1969 Jaguar Series II E-Type Roadster

Since the launch in 1961 of the Jaguar E-Type, it has received many accolades supporting its legendary design and power; including Enzo Ferrari who described the E-Type as, "the most beautiful car in the world'.

As with all motorcars that underwent progressive design and improvement, the Series II E-Type benefitted from open headlights without glass covers, a wrap-around rear bumper, re-positioned and larger front indicators, tail lights below the bumpers and more comfortable seats. Standard Series II upgrades also included uprated brakes and twin electric fans enabling better cooling.

Like the late series 1 cars, the engine is easily identified by the change from polished to ribbed cam covers and whilst the US specification cars were detuned with twin Strombergs and larger valve clearances, the European cars retained triple SU carburettors and the much tighter valve clearances as fitted to this vehicle.

Chassis number 1R 8619 was manufactured on 26th February 1969 and was delivered new to the Belgium Motor Company in Bruxelles on 12th March 1969, and shortly afterwards was happily collected by its first owner, a Mr William Rutherford. This series II E-Type Roadster 4.2 then found its way to the United States, where it was recently discovered by our vendor in a tired but original condition. He repatriated the car to the UK and set about an extensive restoration that has only recently been completed.

The body was stripped and painted in stunning Signal Red and the interior has been trimmed in BAS tan leather with red piping. A new stainless steel exhaust manifold was fitted along with new chromium wire wheels. The steering was converted from left to right-hand drive and the engine was removed and received a bottom end rebuild, as the car had been stood for some time. The car was then re-assembled with great care and attention to detail. The odometer is currently reading 24,949 miles and although unwarranted, the vendor believes this low mileage to be correct.

All relevant documentation can be found in the history file and the car is reported to drive extremely well. A Jaguar Heritage certificate confirms that the chassis and engine numbers match from new and the car has covered just 110 miles since its restoration. This E-Type really is in fantastic sparkling condition, and one would be tempted to arrive at a classic car show, open the bonnet, boot and both doors and stand back and enjoy the compliments.

A superb opportunity to own an original E-Type Roadster and enjoy many years of 'roof down fun' along the way.