Highlights

Desirable Opalescent Gunmetal Grey over burgundy leather combination
Rare ‘Series 1.5’ car with original features
Custom exhaust system inspired by Jaguar Lindner Nocker race car
Maintained by a Jaguar specialist mechanic on a monthly/bi-monthly basis
Imported from the USA in 2020 after professional storage in Connecticut
Original Jaguar 'Passport' and workshop folder included

The Appeal

Opalescent Gunmetal Grey over burgundy leather is one of those colour combinations that is so Jaguar it should be practically trademarked. It perfectly suits both the Mk2 and E-Type and is a common choice when cars are restored.

This late Series 1 car is what aficionados call a ‘Series 1.5’ car, a term coined to refer to those final cars featuring a range of improvements to meet Federal regulations, such as rocker switches and raised headlights. These rare cars crucially retain the gorgeous slim rear lights. Just 1,565 LHD FHC ‘Series 1.5’ cars like this 1968 model were built. It features that desirable colour combination and is owned by a dedicated model enthusiast.

The car was imported to the UK from Connecticut in 2020 and has been with the current keeper ever since. He tells us that it has been maintained by a Jaguar specialist mechanic on a monthly or bi-monthly basis ever since. It is said to feature a custom exhaust system inspired by the Jaguar Lindner Nocker race car. Since buying the car in 2015, we’re told that the vendor has had the engine rebuilt and tuned and the car fitted with ‘performance’ carburettors.

The car is generally well presented with decent panel fit, a key check on these cars. The evocative interior carries a characterful level of patina and features a correct-style E-Type wood-rimmed wheel.

The Series 1.5 is a canny buy because it gives buyers the purity of a Series 1 with some useful comfort improvements. This attractive car looks tempting.

The vendor says:

“I had intended for it to be the car that I kept for many decades. I have other classic cars, some of which are in the process of renovation, and so this car sat in dry protected storage in Connecticut, with an E Type specialist for the first five years after I purchased it, before coming to the UK in 2020.

“It has been garaged at the house, which is shown in the photographs for every day of its life since.

“Since I have had it, I've not really done enough miles in it, but it has had continual updates, engine tuning, reconditioning and all the things that you would expect from owning a nearly 60-year-old car.

“It is a very good car that has been looked after throughout its life. Our restorer/ mechanic is a specialist in Jaguars and attends to the car on a monthly/bi-monthly basis, checking the car as I have limited knowledge of mechanics.

“That said, this is a very forgiving car that through its upgrades and attention, is a get-in-and-drive car.”

History and Paperwork

First registered in 1968 in the USA
Current owner purchased the car in 2015
Imported to UK in November 2020 by current keeper we are told
First UK registered July 2021
Single UK keeper since arrival
Stored in dry protected storage in Connecticut with an E-Type specialist for five years prior to UK arrival
Maintained by a Jaguar mechanic at monthly and bi-monthly intervals since 2020
Comes with original Jaguar 'Passport' and workshop folder
Factory handbooks, literature and other paperwork included
Described as 'very original' by the seller
Part of a small classic car collection
Comes with some tools and paperwork

The vendor says:

“If you love E Type Jaguars and you obviously do if you are viewing this ad, there are factors that you will have already weighed up in your mind. For me, the coupe is the more beautiful and authentic shape. The gunmetal grey gives the car a premium and understated look.

“The first thing I always notice about E-Type Jaguars is their stance. Stance is very important. Sometimes,the way the chassis sits on the wheels, the wheels look too thin, and the car looks too precarious. I like an E-Type that's got a nice gait, with what seems like a wide stance, with good, solid wheels that sit perfectly on the chassis. That is why I like this car.

“I also like it because, as a Series 1.5 and so it is an early 4.2 litre. But I have another and so it needs to go to a home where it will be driven. Bizarrely, for a car I have not driven, I have been doing short runs in this car more as I lead up to placing it up for sale.

“This is a car is a head turner in more ways than one. Whilst it looks great, it sounds awesome. When I first got it, I fell in love with the sound of the Jaguar Lindner Knocker race car. I took the car to an exhaust specialist to have chrome exhausts made. I was going to start to prep the car more like a road-going race-bred car. I told the guy, “Here is a video of a Jaguar Lindner Knocker. I want you to create an exhaust that gives my car exactly the same sound; otherwise, no deal.” The result is awesome. The exhaust, along with the carburettors, means you hear this car before you see it.”

The Condition

Finished in popular metallic gunmetal grey with red interior
The vendor rates the overall external condition as 8/10
The vendor rates the overall internal condition as 5/10
We are told the cabin has been converted to a “more race-bred interior”
Paintwork looks smart with original US specification lighting
Some signs of age to note to the exterior in the photos
Panelwork and 'stance' appear in good condition, which the vendor notes is indicative of a well-sorted E-Type
Underneath in good order, we are told
Floors recently protected with stone and weather protection coatings
Chrome wire wheels in good condition
Exterior chromework presents well with few indications of age
Dashboard dials would benefit from reconditioning according to the vendor
Burgundy leather interior shows some patina as can be checked in photos
Classic radio fitted
Armrest box has a loose hinge that needs tightening, we are told
Features an E-Type wood-rimmed steering wheel

The Mechanics

4,235cc Jaguar XK engine
Four-speed manual transmission
Left-hand drive configuration
The vendor states the engine runs well
Benefits from regular attention by a Jaguar specialist mechanic, we are told
Engine rebuild, tuning and reconditioning throughout current ownership
No reported running or driving issues
Tidy engine bay as shown
Custom exhaust system providing a distinctive race-inspired sound
Upgraded with performance carburettors

BEFORE YOU BUY

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