1969 Jaguar E Type Series 2

reserve not met
11 Bids
8:00 PM, 14 Jun 2023Auction ended
Highest bid

€64,250

reserve not met
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Pierre's review

Pierre Tirone - Consignment Specialist Message Pierre

“ A beautiful restoration and it has the factory hard top which is valuable. ”

The E Type is without a doubt one of the most beautiful automobile creations to ever be produced. It is always an absolute highlight to see an E Type, but that is especially true if they are as well sorted as the example on offer here. If you have been on the lookout for one of these legendary sportscars, this might be a good car to consider: it is presented in an elegant original colour combination and has been restored to a high standard. Effortlessly elegant and highly usable, this example awaits its new caretaker.

Background

So much has been written about the Jaguar E Type that it is hard to know where to start. Is it the most beautiful car ever to roll down a production line? According to Enzo Ferrari, it was, and we tend to agree. Iconic in profile, it features inch-perfect lines, some of the best engines in the business, and a cockpit straight out of every schoolboy’s dreams.

The E Type debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961 and caused quite a storm. Autocar got their hands on a 4.2 fixed head coupé in May 1965 and their test figures make for interesting reading. Acceleration from 0-60mph was just 7.6 seconds and maximum speed just topped the magic 150mph mark. They summarised the car: “In its 4.2 guise, the E Type is a fast car (the fastest we have ever tested) and offers just about the easiest way to travel quickly by road.”

Production lasted until 1975, with different series being produced, though the basic concept remained the same. The E Type was designed to be aerodynamic rather than beautiful, which goes to prove the engineering adage that if it looks right then it probably is.

Offered initially with the gorgeous 3.8-litre straight-six engine that develops 265bhp, the Jaguar was a democratic car, for all its potent symbolism and mouth-watering performance. Independent rear suspension and all-round disc brakes brought an air of modernity to the sports car market too. Launched at an attractive price of around £2,250, the E Type was surprisingly affordable, more so than many of its immediate rivals. Its engine capacity grew to 4.2-litres in 1964. The changes also included bigger disc brakes and an all-synchromesh gearbox.

The Series II was introduced in 1968 and was made for just three years. During that time 18,809 were produced, with under a third being the fixed head coupé.

Most distinctive feature is the absence of the glass headlight covers, due to American safety regulations. A wrap-around rear bumper, larger front indicators and an enlarged grille with twin electric fans to aid cooling also figured.

More USA inspired interior features include a steering lock and plastic rocker switches replacing the metal toggles on the dashboard. New seats allowed the fitment of headrests too.

One of those series II examples is on offer here today.

  • 1R9967
  • 50114
  • 4200
  • manual
  • Black
  • Red
  • Left-hand drive
  • Petrol

Vehicle location
Qawra, Malta

Background

So much has been written about the Jaguar E Type that it is hard to know where to start. Is it the most beautiful car ever to roll down a production line? According to Enzo Ferrari, it was, and we tend to agree. Iconic in profile, it features inch-perfect lines, some of the best engines in the business, and a cockpit straight out of every schoolboy’s dreams.

The E Type debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961 and caused quite a storm. Autocar got their hands on a 4.2 fixed head coupé in May 1965 and their test figures make for interesting reading. Acceleration from 0-60mph was just 7.6 seconds and maximum speed just topped the magic 150mph mark. They summarised the car: “In its 4.2 guise, the E Type is a fast car (the fastest we have ever tested) and offers just about the easiest way to travel quickly by road.”

Production lasted until 1975, with different series being produced, though the basic concept remained the same. The E Type was designed to be aerodynamic rather than beautiful, which goes to prove the engineering adage that if it looks right then it probably is.

Offered initially with the gorgeous 3.8-litre straight-six engine that develops 265bhp, the Jaguar was a democratic car, for all its potent symbolism and mouth-watering performance. Independent rear suspension and all-round disc brakes brought an air of modernity to the sports car market too. Launched at an attractive price of around £2,250, the E Type was surprisingly affordable, more so than many of its immediate rivals. Its engine capacity grew to 4.2-litres in 1964. The changes also included bigger disc brakes and an all-synchromesh gearbox.

The Series II was introduced in 1968 and was made for just three years. During that time 18,809 were produced, with under a third being the fixed head coupé.

Most distinctive feature is the absence of the glass headlight covers, due to American safety regulations. A wrap-around rear bumper, larger front indicators and an enlarged grille with twin electric fans to aid cooling also figured.

