Beautifully presented car with detailed engine bay
One registered keeper since arriving in UK in 2016
‘Series 1.5’ car with 4.2litre engine and fully synchro box
The Appeal
Nothing says ‘sports car’ quite like a classic Series 1 E-Type convertible in Carmen Red. Looking at the photographs of this car on a British street, it is hard not to be transported back to the Swinging Sixties when this ‘68 4.2 OTS started its life.
It is one of the last Series 1 cars built, from the period unofficially known as ‘Series 1.5’ when Jaguar was continuously improving the cars with more luxurious interiors. As such it retains many of the original’s aesthetics, including the delicate rear lights.
It returned to the UK from the USA in 2016 and has been with the same keeper since. During that time it has been extensively restored across the bodywork, paintwork, mechanicals and interior - the vendor describes it as ‘nut and bolt’ - and used very sparingly. The very high level of condition is obvious from the photographs and includes a detailed under-bonnet area for the rebuilt engine.
The JDHT certificate confirms the provenance and correct factory specification. This matching-numbers car is both beautiful and ready to enjoy, delivering the thrills only a good open top E-Type can surely offer.
The History and Paperwork
JDHT certificate confirms build date of 15th March 1968 and Carmen Red over black colour scheme
One of the last Series 1 cars built before production switched to the Series 2 in July 1968
Despatch when new to New York, USA
Only 2,479 OTS LHD ‘Series 1.5’ cars are reported to have been built
Matching numbers car with 1E chassis prefix and 7E engine prefix correct for a 1968 E-Type
Single UK keeper since registration here on 1st September 2016
HMRC importation documents
V5C in vendor’s name
HPI clear
Vendor reports that the car was fully restored on arrival in the UK
Connecticut legal and registration documents
Historic Vehicle which is MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
Last MOT expired on 22nd October 2018 with no advisories and 64,160 miles showing on test
Now showing 64,212 miles
The Condition
Vendor describes the car as having received a ‘nut and bolt’ restoration since 2016
Refinished in factory correct Carmen Red over black leather colour scheme with black roof
The condition across the paintwork and bodywork is very good with virtually unmarked and bright finish
Bodywork is highly presented across panels and underside with no issues to report
Underside presents very well with evidence of restoration and preventative undersealing
Chrome wire wheels in very good order with matching spare wheel
Quality Pirelli tyres showing good condition and tread
Black roof in good order with clean profile, clear screens and good fit and black tonneau
Well kept black leather interior refinished during restoration and barely used since
Well specified and factory correct finish including wood-rimmed E-Type wheel
Black leather seats and cabin carpets show few if any signs of use
Tan trim to boot area is similarly well kept
Period correct Blaupunkt radio
Switchgear is well kept with ‘Series 1.5’ rocker switches exhibiting little wear
This car was subject to a comprehensive restoration following its arrival in the UK in 2016, and it shows. The bright Carmen Red paintwork is described by the vendor as ‘immaculate’ and certainly presents very well in the photographs. The lovely brightwork that makes these mid-period cars so stylish is well kept and complemented by well maintained chrome wire wheels in quality Pirelli tyres.
The interior delivers the same impression, finished in - again - factory correct black leather with neat period details such as the wood-rimmed three-spoke E-Type wheel and a period Blaupunkt radio.
This is an E-Type to relish as much as drive, such is the level of finish.
The Mechanics
Matching numbers car with correct prefix engine and gearbox numbers
4.2litre straight six car with beautifully detailed engine bay
Engine rebuilt during the restoration process
Desirable fully synchromesh 4spd manual gearbox
Sensitive upgrades include stainless steel hydraulic lines and aluminium radiator
Stainless steel exhaust system
Vendor reports that the cooling system has been uprated
We are told that the car runs and drives ‘perfectly’
Drivers who can tear themselves away from the evocative view down this E-Type’s bonnet will discover what enthusiasts have known for years: a potent sports car whose torquey 4.2litre XK motor can pull from 20mph to 120mph in fourth gear without batting an eyelid.
This car certainly can thanks to a full engine rebuild during its restoration. It has covered few miles since but been maintained to a high standard, as the carefully detailed engine bay attests. The JDHT certificate verifies that it is a matching numbers car.
The vendor clearly - and pleasingly - favours originality but has subtly upgrades the car with some useful improvements that aid reliability and drivability. These include a coolant system overhaul, stainless steel hydraulic lines and an aluminium radiator. There is also a stainless steel exhaust system to add to the aural appeal.
The car is reported to run ‘perfectly’ and is ready for the buyer to enjoy.
The seller tells us: “This car is a dream to drive. An exceptional, smooth experience.”
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 deposit. 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.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
