Highlights

Original UK-supplied Series 2 E-type with matching engine and gearbox
Older mechanical overhaul, including rebuilt engine and gearbox
IRS rebuild with new bearings, bushes and shock absorbers
Steel wheels refurbished and fitted with new original-size Pirelli tyres

The Appeal

Just 1,041 RHD 2+2 Series E-Types left the works, and today they make a really good choice for buyers who enjoy really using their cars. Retaining the narrow body styling of the original cars, but with a larger cabin and bigger doors that address the access and egress challenges of the SWB models, they are both attractive and very practical.

This 1970 2+2 is car number 598 and has the desirable factory-fitted manual box. Unlike many Series 2 cars, we are told that it is a matching numbers car. The engine was professionally rebuilt in 2001, while the gearbox was overhauled more recently by specialist Klassik Transmissions. Buyers will also be pleased to know that the complicated IRS has been refurbished since the vendor acquired the car in 2016, including full powder coating. There is a further long list of repairs and maintenance covering key E-Type areas that we have detailed below.

Finished in what we are told is Carmen Red with a smart black interior, this is a very tidy car. The factory steel wheels are a pleasing alternative to the more common wires. They have been recently refurbished.

Equipped with a large history file covering all that work, this well-specified 2+2 would make a great weekend treat or road trip companion.

The vendor says:

“The bodywork is sound and the paintwork good. This is a drive and enjoy car. We made the decision to keep it original. No fat tyres, no 5-speed conversion, but the original 4-speed box rebuilt to a high standard. The car is a pleasure to drive, the engine is willing and produces a thrilling exhaust note. Steering and handling are what you would expect from a 1960s sports car, a proper driver's car that likes an open road ahead.

“Time has moved on and the decision has been made to consolidate the toy cupboard. With 4 pre-war classics and 2 pre-war aircraft, we plan to downsize and enjoy, so the hard decision has been made to let someone else enjoy the Etype. A solid original car, still turning heads after 55 years. Viewing is recommended.”

History and Paperwork

First registered 4th may 1970
Current keeper since December 2016
JDHT certificate shows car left the factory painted Signal red
Vendor states that the car is now painted in Carmen Red
Original engine and gearbox verified by heritage certificate
Lower door skins and sill have been replaced in the past (documented in history file)
Current keeper selling as part of collection consolidation
Folder of history including invoices, old tax discs and MOTs
Invoice for engine rebuild dated 2001
V5C in the current keeper’s name
The car has covered very few miles since the last MOT in 2018, which had no advisories
VIN number 1R35598 confirms the car as a UK market RHD 2+2

The Condition

Well-kept red paintwork with few indications of age or use
Due to age of car buyers, they should be realistic about paintwork and check photos
Light chips to panel edges as shown, including rear hatch
Bodywork in good order with only minor points to note in photos
Door skins and sills replaced as part of an older renovation
These include some bubbling to the bonnet around front nearside wheel arch
Chromework presents well with some light tarnish to note to some trim parts
Sits on attractive factory steel rims with Pirelli tyres with a matching steel spare
All 5 wheels blasted, stove enamelled and fitted with new original size Pirelli tyres
All body and chassis cavities treated with Dynax S50 and Dynax UB we are told
Underside presents well in photos due to the above preventative maintenance
Black leather interior in good sound condition
Some items of trim and window winders could be tidied
Steel heating pipes (from the bulkhead behind dash) replaced
Three-spoke classic-style wood-rimmed wheel
Classic radio and lap belts fitted with rear seatbelt anchorage as shown

The Mechanics

4,235cc straight six XK engine
4-speed fully synchromesh manual transmission
Notable maintenance summarised below
Described by the seller as a matching numbers car

Maintenance highlights:

Engine professionally rebuilt in 2001
Gearbox rebuilt by Klassik Transmissions
Clutch assembly renewed
Replacement Clutch plate, cover, release bearing and spigot bush
New master and slave cylinder
Replacement stainless steel exhaust system
New Hi Torque starter motor
Ignition switch and steering lock renewed due to internal failure of the original
Independent Rear Suspension frame sandblasted to bare metal and stove enamelled
New wheel bearings, universal joints, needle bearings, suspension bushes
Suspension shimmed and set up correctly
New shock absorbers
Rebuilt rear brake callipers with new pads
Rebuilt handbrake calliper with new pads
Brake hoses and pipes renewed
Prop shaft rebuilt with new universal joints

BEFORE YOU BUY

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