1968 Jaguar E-Type Series II 4.2-Litre Coupé                ...

Estimate

£50,000 - £60,000

1968 Jaguar E-Type Series II 4.2-Litre Coupé                                  
Registration Number: VIG 505
Chassis Number: IR25226
Recorded Mileage: c.28,000 miles

- Beautiful LHD, matching numbers example
- c.£35,000 invested in mechanical and cosmetic improvements

The first significant upgrade of Jaguar’s sensational E-Type sports car took shape in October 1964 with the launch of the 4.2-litre version. Along with the bigger, torquier engine came a more user-friendly gearbox with synchromesh on first gear, and a superior Lockheed brake servo. Apart from ‘4.2’ badging, the car’s external appearance was unchanged, but under the skin there were numerous detail improvements. These mainly concerned the cooling and electrical systems, the latter gaining an alternator and adopting the industry standard negative ground, while the interior boasted a matt black dashboard and improved seating arrangements. The top speed of around 150mph remained unchanged, the main performance gain resulting from the larger engine being improved acceleration.

In 1968 all three versions of the E-Type underwent major revision to emerge in ‘Series 2’ guise minus the original’s distinctive headlight covers. In addition, enlarged side and rear lights were adopted while a thickened front bumper centre section bridged a larger radiator intake. Interior changes included a collapsible steering column and rocker switches in place of the earlier toggles. Cooling was much improved by the enlarged 'mouth' and twin electric fans, the brakes were uprated brakes and the Series II engine easily identified by new ribbed cam covers.

This particularly impressive 1968 example was originally destined for the United States, finished in the highly attractive combination of Sable with Biscuit interior. Joining a small British-based collection in recent years, as our vendor is himself an engineer his approach to his new E-Type was suitably exacting. As such rather than undertaking restoration for restoration's sake, considerable expenditure has been directed towards the areas that matter most mechanically and structurally.

The E-Type has been returned to European specification with the US-specification front marker lights removed, the apertures professionally plated and the bonnet repainted. The car now sits on a set of highly attractive 6.5-inch chrome wire wheels, shod with new tyres and finished with traditional eared spinners. The front suspension A-frames were renewed, the engine has been converted to triple SU carburettors mounted on a new correct inlet manifold, together with the appropriate air filter and housing. A complete stainless-steel exhaust system, including stainless-steel headers, has been installed. The rear differential carrier has been removed and rebuilt, incorporating a replacement differential to European specification. The European unit provides a higher final-drive ratio than the original US-specification differential, improving the car's suitability for European road use. A new clutch has also been fitted as part of the mechanical programme. The original US-specification air-conditioning system was removed, while the dashboard area has been carefully returned to its original configuration. The alternator has likewise been repositioned to its correct European-specification location.

The quality of this particular E-Type is immediately apparent - the car displays exceptionally good panel fit and shut lines, with the doors closing very neatly. The Sable paintwork is complemented by beautifully presented brightwork and chrome, with much of the paintwork believed to remain original. Inside, the Biscuit interior is largely original, displaying only the lightest patination. The remarkably fresh appearance of the cabin is consistent with the indicated mileage of approximately 28,000 miles, although this is not documented. The overall impression is one of an exceptionally well-preserved example that has benefited from sympathetic mechanical and detail improvements. 

This impressive Jaguar is supplied with a comprehensive file of documentation, with expenditure understood to total approximately £35,000, in addition to its original owner's handbook and wallet. The result of this hard work is an E-Type which is both exceptionally attractive and mechanically well sorted, a real driver’s car that can be enjoyed right away. For the collector seeking an example that can be appreciated both for its originality and for the quality of its mechanical preparation, this 1968 4.2-litre Fixed Head Coupé represents a highly attractive proposition.