Highlights
- This is one of the very last 2+2 'Series 1.5' cars built, of which only 404 RHD 2+2 cars were ever produced
- UK home market example, supplied new to Henlys, London
- Desirable manual 4.2L car which retains its original factory specification of Carmen Red with a black interior
- Older restoration in tidy, usable and well kept order
- Regularly serviced and maintained by long term keeper
- Practical 2+2 with higher roofline and more legroom
The Appeal
The 2+2 E-Type was developed to cater for American GT tastes, but has latterly found popularity with enthusiasts who really want to use their cars. If you plan to drive your E-Type regularly then the higher roofline and bigger doors of these cars make them much easier to live with than the standard SWB coupes.
Towards the end of Series 1 production Jaguar began introducing changes to the cars, These later models are unofficially known as ‘Series 1.5’ and identifiable by their raised front headlights without fairings. Just 404 RHD 2+2 ‘Series 1.5’ coupes left the works and this car, built in January 1968, is amongst the very last.
It is classically finished in Carmen Red with black interior, which a JDHT certificate confirms is factory correct. There is, of course, the later 4.2L version of that torquey XK, plus a desirable manual gearbox, which the same certificate verifies are matching numbers. It remains in very good order following an older restoration by Merlin Restorations of Bala. There are a few points to note in photos but it looks in very usable condition. Regular servicing by the previous keepers and current long term one mean that it runs well too.
This car ticks many E-Type buying boxes - practical specification, desirable running gear and highly original and usable.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in the UK on 6th March 1968
- Factory built 15th January 1968
- JDHT certificate confirms matching numbers and original colour scheme
- DVLA records VIN as 4E53991 which is a data entry error as this is the body number
- Chassis number is 1E51146
- Only 404 RHD 2+2 Series 1.5 cars built with final car being chassis number 1E51379
- We are told that the first keeper was in Manchester
- Nine registered keepers
- Current keeper since May 2010
- Good history file showing regular servicing to 2021 at 79,678 miles
- Older restoration by Merlin Restorations of Bala according to dashboard plaque
- Old MOTs and old style V5 as shown
- Registered as a Historic Vehicle
- Last MOT expired August 2019 with 79,553 miles on test
The Condition
- Factory correct Carmen Red paintwork in fair condition for age as shown
- There are some minor signs of aging such as stone chips and marks
- Bodywork presents well for an older restoration with some areas to note in photos
- These include base of driver’s door where there is some bubbling
- Other panel edges plus arches and sills appear in good order for age
- Boot floor appears to be in good, solid condition as shown
- There is a small dent to the nearside top of the roof
- Underside is also well presented with evidence of older undersealing as shown
- Correct ‘Series 1.5’ design with exposed headlights and small rear lights
- Lights and glasswork in good order with no damage or faults reported
- Front and rear bumpers complete but show tarnishing in photos
- Wire wheels are presentable with tarnishing visible up close as shown
- Fitted with older tyres
- Black leather 2+2 interior in good order for age with some wear to front seat bolsters
- Door cards, trim, carpets and dashboard in good overall condition
- There are some signs of age inside such as rippling to vinyl trim
- Headlining appears in good, clean condition and can be checked in photos
- Fitted with E-Type style large wood-rimmed three spoke wheel
- Correct Series 1 switchgear with toggle design and presenting well
- Dials and dashboard in good, presentable condition with no functional issues reported
- Fitted with a modern Sony CD player as shown
- No reported faults with electrics, lighting or switchgear
The Mechanics
- Matching numbers car confirmed by vendor and JDHT certificate
- 4,235cc straight six XK engine
- 4spd manual gearbox with full synchromesh on all ratios
- Factory standard car with no modifications notified
- Well maintained car with good history file and regular servicing
- Last serviced in 2021 less than 20 miles ago
- Buyers should note that car has been little used since last service
- No reported running or driving issues
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