When the covers came off the Jaguar E-Type at the Geneva Motor Show on March 15th 1961, the crowds drew in a sharp collective breath. Such was the sudden reduction in oxygen levels in the room that several people fainted. OK, perhaps that’s not quite true, but it’s very much a fact that the E-Type was a motor show unveiling that changed everything, forever. Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons immediately spotted the sea-change in the room, and ordered another E-Type to be raced down overnight from Coventry so that more prospective punters could have a test drive.
It's passed into the annals of history as one of the all-time triumphs, an unmistakable silhouette and a symbol of British engineering greatness. In an oft-quoted trope, Enzo Ferrari described the E-Type as ‘the most beautiful car in the world’, and he’d certainly know a thing or two about that.
As the sylph-like Jaguar 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 tail lights 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.
It’s often the case that E-Type Jaguars worm there way into owners’ affections, and this example is no different. They’re seldom the sort of cars that get flipped for a quick buck, but instead stick around for the duration and become a part of the family. In this instance, the Series 2 has been owned by the same chap since 1986; prior to his ownership, it had only one previous keeper, so it’s very much not a car that’s been passed from pillar to post. Having kept it for so long, the seller knows the car inside out and can tell you all sorts of stories about it. He’s always kept it garaged and well maintained, lavished the appropriate work upon it when required, and essentially just enjoyed the reality of owning an E-Type, with all the splendour that brings with it.
So why sell after all this time? Quite simply because there’s another Jaguar in the garage, a more modern one, and that’s the one he prefers to drive on a regular basis these days. It’s time for the E-Type to find a new home.
The owner has a file of paperwork to go with the car, including assorted receipts and invoices for parts and work over the years. The highlights of the file were shared with us, including the all-important Heritage Certificate; this official document outlines highlights from the original Car Record Book, showing that the E-Type was supplied by Henlys of London to its first owner, a Mr McNeil, on 17th July 1969. The car originally carried the registration number YUL 637H – DVLA records show that the current number has been with the car since December 1969. It also shows the colour scheme of Signal Red with black interior and hood as being original-spec.
The V5 shows the car as having one former keeper, and a detailed invoice is present regarding the full respray in the original colour. It’s also pleasing to find the original service manual and period I.C.M.E. manual.
This is a great example of a properly used classic, with the owner having kept the car in regular usage throughout his ownership. So we’re not looking at a concours-quality interior, but rather one which you wouldn’t be afraid to use day-to-day. Everything is present and correct, the seats are in good condition with no rips or tears, and the period-correct Mota-Lita steering wheel is a really beautiful item.
You may notice from the photos that the dials on the centre of the dash are a little scorched – this is down to the fact that there was a small electrical fire way back in 1987; the owner sought quotes to send the dials away for refurbishment, but decided against it as it would have taken the car out of action and he wanted to continue using it once the wiring was fixed. Consequently, the rev counter and the clock don’t work – but all the important dials do! Indeed, as the owner fires up the engine we can see that the oil pressure gauge registers a perfect operating pressure.
The owner also has a replacement carpet which could be fitted by the next keeper if they so wish; the existing item is fine, but the new one would give the interior a little lift. The dash features a late-1980s Philips radio-cassette, and in the boot you’ll find the hammer for the knock-off wheel spinners.
The body of the E-Type is very well presented, having benefited from a full respray in its original shade of Signal Red. While this work was carried out, any dents or corrosion that were present were rectified, and the quality of the work is such that, a number of years down the line, it still looks absolutely superb.
The correct chrome is all in place and in excellent condition aside from some very minor pitting beneath the rear lamp clusters. The panel fit is uniformly good throughout, and the doors close with a solid thunk. The windows wind up and down as they should, and the roof is reportedly in good condition and fully operational. (This wasn’t tested during our shoot.) The wire wheels are in outstanding condition, with shiny new spinners, and wear quality Pirelli tyres with plenty of tread. One of the front indicator units is cracked, but otherwise all of the lights are in good condition and they all work. The distinctive triple wipers are present and operational. The car is pleasingly solid underneath with no structural corrosion to be concerned about; E-Type aficionados will be aware that these cars can rot in the front crash structure (as well as in sills, doors, floors, it goes on), but that isn’t a concern with this car – attributable to the fact that it’s always been garaged, and any issues that have presented themselves have been nipped in the bud.
The mantra for ownership has always been to keep the car running as it should, and give it what it needs. There’s never been a lengthy period when this Jaguar has been laid up unused or taken off the road for drawn-out restoration work, it’s just been kept ticking along. The engine bay is beautifully presented with no evidence of leaks, and the engine itself was rebuilt eight years ago – including the infamous rear oil seal upgrade, which replaces the original period sealing cord with something a bit more modern to stop the oil escaping. The engine runs smoothly and pulls strongly, idling evenly and showing the correct oil pressure. The owner reports no issues or concerns with anything to do with the suspension, steering or braking systems. The only point of note is a very slight oil leak from the gearbox. The car starts without trouble and is happy to act as a gentle cruiser or a lively B-road plaything, just as an E-Type should. It’s recently passed its MOT with no advisories.
For many enthusiasts, the Series 2 E-Type represents the perfect iteration of the breed – the sweet spot in a particularly sweet model line. While the Series 3 sported oft-controversial styling upgrades and a brutish V12 engine, the Series 2’s straight-six is more of a purist setup; at the same time, the 1968-71 cars offer a few choice improvements over the early Series 1 models, including revised seats for greater comfort, and superior engine cooling. And if the Series 2 is the E-Type for you, this particular one makes for a very attractive proposition. It’s rare to find one with so few owners and such provable history, and it’s extremely encouraging that the owner has always been at pains to keep it running as it should. With a full body respray and an engine rebuild in its recent past, it certainly ticks a lot of boxes, and the fact of the matter is that this is a genuinely usable E-Type. Not one to be mothballed in a static collection, but one that’s ready for a new set of adventures.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
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1969 Jaguar E-Type Series 2
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