1969 Jaguar E-Type Series ll 4.2 Roadster

A UK-supplied RHD example, now fully restored Lovely combination of Old English White with Burgundy Red Drives extremely well with a few choice upgrades Photographic record of the restoration and a Heritage Certificate The Jaguar E-Type is an icon of British automotive history, and it isn't difficult to see why. Sensational looks, the ability to reach close to 150mph and all for half the price of an Aston or a Ferrari at the time. Jaguar's sports car was an instant sensation as its curvaceous good looks - equally good in Roadster or Fixed-head CoupÚ forms - were clearly related to the Le Mans-winning D-types of the 1950s, sculpted by aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer. Its structure was similar too, with a monocoque central tub and a tubular front section carrying the engine and front wheels. The E-Type would be one of the last great sports cars developed directly from a successful competition ancestor. The E-Type's engine was also shared with previous models, a 3.8-litre development of the well-regarded, straight-six XK unit with a claimed 265bhp. This fabulous engine, combined with the E-Type's 500lbs weight saving over the XK150 and its efficient shape, gave real performance gains. This speed and agility were harnessed by independent suspension at the front via wishbones and torsion bars, with the rear also being independently suspended by lower wishbones, fixed-length drive-shafts and twin coil spring/damper units. This broke new ground for a large-capacity sports car when most of its major rivals relied on the traditional live rear axle. Dunlop disc brakes were fitted on all four wheels with those at the rear being mounted inboard alongside the differential to reduce unsprung weight. All these factors resulted in the E-type becoming the complete package at the time. Jaguar continued to develop the E-Type throughout its life. The first results of this programme of improvements came in 1964 when the newly enlarged 4.2-litre XK engine was installed under the bonnet and, although maximum power remained unchanged at 265bhp, torque was usefully increased, improving driveability. Other improvements included the arrival of a fully synchronised Moss gearbox and twin SU petrol pumps. A Lucas alternator was adopted along with a change to the electrics, now with a negative earth, a pre-engaged starter was designed, and a Lockheed vacuum servo replaced the Kelsey Haynes unit originally fitted. The seats were redesigned and were plusher and pleated, whilst an all-black instrument panel replaced the original aluminium one. The car presented here is a right-hand drive, UK-supplied 1969 Jaguar E-Type Series ll 4.2 Roadster. It has recently been subject to a complete restoration overseen by our vendor, who is a marque enthusiast and engineer. He has known this car for many years and understood it to be a very good candidate for such a project. Utilising the skills of numerous specialists, the finished car now drives extremely well, benefiting from a new 2.88 differential and a 123-ignition distributor system. This handsome Roadster, in Old English White paintwork with a Burgundy Red interior, retains its original chassis and gearbox (both as per the Jaguar Heritage Certificate) but has a period-correct 4.2 E-Type engine block paired to a later XJ6 S3 4.2 cylinder head. This work has been done very well and actually allows the engine to perform arguably better than with the original head fitted. The car is accompanied by many photos documenting its restoration and a Jaguar Heritage Certificate of Authenticity. This very useable and freshly restored E-Type Roadster offers everything you'd want from such an iconic model and appears good value when compared to some similar matching-numbers cars.