Highlights

Beautifully presented, Older high-quality restoration to early Series 1.5 RHD style
Factory correct British Racing Green over Suede Green leather
Matching-numbers car confirmed by Jaguar Heritage Certificate
Only five UK keepers since 1989 with current keeper since 2008
Engine rebuilt by Preston Jaguar Centre 10,000 miles ago
£2,640 of renovation work by classic specialist in March 2024
Upgraded with electric fuel pump, Coopercraft brakes and recent wiring loom
Regularly used for European and UK tours including NC500
Voluntary MOT valid to May 2026 with no advisories

The Appeal

For dedicated E-Type enthusiasts, the earlier the car, the better. That was clearly the principle applied to the restoration of this beautiful 1968 British Racing Green OTS some years ago. The work, undertaken around 2010, involved converting it to RHD and applying the faired-in headlights and European specification that purists prefer. The matching-numbers status and factory British Racing Green over Suede Green colour scheme have been usefully preserved.

Jaguar chassis records show that this car was built in 1968 and initially dispatched to the USA. It returned to the UK in 1989 and has had just five keepers in the intervening 37 years, the most recent of which acquired it in 2008. Previous owners include David Booth, Chairman of the Lookers Group, who displayed it in the firm’s showroom. The vast history file shows considerable investment over the years. Notable work includes an engine rebuild carried out 10,000 miles ago. In March 2024, the car was dispatched to specialist S A Sullivan Motors for £2,640 of remedial work, including fitting the classic-look digital sound system and attention to the fuel and ignition systems.

The car has been regularly used by its current keeper for long-distance touring trips across Europe and the UK, including a 2,000-mile continental trip and completing the NC500. It benefits from useful upgrades such as Coopercraft brakes, a new wiring loom, a stainless steel exhaust, and an electric fuel pump.

Alongside the impressive provenance, the car comes with the reassurance of a current advisory-free MOT valid to May 2026.

The vendor says:

“Matching numbers Series 1½ E-Type DHC, supplied new to the USA and in the UK since 1989. Four owners, including long-term ownership since 2003. Low recorded mileage supported by history, including original MOT certificates and a period 1995 advert confirming 21,521 miles, together with a documented engine rebuild at ~24k miles.

“An older restored and well-maintained example.”

History and Paperwork

First registered in 1968 in USA
Imported to the UK in 1989
First UK-registered 26th September 1989
Five registered keepers since UK registration
UK ownership history detailed below
Original hard copy MOT certificates on file
V5C present (registration WWA 33F)
Large history file of invoices covering car’s time in UK
Manual for classic-style digital radio included
Older restoration with engine rebuild in 1998
Voluntary MOT valid to 7th May 2026 with no advisories
Used to complete NC500, tour to Goodwood Revival and 2,000-mile European tour
Dry-stored for the last 25 years, we are told
03/24 - £2,640 - S A Sullivan Motors - wiring, new radio, ignition and fuel system work

Manufacture & Origin:

Date of Manufacture: 27th February 1968
Supplied by Jaguar Cars, New York
Arrived in the UK: 1989 (approximately 20 years old at time of import)

Numbers & Certification:

Chassis: 1E 17092
Engine: 7E 16205-9
Matching numbers
Jaguar Heritage Certificate

Original Specification

Heritage Certificate: British Racing Green with Black interior

Ownership:

First UK-registered: 26th September 1989
Thomas Davies (1989–1992)
Homes of Eccles (1992–1996)
David Booth – Chairman, Lookers Group (1996–2003)
One private owner (2003–present, 24 years)
Displayed in Lookers showrooms during Booth ownership

Mileage

Recorded from 19,106 miles (1989) to 31,405 miles (2002)
Plus approx. 2,500 miles (Spain trip, 2003)
Period advert (1995) records 21,521 miles
Supported by original hard copy MOT certificates
Low, consistent mileage supported by history according to vendor

History & Work

Engine rebuild by Preston Jaguar Centre at ~24k miles (1998), approximately 10,000 miles ago, runs very well and has had replacement electric fuel pump
Older restoration circa 2010
Interior retrim in 2010 (colour change)
New wiring loom fitted circa 2012
Coopercraft uprated brakes (2012)
Touring differential fitted and refurbished (2014), with speedometer recalibrated to suit

The Condition

Factory correct BRG over Suede Green colour scheme in very good condition
Small chip to note to front lower panel as shown
Exterior chromework in very good order with bright finish including bumpers
Converted to earlier faired-in headlight arrangement with European lights
Underside as shown with no structural advisories on MOT
Chrome wire wheels with matching spare and period-correct Dunlop Sport tyres
Suede Green leather interior retrimmed in 2010 with matching carpets and boot vinyl
High quality classic-style digital radio fitted in 2024
Original hood frame retained, with a later mohair quality replacement hood fitted
Stainless steel exhaust fitted (non-stainless steel downpipes)
Dry-stored when not in use

This car’s restoration may have been completed 16 years ago, but you would hardly know from the photos. The condition is a testament to the quality of the work and the current keeper’s care. Despite using the car regularly, including for European and UK tours, it shows few signs of use. The flush fit to the doors and correct rear arch apertures indicate the restoration was completed by knowledgeable experts.

The bodywork is fitted with well-kept chrome and smart chromed wires featuring period-correct Dunlop Sport rubber.

There is a re-trimmed interior, completed in 2010, featuring Suede Green leather. The carpets and boot vinyl match the seats and all present well. There is slight age to note to the driver’s bolster, but it is not unsightly.

The Mechanics

4,235cc XK inline-six cylinder engine
Four-speed all-synchromesh manual gearbox
Matching-numbers
Correct and desirable triple SU carburettor setup
Engine rebuilt by Preston Jaguar Centre at approximately 24,000 miles in 1998
Car has covered approximately 10,000 miles since engine rebuild
The vendor reports the engine runs very well
£2,640 of general work in March 2024 by classic specialist as above
Used regularly for long distancing touring by current keeper
No advisories on MOT

Notable upgrades:

Replacement electric fuel pump fitted
New wiring loom fitted circa 2012
Coopercraft uprated brakes fitted in 2012
Touring differential fitted and refurbished in 2014
Speedometer recalibrated to suit differential

The later Series 1.5 E-Types arguably have the ‘ideal’ touring spec because they combine the larger 4.2L XK unit with the all-synchromesh manual gearbox. This car adds upgraded Coopercraft brakes, an electric fuel pump and a rebuilt touring differential to that specification; wise additions that improve the car’s usability and drivability.

Unlike some early E-Types, this car has been used and enjoyed, albeit sparingly. The current keeper has completed long trips to Europe and around the UK, including the beautiful NC500 and a visit to the Goodwood Revival. That has added around 10,000 miles since the engine was rebuilt by Jaguar specialists in the late 1990s. We are told that this car remains matching-numbers.

In 2024, the car was sent to specialist S A Sullivan Motors for remedial work covering ignition and fueling systems, wiring, and fitting a new classic-style digital radio with speakers. It is a sign of the current long term keeper’s approach that the car has been sent for annual MOTs, despite this no longer being a legal requirement. The current test runs to May 2026 with no advisories.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.