed and well kept
• Tan boot trim in good order
In the driving seat, sitting in an extremely low position just a few inches from the road, the sight over the very long bonnet and the complete and classic dashboard makes the pilot experience unforgettable emotions, making him feel in command of a fighter plane flying low over the asphalt rather than a car.
Driving the 2 Series is made easier by the symphony produced by the legendary XK twin-cam six cylinder engine combined with the synchronized gearbox and by the generous torque, with sporty and responsive steering and controls and excellent roadholding thanks to the independent suspension.
Additionally, being a Series 2 car, this example also benefits from much more comfortable seating for driver and passenger, featuring a reclining function, headrests, and optional factory-fitted seatbelts.
One of the very best features of the E-Type’s interior though has to undoubtedly be that iconic view down it’s long and shapely bonnet to the horizon and adventures that lay ahead.
The Exterior
• Very good condition across paintwork, bodywork and underside
• Presents as fresh from a comprehensive restoration covering these three areas
• Attractive dark green metallic paintwork is a factory correct shade and is a high quality respray
• Paintwork and panels in very good order with excellent fit across doors in particular
• Bright chromework either restored or replaced and with no visible marks
• Chrome wire wheels unmarked and untarnished and fitted with Goodyear tyres
• Some evidence of refreshed suspension
• Clean underbody
• Perfectly proportioned roadster body style emphasising the E-Type’s phenomenal curves
• Being a Series 2 example, the key exterior features include a larger frontal opening for improved cooling, improved exterior lighting and a wrap-around rear bumper providing improved bodywork protection.
The Mechanics
• Well kept engine bay reflecting that this car is owned by an enthusiast collector
• 4, 235cc XK straight six engine developing around 245bhp
• Clutch and brake systems overhauled in the last 63 miles, at a cost of £10, 000
• Evidence of recent ancillaries including alternator
• SU carburettors available if required
• Runs beautifully, as perfectly tuned on a rolling road by one of Danmarks foremost classic car experts
The XK engine originated as a weapon to succeed at Le Mans but arguably found its natural home beneath the bonnet of the E-Type. In 4. 2litre displacement it matches the car’s grand tourer leanings, offering sinuous impetus from 20mph to 100mph in fourth gear should the need and mood arise.
The engine bay of this car indicates it has received ongoing attention, including a new alternator. Delivering stunning performance in period, even today the E-Type feels every bit the capable sports car when out on the road.
Blessed with independent suspension all round, a strong monocoque shell and 4-wheel disc brakes, the E-Type set a high watermark for sports car performance and handling, qualities still very much evident today
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We are told that the E-Type fires up keenly and out on the road performs without fault. Featuring the desirable 4-speed manual box, the E-Type feels eager to perform and changes cleanly and smoothly through its gears. When required, powerful 4-wheel disc brakes provide ample stopping and bring the E-Type quickly and cleanly to a halt.
Summary
E-Types are among the most desired classic cars of all times, iconic and admired throughout the world.
The 1st and 2nd series models are slightly faster than the 3rd series ones and show cleaner, more streamlined lines.
The E-Types of the second series also benefit from numerous improvements compared to previous ones, with a fully synchronized gearbox, double electric fans to improve cooling, headrests and a collapsible steering column which increases safety and are generally considered the highest evolution of the original design.
From an aesthetic point of view, the larger front air intake and the higher wraparound bumpers make them even more aggressive and alluring.
As mesmerising today as it was 60 years ago, the Jaguar E-Type will forever be considered one of the world’s most beautiful cars.
A recent restoration combined with extensive maintenance and 2 technical inspections make this particular E Type highly desirable.
