1967 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Roadster Series 1.5

UK-supplied, right-hand drive, Series 1.5

From long-term ownership-40 years between the last two owners

Extensive mechanical work to the engine, gearbox, clutch and brakes six years ago (£10,000)

Completely refreshed in 2016 (Resprayed, new rubbers, retrimmed, re-chromed, engine bay etc)

Recent new hood and new tyres. Simply lovely. An absolutely classic E-Type.

The Series 1 E-Type (as it has subsequently become known) was introduced, initially for export only, in March 1961 using the triple SU carburetted, 3.8-litre, six-cylinder XK engine from the XK150S. The car continued to be developed over time with the first major changes arriving in 1964 including an increase in capacity to 4.2-litres. There was never a fixed specification or official designation for this interim model, although, with the arrival of the, officially named 'Series 2', the early cars became Series 1s and the interim cars, logically, Series 1.5. These cars can be recognised by their open headlights, small 'mouth' air intake, the exhaust tips under the number plate at the rear, and the tail lights and indicators above the bumpers. It is undoubtedly one of the rarest of the E-Type variations as just 1,942 were made in right-hand drive and, of these, only 320 were Roadsters. Enthusiasts claim that it is the best driving and most nimble derivative, and the 4.2-litre engine and all-synchromesh gearbox offered increased power and usability whilst retaining the fabulous looks of the earlier cars. Naturally there are enthusiasts for every iteration of E-Type from the early, flat-floor, Moss-gearbox, skinny-seat cars to the voluptuous and voluminous, V12 Series 3, however, those folk that really know, suggest that a 1.5 well maintained and properly set up would probably represent the ultimate.

RDO 171 is a genuine, UK-supplied, right-hand drive Series 1.5 finished in period-perfect Opalescent Silver Blue with a dark blue leather interior. First registered new in November 1967, it was delivered to a Mr Alastair Gilchrist of Esher Surrey who owned it for eleven years. Staying in Surrey, it was then sold to John Lucas-Lucas and remained in his ownership for thirty-four years before being purchased by our vendor whos enjoyed this beautiful E-type for six years. Whilst in his care, he has continued to improve the Jaguar and as a result of his efforts, the car presents today in wonderful condition. He employed renowned Jaguar experts 'MC Wilkinson' to carry out extensive mechanical work to the engine, gearbox, clutch and brakes. This work totalled approximately ten thousand pounds and details can be found in the comprehensive history file. As recently as 2016 our vendor decided to carry out a full repaint, focussing on good panels gaps before respraying the car in its original colour. The door rubbers were replaced, the engine bay detailed, the brightwork re-chromed, the interior retrimmed, and the renovation was topped off with a brand new hood. A correct set of new Dunlop Aquajets was mounted on the chrome wire wheels and we understand the account for all this attention amounted to around twenty thousand pounds.

With this level of restoration, in a classic colour combination, and sensibly guided, this rare E-type really ticks all the boxes and should not be missed.