1970 Jaguar E-Type Series 2 Roadster

Jaguar continued to develop the E-Type throughout its life and the first results of this programme of improvements were introduced in 1964 when the newly enlarged 4.2-litre XK engine was installed. Maximum power remained unchanged at 265bhp, however, torque was usefully increased which, combined with the arrival of a fully synchronised Moss gearbox and more consistent fuel flow from the twin SU petrol pumps, contributed greatly to smooth progress.

The Series 2 of 1968 was a further quantum leap with an improved cooling system and better Girling brakes addressing those, less than endearing, Series 1 characteristics of getting too hot and not being able to stop. The Series 2 also introduced several design changes, largely due to U.S. Federal legislation, and the most noted exterior features are the open headlights, a larger grille opening, re-positioned and larger front indicators and rear lights below the bumpers. The 4.2-litre XK straight-six now featured ribbed cam-covers, whilst inside there were better seats with headrests, new switchgear and the ignition switch was now on the steering column.

#1R20812 was built on 8th April 1970 as a right-hand drive, Series 2 Fixed Head Coupé finished in Opalescent Gunmetal with a red leather interior, however, as you can see, it’s now a superbly presented 4.2 Roadster in those original colours. It remains matchingnumbers and is accompanied by two files documenting the cars history, importantly including the restoration in the 80s when it was converted from its original Coupé bodywork to a Roadster. While this may unnerve some purists, we see it as a win-win situation as, let’s be honest, values of a converted car are likely to be a little lower than an original Roadster, offering real value for money and additionally, no one would spend all that money on modifying the bodywork and trim without some lovely new paint and, nearly always, a full mechanical refresh at the same time.

It was treated to a second restoration in the early-2000s with, this time, the focus on drivability. The engine was rebuilt by Derbyshire-based WatJag and fitted with a big-valve head, uprated cams, and a Broadspeed 5-speed gearbox, in addition to uprating the brakes and suspension components. More recently, the car had around £14,000 spent on it with Jaguar specialists, Clayton Classics, who refreshed and ‘buttoned up’ the car to ensure everything was up to scratch including the miracle task for a Jaguar of stopping all oil leaks and drips!

Here at Silverstone we have been privileged to sell a number of really early, flat floor, outside bonnet-lock cars for considerable sums of money, but that’s not really what E-Type Roadsters are about. No young man in the sixties would stare at the E-Type poster on his bedroom wall and think ‘I’ll put up with the uncooperative Moss gearbox, the ‘will they, won’t they’ brakes and the chiropractor-funding seating position and, if I don’t change a single grommet, the car will be worth a million quid by the time I’m 93’. No, what everyone desired was a glorious, sexy E-Type in a super colour with red leather and chrome wires, which is exactly what we have here.

With an MOT valid until April 2023, on the button, pretty as a picture and very sensibly guided, we welcome and encourage your inspection of this lovely car.

Professional images to follow.