1969 Jaguar E-Type Roadster 4.2 S2 *Sold £55,000*

Description

• Part of a small collection
• Only three previous owners
• Our vendor has owned for 30 years
• A rare hidden gem of a find in unrestored condition
• Modified tastefully to realise the potential of this iconic sports classic

Enzo Ferrari knew a thing or two about making wonderful motor cars. He once said “the E-Type is the most beautiful car in world.” He was right! 

The E-Type erupted onto an unsuspecting the world in 1961. Nothing else like the E-Type had been seen before and there’s been nothing like it since. The Series 1 cars came first fitted with the 3.8 litre engines. In 1968 the Series 2 were fitted with the 4.2 litre engine and a number of other upgrades. The 5.3 litre V12 Series 3 cars were last in the series. 

Many aficionados will insist the S1, with its awkward flat floor the 3.8 litre engine and an insubordinate gearbox is the one to buy, but not to drive. 

If you want an E-Type to use and have fun with, then the Series 2 is the one to own. In fact, that is the decision our vendor made when he bought this E-Type thirty years ago. Some of the outrageous fun he had with the E-Type can be seen in a video on YouTube at the Penthouse offices (warning, over 18s only!). Our vendor has never regretted buying it for a moment.  

Exterior 

This E-Type looks striking. Crucially it has been restored correctly according to the vendor. He does say it had been painted when he purchased it in the 90’s, but paint only. Not patched up and filled, just paint on the correct original parts. There is good evidence to support this too, with a detailed summary of the work done plus parts showing a total spend of just over £13,000. This back in the day when a brand-new bonnet cost only £850! Extrapolate this refurbishment into today prices you are looking at nearer £75,000. 

A thorough Dinol protection treatment was then carried out on the underside by specialists. The engineer who completed the work revealed that he used to race E Types and he’d never seen one so sound and rot free. 

The carpets have been partially removed to reveal images of the floor pans. As you can see, they are in all original condition. The remainder of the underside is of the same quality. The door, boot, bonnet shut lines are all good. Extraordinarily, the bottom of the doors are totally corrosion-free. With the exception of some weathering on the nearside corner of the front bumper all the chrome is in very good condition  

The vendor has been honest and highlighted some small cosmetic chips on the outside of the doors along with some other age-related marks. You can see exactly what you are getting; an arresting looking E-Type roadster with tonnes of authenticity about it. This is an E-Type that has had its bodyshell restored with new original parts including floor pans ensuring its future simply because it won’t succumb to the original corrosion that did for most classics of this era.  

Interior  

Sitting in an E-Type is a wonderful place to be, let’s be honest. This particular E-Type is no different. What sets this E-Type apart is again it’s originality. 

The leather seats are all in good condition. The vendor has been very open in highlighting even very minor wear on the driver’s seat. For a car of this age and the enjoyment it has provided, we think that wear is minor. You’ll judge for yourself. Because of his advancing years the vendor has resisted the temptation to pretty things up. The E-Type is all the better for it. It would take a couple of Sunday afternoons, some leather cream and a bit of elbow grease to make everything peachy. That’s up to you. 

Engine and transmission 

The vendor has spent very serious money in this area and as a mark of his integrity in the lead up to us marketing the E-Type he was keen to make sure everything in this area was in perfect condition. 

The upgrading of the Power unit was undertaken a few years ago and we’ve seen invoices for work done at that time for nearly £14k. Forged pistons from the US plus steel billet camshafts, valves, springs, gaskets, fluid harmonic damper, just some of the serious engine parts upgraded along with triple Webers, full Hayward and Scott custom manifold /exhaust system, electronic mappable ignition system by 123 …the list is endless  

The outcome of all this is a reliable, tractable, un-bustable engine recently achieving 292 bhp on a rolling road tune-up exercise 

Wheels, tyres, suspension. 

The chrome wire wheels are in excellent condition, the tyres are all spot on. Koni shocks were fitted a while ago. That whole package makes the stance of the E-Type look just right and pitch perfect. 

Our view. 

It is rare to see an E-Type come to market that has had such little ownership or been held by one owner for so long. Those that do are often so-called ‘garaged finds’ mostly do not run and are a potential burning money pit of pain.   

This E-Type has been future proofed. It will only run on super unleaded. It has been loved, cherished and enjoyed. It is ready to go.  

We understand our vendor was a very big cheese in a magazine publishing company in the London Docklands when it was really booming, big time. The E-Type fitted that scene perfectly. Now in more mature years, he looks fondly on those times (don’t we all) but understands it’s time to move the E-Type on. This represents a rare opportunity in our view.   

E-Type prices rebalanced since they exploded around 2016/17. This year, and during lockdown, prices have trended up. Not thankfully to that overheated bubble scenario.  

This E-Type has been loved, looked after, used and enjoyed but it is no trailer queen. It could be. But our vendor prioritised having a great time and using the car over taking it to win local shows. Our view is that it is a better car because of it and more honest.  

Concours E-Types are breaking the £125,000 again now. This is not one of those cars. Excellent condition E-Types are now fetching between £85,000-£100,000. With very little time and energy this essentially original E-Type from long term low ownership with lovely modifications is easily capable of occupying that space. We expect the price on this delightful E-Type to finish around £65,000-£75,000. If you’re lucky enough to buy for that you’d get a very special bargain E-Type.