Highlights
- Fresh from a £130,000 comprehensive restoration by model specialists
- Useful upgrades to improve drivability including 5spd gearbox
- Desirable colour combination
- Rare 'Series 1.5' 2+2 and one of the last built
The Appeal
The E-Type 2+2 was introduced in late 1965, primarily to meet demand in America for a larger, more versatile Jaguar coupe with rear seats. It went on to be the longest-serving E-Type platform, underpinning the Series 3 until 1965.
It began life on the Series 1.5 E-Type, an unofficial name applied to cars that gradually received cosmetic changes that eventually resulted in the Series 2 of August 1968.
This 1968 car is one of the last Series 1.5 2+2 s built and, like many E-Types, started its life in America as a blue automatic. Converted to RHD and manual it has been subject to a £130,000 restoration by CL Classics, an Essex-based model specialist, with the emphasis on looks and drivability.
With just 500 miles covered since the work finished in December 2021 it is a fantastic opportunity to buy a virtually restoration-fresh, showroom-quality early E-Type that is thoroughly usable.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 30th December 1968
- DVLA registration also shows 19th July 1991 which be the date of importation from the USA
- Chassis number indicates that this is 253rd from last E-Type 2+2 Series 1.5 built, likely in July 1968
- DVLA engine number correctly corresponds to a factory 2+2 because the third digit is 5
- Originally sold into Missouri, USA and this bill of sale is included in the history file
- Re-imported to the UK and converted to RHD
- Acquired by the seller in 2013 with the aim of restoring it to make a usable classic
- MOT expired on 20th December 2022 and has covered less than 500 miles since the test
- The history file includes invoices from CL Classics documenting the work
Restoration work by CL Classics:
- Described by the vendor as a “full paint off rebuild” including new metal, new bonnet, new floors and bulkheads
- Repainted with what we are told is high specification paint in metallic silver
- We understand the work included a full engine drivetrain and brakes rebuild
- Converted from automatic to a 5spd manual gearbox
- Stainless steel four branch exhaust system which are told makes a wonderful sound
- Uprated cooling system and brakes
- Reconditioned three SU carburettors
- Electronic ignition
- New interior including leather seats, trim, headlining, door cards, sill trims and carpets
- Reconditioned dashboard including switchgear and dials
- Additional sound deadening added under carpets
- Higher profile tyres with chrome wire wheels
- Waxoyled throughout
The Interior
- Interior appears to have been fully refurbished and presents as new
- Three spoke wood-rimmed Moto Lita steering wheel
- Details abound like the correct gear knob showing five forward speeds
- Dashboard clearly refurbished with fresh switchgear and dials
- Period radio
- Centre console, door cards and other trim items in unmarked, as new condition
- Seats correctly trimmed in red leather to Series 1.5 specification and in excellent condition
- Headlining and rear load area trim refurbished
- Extra sound deadening added to improve occupant comfort
This beautifully presented E-Type is perhaps as close to viewing a showroom-fresh example as we are likely to get without access to time travel. It is exquisite, demonstrating why these cars have proved so enduring. Wherever your eye lands appears to have been either refurbished or retrimmed and with little use since it looks just as it surely did the moment it was fitted.
It has been nicely specified in a combination of red and black, the retrimmed seats, door cards and rear load area combining with the trimmed centre console to create a harmonious and welcoming space.
The attention to detail is admirable, from the refurbished dials and switchgear, including the oft-worn heater controls, to the correct gear knob displaying five forward gears.
The Exterior
- Beautifully presented in silver metallic with improved stance on wider profile tyres
- Bodywork restoration and conversion to UK specification
- Converted to RHD with correct amendments made to the dashboard too
- The chromework appears to also have been refreshed
- Series 1.5 details like the small bonnet air vent and above-bumper rear lights carefully replicated
- Lights in good condition with clear, clean lenses
- Bodywork included removing rot, welding in new metal and adding a new bonnet, floors and bulkheads
- Underside reflects the quality of the other work and has been fully waxoyled
To create the 2+2 Jaguar lengthened the chassis and raised the roof height. It was cleverly done and in the right colour, as here, it can be difficult for the untrained eye to differentiate the standard and long wheelbase versions. The changes were popular with buyers as they improved legroom and headroom and made access and egress more elegant.
This car began life as a USA car but has been sympathetically restored to UK specification. It was originally blue but has been repainted to a high standard in silver metallic, a colour that certainly suits it as the photographs indicate.
The bodywork restoration was extensive, as the total bill indicates. It included removing all rot and welding in new metal and panels, replacing the bonnet - a not insignificant job in itself to ensure it fits correctly - and rectifying the bulkheads. The photographs attest to the quality of the work showing excellent panel fit, particularly of the tricky doors, and clean, straight lines.
Although the restoration is now 18 months old the car has only covered 500 miles since so is not surprisingly in superb condition. We were unable to identify even any minor marks or scuffs on the bodywork.
The chromework also appears to have been either restored or replaced and the car sits on wider profile chrome wire wheels with virtually brand new tyres.
The Mechanics
- 4,235cc Jaguar XK straight six engine developing around 245bhp
- Engine, drivetrain and brakes rebuilt during the restoration work
- Converted from twin SUs to triple SUs
- Converted from automatic to five speed manual gearbox
- Electronic ignition
- Fully detailed engine bay with delightful chrome detailing and other highlights
- Uprated cooling system and braking system
- Stainless steel four branch exhaust system
Jaguar’s XK engine is one of the firm’s great achievements, a long-lived motor that delivers effortless pull from remarkably low revs. 2+2 E-Types were fitted with engines running the code 7E with next digit being ‘5’ and DVLA records indicate that this car is so equipped. We are told that the engine, drivetrain and brakes have been rebuilt and the photographs of the engine bay certainly back this up. The car has had little use since this work was completed.
The original automatic gearbox has been replaced with a 5spd manual unit to enable better and quieter long-legged cruising. Other work included converting the car to triple SUs, which were also refurbished before being fitted. The cooling system and brakes have also been uprated and the car runs a full stainless steel four branch exhaust system.
Summary
The 2+2 E-Type added extra versatility and practicality to the compelling E-Type mix. And Series 1.5 cars retained much of the exquisite detailing that enthusiasts of these early cars are drawn to.
This is a rare opportunity to buy an upgraded 2+2 Series 1.5 where someone else has put in the hard work. In a desirable colour combination with sensible improvements it presents a very compelling case to any buyer.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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