More USA inspired interior features include a steering lock and plastic rocker switches replacing the metal toggles on the dashboard. New seats allowed the fitment of headrests too.

One of those series II examples is on offer here today.

Overview

Our E Type, bearing chassis number 1R9967, is a 1969 example of Jaguar’s legendary sports car. As many of these vehicles, it was delivered new to the USA. It is finished in black paint over a red leather interior and has been restored in Malta.

Exterior

The E Type is presented in a most elegant colour combination of black over red interior, the original colour combination in which the vehicle was delivered. The whole bodywork has been professionally restored at a workshop in Malta and is thus excellent, with beautiful shine to the paint and straight shutting lines on the body panels, a testament to the quality of the restoration. The chrome is in excellent condition as well and has been meticulously cared for by the owner. Any collector owning a classic car with wire wheels will know the time and effort that goes into keeping these wheels as clean and rust free as they are on this example. To round off the perfect impression, the wheels are fitted with period correct Dunlop tires. We like to see owners that put effort into choosing the period correct tire for their vehicle as it is often the indication of a caring owner. The badges are all present and the lights all around intact. The soft top is assorted to the red interior and appears to be in very good condition, though it appears slightly creased, given that the current owner usually drove the car top down. Keep the top up for a bit, and the material will stretch, and the creases will ease out. According to the Jaguar Heritage certificate accompanying the car, the soft top was originally black. A black hard top is also included in the sale and is in equally good condition. A beautifully presented example overall.

Interior

The interior perfectly matches the black bodywork and is upholstered in beautiful red leather. Just like the exterior, the interior has been meticulously restored and re-upholstered, a job done to a high-quality standard. The carpets, also red, are as good as new. The elegant wooden steering wheel is without cracks, a frequent occurrence given its relative fragility. The dashboard appears to be partially original and its toggle switches, that will get any aviation enthusiast excited, are all in place and intact. A battery cut-off switch has been added and is conveniently located in the driver’s footwell. A radio in the centre console will provide for the right sound in case the roar from the six-cylinder engine is not enough.

Mechanical

The highlight of any E Type is the long bonnet and opening it up will always attract a crowd of intrigued onlookers! The straight six-cylinder engine is not only great to look at but is also an absolute joy to drive and listen to. The engine on this example, still featuring its matching numbers, is in original condition and has been carefully maintained. It is equipped with three double Weber carburettors, as opposed to the original twin SU carburettor setup. A desirable upgrade. The suspension has also been attended to, with wearable parts such as bushings being replaced during the restoration process. The good news continues underneath the vehicle, where no rust is visible, the oil sump is dry and without leaks and the mechanical parts such as the differential have been restored as they should. The boot is upholstered in beige and includes the spare wheel as well as some tools.

History

The E Type was delivered new to New York on the 17th July 1969 to an unknown customer, as confirmed by the Heritage Certificate accompanying the vehicle. In March 1970, the vehicle passed to a new owner called Mr Albion (from what we could decipher) via a dealer called Chuck Fellmer in Iowa. It is possible that Mr Albion was in fact the first owner. Mr Albion then sold the Jag in July 1973 to Mr Meggean (here again, the name is hard to decipher), resident of Des Moines, Iowa. At this point, the odometer read 33,000 miles. In September 1988, the car was purchased by a gentleman called Brian Abbott, who exported it to Dorset in the UK. In 2016 it joined the collection of the seller’s late father, who undertook a complete restoration to concours standard. The previous owner has thoroughly enjoyed his Jaguar, driving it as intended, and showing it at concours events. In the Malta Classic Mdina Glass Concours d’Elégance, 1R9967 scored a total of 91.5 points, which was good enough for second place. The E Type is offered with a set of documents, the original service manual and a hard top. Its odometer reads 50.114 miles, which are believed to be original.

Summary

The E Type is without a doubt one of the most beautiful automobile creations to ever be produced. It is always an absolute highlight to see an E Type, but that is especially true if they are as well sorted as the example on offer here. If you have been on the lookout for one of these legendary sportscars, this might be a good car to consider: it is presented in an elegant original colour combination and has been restored to a high standard. Effortlessly elegant and highly usable, this example awaits its new caretaker.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Qawra, Malta. 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’.

About this auction

Seller

Trade: Mark81


Viewings Welcome

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and is strictly by appointment. To book one in the diary, please get in contact.

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