1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5 Fixedhead Coupé

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, tail lights and indicators above the bumpers, and the exhaust tips under the number plate at the rear. It is undoubtedly one of the rarest of the E-Type variations as just 1,942 were made in right-hand drive out of a total for the model as a whole of 72,515. 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 with a few desirable upgrades from the Series 2 would represent the ultimate. Which is exactly what we have here!! This 1968, Series 1.5, 4.2-litre Coupé was originally a left-hand drive export car. It returned to the UK on 31/07/1989 and was purchased by our vendor in early 2002 with the intention of converting it to right-hand drive and carrying out a full restoration. As is often the case, this turned into a major project and took over nine years (first registered on 10/11/2011) but the work was carried out carefully and correctly and the result is here for us all to see.The list is too extensive to detail here but to summarise; the car was treated to a full glass out, everything out, bare metal preparation and professional respray in Opalescent Silver Blue. The engine was stripped and rebuilt with a new timing chain, the all-synchromesh gearbox was opened and checked through, new clutch, rebuilt rear axle, new springs, new radiator, new front suspension, steering rack, track rod ends, 'Coopercraft brakes', new fuel tank, larger chrome wire wheels (16x5 inch rear and 15x5 inch front ) new wiring loom, plus numerous other parts. It was obviously converted to right-hand drive during this process. The interior was totally retrimmed in sumptuous Blue Leather and the full-length sunroof was finished in a matching colour.After six years of light use, having covered just over 1,000 miles since the restoration, our vendor has decided to let someone else have the pleasure of his nine-year labour of love. Recently freshly MOT'd (20/06/17 at 1,023 miles) the Jaguar is accompanied by all the usual documentation, old MOTs, photos and a substantial pile of invoices. An excellent example of quite a rare E-Type and worth a closer look.