1968 Jaguar E Type Convertible

Series 1.5 XK-E - 4.2L Inline 6 with 4 Speed Transmission

Jaguar E-type is one of the most eye-catching and curvaceous production cars of all time. Easily the most recognizable British sports car, its combination of good looks and high performance established the marque as an icon of 1960s motoring. E-types have always been the most sensual of cars...no coincidence that was Austin Powers' chariot of choice.

Descending from the LeMans-conquering D-Type racer, all the accumulated wealth of knowledge and experience gained in the hard school of motor racing was built into the XK-E. The E-type was meant to cheat the wind, but its long hood, short rear deck and compound curves also coincidentally looked great. Jaguar designers ultimately created a vehicle set up to glide effortlessly through the air with the form necessary to encapsulate world class mechanicals and claimed by the public as pure poetry in sheet metal.

The E-Type was initially presented as a rear-wheel drive grand tourer in two-seater Coupé form (FHC or Fixed Head Coupé) and as a two-seater Convertible (OTS or Open Two Seater). On its release Enzo Ferrari called it "The most beautiful car ever made". Over the years an incalculable number of others have agreed. With its superb design and well rated driving characteristics, the E-Type deserves every bit of the praise it receives for being a timeless automobile.

Series 1 body style featured small "mouth" opening at the front, signal lights and tail-lights above bumpers and exhaust tips under the number plate in the rear. Following the Series 1 there was a transitional series of cars built in 1967-68, unofficially called "Series 1½" or "1.5" these cars all have the Series 1 body style. During production some of the Series 2 features were gradually introduced which were changes due to American safety legislation.  Hallmarks of Series 2 cars were open headlights rather than having glass-covers, rocker style to replace toggle switches, and some de-tuning with a downgrade of twin Zenith-Stromberg carbs from the original triple SU carbs for US models. Some Series 1.5 cars also have twin electric cooling fans, adjustable seat backs and a combination steering lock/ignition key was fitted to the steering column which replaced the dash board mounted ignition switch and charismatic push button starter. For the classic wheels the elimination of the winged-spinner knock-off "nut" became a hexagonal knockoff nut to be hammered on and off with the assistance of a special "socket" included with the car from the factory. All E-Types featured independent coil spring rear suspension with torsion bar front ends, and four wheel disc brakes, in-board at the rear, all were power-assisted. Series 1.5 Jags are considered by many enthusiasts as the most desirable series.

Presented here is a Jaguar XKE 4.2L from the early run of Series 1.5 production.  Artistically beautiful in the Bright Carmen Red/Black interior/Black Convertible Top this Roadster is finished off with the eye catching optional chrome spoked wheels. The factory color of Carmen Red complements the elegant lines of the slinky looking E-Type. Even inside the trunk reveals the nice confirmation of original red factory paint. The body is in good solid condition, all trim and chrome is older but still bright. The paint would be considered a 10-footer as close inspection reveals some flaws This car has all the previously noted changes influenced by the Series 2 production except it still retains the tail lights above the rear bumpers from the Series 1 design. The interior has original wood steering wheel, well-appointed functional gauges including tack and is in fine condition for the next owner to take to the next level of detail and care. Useful and classic look of the chrome luggage rack on the trunk, or should we say 'on the boot' of this striking from any angle convertible. This Jag is reported to be a two owner car according to the second owner who acquired the it in the early 1970's. This Jag can be used as it is or is a great candidate for a concourse restoration as it is a vehicle with great bones.

'Tilt the bonnet' to reveal the original engine (7E-16413-9) and gear box (KE433) matching the data plate. This 4.2-litre engine retains the 3 carburetors of the Series 1 production with the all-synchromesh transmission produced 265 HP of excitement. The engine is easily identified visually by the change from smooth polished cam covers to a more industrial "ribbed" appearance from the Series 2. These XK-E straight six 4.2-liters deliver a smooth and powerful journey down the road. The performance of these Jaguars on the highway or should we say the 'dual carriage way' is nothing short of formidable - a 0-60 time of around seven seconds and a 150 mph top speed.

Jaguar's E-Type has earned its status as one of the most attractive cars to ever traverse the pavement. Its shape is as low and sleek as they come and stands as one of car design's all-time greats. Recognition continues decades later as the Jaguar E-Type is often ranked on lists such as the world's "most beautiful cars" of all time, the "Top Sports Cars of the 1960s" or specifically by the New York City Museum of Modern Art recognition of E-Type's design.

The E-Type is one of those rare gifts to the automotive world from some passionate designers. This Red Jag Convertible is absolutely stunning and perhaps the next owner will find themselves explaining the 'Jag provides a jolly good time!'