1968 JAGUAR E TYPE SERIES 1.5 4.2 LITRES ROADSTER

1968 JAGUAR E TYPE SERIES 1.5 4.2 LITRES ROADSTER
Sold for US$ 89,100 Including Commission
Bonhams Auction, Amelia Island, Florida 2015
Chassis no. 1E17502
Engine no. 7E16878-9
4,235cc DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
3 SU Carburetors
265bhp at 5,400rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Numbers matching example
*Late, open headlight Series 1.5
*Prepared for active use and enjoyment
*Accompanied by original tools and Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate
THE JAGUAR E-TYPE
Introduced in 3.8-liter form in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type caused a sensation when it appeared, with instantly classic lines and a 150mph top speed. Nowadays it would be impossible for a single model to cause such a stir but here was a civilized production sports car that looked like a Le Mans prototype and could outperform just about anything else on the road.
The E-Type's design owed much to that of the racing D-Type: a monocoque tub forming the main structure while a tubular space frame extended forwards to support the engine. The latter was the 3.8-liter, triple-carburetor, 'S' unit first offered as an option on the XK150. An optimistic 265bhp was claimed but whatever the installed horsepower, the E-Type's performance did not disappoint; firstly because it weighed around 500lb (227kg) less than the XK150 and secondly because aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer used experience gained with the D-Type to create one of the most elegant and efficient shapes ever to grace a motor car.
The first significant up-grade occurred in October 1964 with the launch of the 4.2-liter version. Along with the bigger, torquier engine came a more user- friendly gearbox with synchromesh on first gear, and a superior Lockheed brake servo. Apart from '4.2' badging, the car's external appearance was unchanged but under the skin there were numerous detail improvements, chiefly to the electrical and cooling systems, and to the seating arrangements. The top speed remained unaltered, the main performance gain resulting from the larger engine being improved acceleration.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This numbers matching open headlight, late Series 1—colloquially known as a Series 1.5—Jaguar E-Type Roadster was built on March 29, 1968 and left the Browns Lane factory in Coventry just under a month later on the 24th of April. Finished in Ascot Fawn over Beige leather with Black soft top, it was originally imported through Jaguar Cars of New York. While the early history of this Jaguar is not known, by the late 1990s it had received a compete restoration and a color change to its current Old English White over Black leather before being sold in August of 2000 in California.
Trading hands a few times before ending up with its present owner, the car is said to be mechanically well kept and has always been garaged since its restoration. Fitted with its original, numbers matching engine—although the unstamped head would indicate that it is likely an NOS replacement, this elegant Jag may not be absolutely perfect but it is an eminently useable car that shows well. Devoid of the large taillights, heavy bumpers, and additional fittings that came to be a hallmark of later E-Types, the Series 1.5 retains all of the good looks and style of the Series 1 with the only major concession being headlights unencumbered by covers.
Accompanied by its original tool roll, jack, and spare, receipts documenting thousands regular maintenance and its Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, an ear-to-ear grin is virtually guaranteed once out on the open road with the top down in this sleek Jag.
Robert Myrick Photography