Description

1969 Jaguar E-Type S2 Roadster

In the current ownership for 34 years; fully restored including rebuilt engine and gearbox and only 3,500 miles since; matching numbers UK car; factory hard top and soft top; nice number plate; a most appealing E-Type at an equally appealing guide price!

Although die-hard E-Type aficionados will always claim that the Series 1 is the car to have, in the real world there is no doubt that the Series 2, launched in October 1968, is the better car to drive.

Visually distinguished by its slightly higher, uncowled front headlights, wider ‘mouth’ at the front and different tail lights, it had twin fans for better cooling, an all-synchro gearbox, better seats, better brakes, improved switchgear and slightly more room in the cabin.

Power still came from the same magnificent 265bhp 4.2-litre triple-carb XK engine which endowed the car with a top speed in excess of 130mph. According to Philip Porter's definitive history, just 698 Series 2 Roadsters were sold in right-hand drive in the UK before it was replaced by the V12-powered Series 3 in late 1970.

Originally light blue and registered MET 808G, this E-Type Series Two Roadster was first registered in March 1969 and was acquired by our vendor back in 1988 by which time it was mid-way through a repaint in red.

Having previously owned a dark blue E-Type, the vendor decided to paint this one the same colour. The engine and gearbox were removed, along with the interior trim, before the shell was stripped to bare metal. This revealed that it was basically sound, requiring only new inner and outer sills, floor panels and outer rear wing panels, all parts being supplied by M&C Wilkinson.

While the shell was being prepped and painted by Chris Brooke Motors, Otley, the engine block was sent off to be cleaned and refurbished by W Drake of Bradford with new liners and a reground crank before being returned to Chris Brooke for rebuilding with new pistons, oil pump etc. The rotating parts were balanced statically and dynamically by BAR Engineering of York who also polished the crank. The gearbox was rebuilt by Stephen Brear of Leeds, the rear sub frame and differential were rebuilt, the latter by Dana Spicer of West Bromwich, and the radiator was recored by Serck Martson of Leeds. The blue leather seats were renovated by Dave Stott of Baildon. Later, the cylinder head was rebuilt by Derek Watson of Bakewell. 

Work came to a halt in 1992 when Chris Brooke sadly died. In due course the engine and the body, now a part-painted shell, were returned to the vendor who completed the the painting prior to reassembly of the car. The rear bulkhead and sill cavities were injected with waxoil, all the wiring was replaced and inertia reel seat belts were fitted. The rear wheel arches had been slightly flared to allow the eventual fitment of wider competition wire wheels with a greater offset than standard. 

Finally back on the road in 1998, the trim having been completed by Dave Stott and a new hood in black PVC fitted, the car was then lightly used in fine weather until 2003 when the gearbox developed a rattle which meant that both it and the engine had to be removed yet again. While the gearbox was being fixed (by CAR Transmission Services of Worksop), the vendor decided that he would like to return the car to its original colour so it was dismantled to a rolling shell and stripped back to bare metal again before being professionally repainted in its current shade by Colin Pitt of Otley in 2005 at a cost of £7,400. 

Due to other commitments, the car was not fully reassembled until 2011, again by the vendor, the ignition also being upgraded in the meantime to an electronic system. A new number plate was also bought via a DVLA auction, the highly appropriate JAG 69E which is included in the sale. 

Since then the car has only been lightly used, being kept on SORN from 2012 - 2019 and being stored on blocks so that it could be run up and 'driven' periodically to keep everything free. Routine servicing was also undertaken along with other improvements such as a new set of MWS 5.5" triple-laced competition wheels fitted with Blockley 185VR15 tyres in 2017. The front splined hubs were also replaced.

A new heater matrix was also fitted along with a smaller, thicker rimmed steering wheel. The ignition voltage system was also upgraded with a more modern microprocessor system. A Sony radio cassette is currently fitted but the original radio and mounting plate are also included. The hood, hood cover and frame are also present, all in serviceable condition, although they are not currently fitted. 

During the last 12 months the oil (Millers 20/50) and filter have been changed, as has the clutch fluid. The brake system contains DOT 5 silicone fluid (Automec). The fuel pump has been upgraded to an electronic SU pump and a new battery has been fitted. The radiator has been removed, flushed and pressure tested prior to replacing the coolant. The cooling fans are manually operated from a switch on the dashboard which is illuminated when the fans are off. 

As you can see in the photos, the car is in generally good order throughout and has been starting promptly and running very sweetly as we have moved it around on site, with good 50psi oil pressure. It comes with a good file of invoices to document the work carried out to date plus an original owner’s handbook and a spare set of keys.

Only reluctantly for sale due to the advancing years of the vendor, this thoroughly rejuvenated 'matching numbers' E-Type has only covered around 3,500 miles in the last 34 years. It is now crying out for more regular use and looks an absolute steal at the modest guide price suggested.

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com