1968 Jaguar E-Type Series II 2+2 Fixed Head Coupe

As the successor to the XK150, the Jaguar E-Type became something of a phenomenon as soon as it was launched at Geneva in 1961. The futuristic aerodynamic body design became a style icon of the Sixties, and powered initially by its predecessor’s 3.8, six cylinder XK engine, the E-Type was indeed the epitome of all grand touring sports cars. 1969 saw the arrival of the Series II models, with a subtly updated design (such as a wrap-around rear bumper and ‘open’ headlamps), improved cooling and braking systems, and the 4.2 litre engine that was first implemented in the 1964 Series I.

This original home market 2+2 Series II has been in its current ownership for twenty-six years. Previously, the Jaguar had resided in Bristol in the seventies, and then moved to Essex, where a Mr Bater owned the sports car in the 1980s and 90s. It was well maintained during that period, with many invoices still present today, and it was in the late eighties that a thorough body restoration was carried out. In 1997, the present custodian purchased the E-Type from dealers in Woodford Green, and it was promptly shipped out to Versailles, where it was used as daily transportation around Paris for two years with, we should note, total reliability. The Jaguar was again well cared for, as evidenced in the history file, and the mileage covered in this current ownership has been approximately 9000 miles.

Since its repatriation to the UK, the E-Type has continued to be mechanically maintained, and loved, but has had little general use. The interior now requires replacement. The wire wheels, replaced in 1998, now need replating, but the exterior is sound and solid and generally rust free. The paintwork is presentable. Mechanically, we understand that the sports car is in good working order, it starts and runs, but a recommissioning service may be beneficial. Apparently only 1041 RHD 2+2 Series IIs were produced, so this must be a fairly rare beast on the market and a good opportunity for an E-Type enthusiast.

The large history supplied includes an original handbook for the 4.2 Series II, general correspondence regarding the car, information on maintenance, a handwritten log of mileages from 1983 to 2023, MOT test certificates from 1988 to 1997, spare parts lists, Jaguar Enthusiasts’ Club correspondence, the bill of sale from the current ownership, a large quantity of invoices from the 1980s to the late 1990s, the V5C registration certificate and others.

Auction Date: 9 March 2023