1968 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Roadster

The last owner of this fine-looking E Type specimen had stewardship of it for over 40 years, with the Jaguar always being kept in a dry and dehumidified garage. In the last 16 years of his ownership, it’s done relatively few miles; just 169 on average per year, which is just enough to keep it ticking/purring over.

“He had it maintained and serviced once a year by a local racing mechanic, as he lived not far from Oulton Park circuit, but he was old school and kept no paperwork, other than MOT test certificates,” explains vendor Scott Clayton.

Looking at both the V5c document and old ‘green book’ V5 documents it can be deduced that the last custodian was the car’s third owner from new. “In communication with him, he stated that hadn’t had the car restored although it did have a bit of work completed at some time in the Seventies. However, that said, it remains in very original condition.

“Further research has also shown that this was the last but tenth RHD UK car off the production line and only five later 4.2 Roadsters are believed to be in existence, which makes this a very rare and desirable car. Bodywork, chrome, and the underside are all very good; there’s also a lovely patina to the seats. It’s uncommon to find such an original car.”

Vendor Scott enthuses about the panels on this car and up close, it’s easy to see why – it does have a lovely feeling of originality. Door and panel fit is very good, with nice even shut gaps. The Carmine Red retains a shiny disposition and is perhaps one of the model’s finest hues, especially for those fans of the ‘wow’ factor. An E Type does that anyway, but even more so in this colour.

There are one or two small blemishes here and there (such as a couple of small chips on the underside of the nose and a touch of spidering around the vents on the bonnet paint), but to expected both a car that’s been driven and of this age.

The wire wheels present nicely, and wear fresh-looking rubber with a period tread pattern, as does the rest of the car’s chrome-work. The hood itself is original and has a couple of holes in it, so would need to be replaced; the frame also needs a bolt replaced (it’s missing), to enable it to be raised. Both suggest that this car has been driven only in the dry and with the top always down in recent years – exactly how long is anyone’s guess.

It's a driver’s car.

My, oh my. In fact, make that, my, oh my, oh my. Stepping into this cabin is like opening your wide-lapelled shirt and donning medallion circa 1968. It is an absolute and wonderful, time warp.

The smell is beguiling and the patinated leather seats welcome you into them like old friends. If you’re a fan of overtly new, hyper-restored cabins then this isn’t for you; if, however, you want to be transported then welcome to heaven. The original radio is included, but a later radio cassette is fitted – it’d be an easy swap back, though.

The dashtop has a few scrapes, the steering column paint is a touch chipped here and there, but it’s all the better for it. Carpets are good. Those seats have had some panels replaced on the squab, one on the passenger and the two outer ones on the driver’s.

“It drives very tight, which suggests that it’s been very well maintained,” says Scott. Pop that long sinuous bonnet and you’ll find a very clean and tidy engine bay. There’s no obvious sign of any leaks or corrosion in here, and the big XK unit fires first time and settles into a contented tick-over. The stainless-steel tailpipes lend it a raspy stationary note that, as you’d expect, gets even better on the move.

We can confirm Scott’s opinion, in that it drives very nicely. It feels lively; the ride is taut, with no knocks from underneath. Stopping power is good, and the gearbox shifts well, too.

It’s a very positive picture underneath. The chassis looks good and straight, and metalwork is a combination of body-coloured and black undersealed panels. Both look to be lovely and solid, with evidence of recent application of rust-proofing product. A fresh-looking stainless steel exhaust system is also fitted.

Very nice.

There’s not a huge history file with the E Type; as Scott said, the owner was of the ‘old-school variety’, which meant yearly services, MOT tests and driving.

As well as the V5c certificate, which shows 17/09/1968 as the date of the car’s first UK registration, and the ‘Green Book’, you’ll also find a variety of expired MOT test certificates and tax discs. An RAC Vehicle History Check, carried out on the 5th of April 2022 is also present and shows no current alerts on the vehicle.

There’s also a selection of invoices from various points in the car’s later life; none of them are for major items, although it’s worth noting that in 2016 the heater air intake was replaced.

That’s it, folks. There’s no doubt that this E Type has lived a life but it’s one you’ll buy on its current, and rather lovely condition and how it drives, rather than what’s in here.

Oh wait, there are also numerous parts and books in the car’s boot including manuals aplenty.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of this and other paperwork to support our claim that this car has maintained to a very good standard.

Jaguar produced just 942 Series 1, RHD 4.2-litre Roadsters. I’ll let that sink in for a moment… they are very rare, indeed. This example is one of the last – in fact, just 4 or 5 later cars are still believed to be in existence. Factor in this car’s lovely condition and the desirability factor is bloomin’ high. Did we mention that it drives very well, too?

We think that, given all of the above, this exceedingly well turned-out 4.2-litre Roadster will sell for somewhere between £75,000 and £85,000. I can feel myself thinking ‘is that all?’ as I type this, and you’re no doubt having the same thought and reaching for the ‘B’ word (rhymes with argon).

We do have a love here at The Market for freshly restored classic, but as a wise man once said, ‘cars are only original once’ – there’s just a certain something about the way that they drive.

This is one to buy, enjoy and then, at night, pour yourself a wee dram, sit back and appreciate the fact that you own one of the last examples of a very rare breed indeed.

Viewing is always encouraged. This particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays between 9am-5pm, 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’.