1969 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 SII Roadster

Vendor Philippe Kilian sourced this S2 E Type in the USA back in 1983. “It had only had one owner when I bought it,” he explains. Phillipe brought it to back to Belgium, but it wouldn’t be until the Nineties that it was completely dismantled and restored from the ground up, to European standards.

“This included sandblasting of the body, new brakes, clutch, shock absorbers, three SU carburettors, wider chrome wire wheel and a stainless-steel exhaust system at a cost of approximately €20,000.

“Since the restoration I have driven the car for around 7000/8000kms and it’s been constantly upgraded (new tinted windows, slave cylinder clutch, new rubbers, door mirrors, engine mountings, gasket cam covers, etc) and is ready to drive. There is no rust at all, and all mechanics are in perfect condition. The last maintenance was carried out two months ago.”

After moving house Philippe is now short of garage space and has reluctantly decided to sell his beloved E Type – bad news for him, but good news for this lovely car’s next owner.

It’s a majestic looking thing, isn’t it? That’s a rhetorical question of course, for anyone with even a millilitre of petroleum in his or her veins looking at this car, could only give one answer…

The Midnight paint lends the E Type’s profile a sporting yet menacing presence; it also contrasts beautifully with the car’s bright work, including those evocative wire wheels. The panel gaps are nice and tight. An older restoration it may be but the car has obviously been well looked after; the paint retains a deep lustre and a lovely shine, and is generally free from blemishes.

The chromework ranges from excellent (wire wheels and rear bumper) to good (the front bumper having just a touch of tarnish on and around the overriders). The wire wheels all appear sound and wear matching Avon Turbospeed tyres.

Up top the convertible hood is in fine nick although it does have one or two small flaws in the material, here and there. The rear window remains nice and clear, and the lack of creases in the material demonstrate that it’s seen little in the way of folding action – there’s generally only one way to drive a Roadster and that’s top down!

The cabin is finished in light blue leather, which complements the exterior colour very well indeed, and dark blue carpets (piped light blue); heck, even the speaker surrounds are colour-matched!

This is no show dolly though, and Phillipe has enjoyed the car on the open road so it isn’t concours; there’s the odd little mark here and there, but there’s no doubt that it remains a very nice interior.

The seats are in very good condition with just a touch of wear on the top edge of the driver’s bolster. Likewise the door cards and centre column present similarly, while the dashboard and dash-top are mark free. The three-spoke wooden steering wheel is lovely to look at and the perfect foil with which to manhandle this big sporting cat.

There are no immediate jobs necessary in here; instead, it’s simply ready to accept its next occupants.

“The car was, and is, always in perfect driving condition,” says Phillipe. “I drive it regularly and it always starts immediately. It drives and handles as new and has lots of power, and the noise through the stainless steel exhaust is truly intoxicating.”

Our Video Review not only showcases the E Type’s condition, but also includes footage of the car being driven; as well as the engine running smoothly in situ with the bonnet open.

The engine bay still presents very smartly, with nice attention to detail having been paid during the restoration process. All pipes, lines and rubbers still look to be in tip-top health and there is no evidence of any leaks.

Phillipe’s statement that ‘there is no rust at all” extends to the underside, which he says is in excellent condition. This is one well-restored and regularly exercised example of an S2 Roadster.

In terms of paperwork within this car’s history file it simply includes a Belgian logbook. However, vendor Philippe says: “the details of and invoices from the restoration are available in a photo book. Also, the invoices of the last three years are present”.

The car’s history will therefore play a part in your deliberations and combine with the E Type’s very smart condition, and on-the-button driving experience, to give you multiple reasons for buying.

Of significant interest to prospective bidders is the multitude of photographs detailing the various stages of the E Type’s restoration. These show the lengths to which Phillipe went in having the car restored to his exacting standards.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of the paperwork to support our claim that this car has been restored and maintained to the very highest of standards.

Restored classic cars provide an as-new ownership proposition and this older restoration still presents very sharply indeed. The key consideration here is use, as regularly driven examples always provide an easier ownership experience. It’s quite simple: old cars benefit from being driven.

Phillipe’s regular enjoyment of the S2 means that it is in ‘on the button’ condition and immediately ready for its next owner. As such we think this lovely S2 will sell for somewhere between €65,000 and €85,000.

The next owner will be investing in a car that should require minimal fettling; instead it’s simply a case of getting behind the wheel and out on the glorious open road, to enjoy that legendary XK power and the evocative rasp from those twin tailpipes.

Inspection is always encouraged, with this particular car located in Antwerp, Belgium. To arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.