1969 Jaguar E Type

This genuine UK example was supplied to its first owner on 20th June 1969 by Rossleigh of Edinburgh. A matching numbers car, this 4.2-litre example’s desirability is further enhanced by virtue of being ordered from the factory with the rare and desirable power steering option.

Restored in 2015 at a cost of around £50,000, TFS 288H is finished in the classic combination of Primrose Yellow with a black leather and vinyl interior, the same colours it left the factory with on 17th April 1969. 

It’s seen little use since its restoration; the odometer now reads 58,067 miles and the online MoT history recorded a mileage of 58,044 when it was tested in 2015. Indeed, there is a bill on file for its transportation from the restorers, Hilton & Moss Sportscars Ltd., to Toy Storage (Hampshire) dated December 2015, so it may never have been used on the road…

Further good news comes with the knowledge that it sits on wider competition-style wire wheels, which are fitted with a matching set of tyres, and a recently retrimmed interior that includes new black leather, the correct carpets, and a new canvas roof.

The seller bought it five/six years ago and has kept it garaged ever since: “it’s as good as the day it was restored.”

The Primrose Yellow paintwork is very good indeed despite the passage of eight years since being applied. Clearly the work of someone who knew what they were doing, the underlying panels are also still excellent with no dents, dinks or other damage alongside an absence of ripples along its flanks and very good alignment. 

The shutlines on the bonnet and two doors are a real feature being some of the narrowest and most consistent we’ve seen in a while. They’re so good, in fact, that they look like they’ve been drawn on with a black Sharpie.

The blade-like chrome front and rear bumpers are arrow-straight and shine beautifully. They, like the rest of the external chromework, are in an excellent condition being free of rust and pitting. 

These decorative elements, like the coachwork, are testament to both the quality of the work that was carried out eight years ago and the diligence with which it has been curated ever since.

Speaking of chrome, the wire wheels are not only free of rust, dinks and damage, they have an unholy gleam to them and are fitted with a matching set of Pirelli P4000 tyres, all of which have plenty of meat left on them.

We will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. Their presence does not, of course, preclude the need for a thorough inspection - something the vendor would welcome, by the way – but it does perhaps give you a shortcut into their attitude towards maintenance.

The black fabric hood fits well and, because a new one was fitted during the restoration, it is completely free of damage including the plastic rear window which is still bright and clear thanks to having been protected from the damaging effects of UV light. 

It also rises and falls as it should, and tucks away neatly under a tonneau cover when it isn’t needed.

The lamp lenses, windscreen, window glazing, and badges are all very good, too. 

As for flaws, if we’re being picky then the windscreen wipers could do with being aligned more neatly. That’s it.

First impressions count, which is why the sight of a new wood Moto-Lita steering wheel gladdens the heart. Large and thin-rimmed, it’s the perfect choice for a car like the E Type being as wonderful to hold as it is to look at.

Not that the good news ends there because it is joined by some rather lovely major and minor controls including a lovely chrome and leather gear lever combo topped off with a beautiful spherical gearknob, a chromed handbrake, and a period correct Blaupunkt radio.

Plus, of course, that iconic array of instruments and rocker switches that brings to mind the cockpit of a fighter plane rather than a sportscar.

The black leather & vinyl seats are in such a good condition they look like they were fitted only yesterday – but then can we remind you of how few miles the E Type’s covered since they were? All we have noticed is a slightest of nicks to the piping of the passenger seat where the hood mechanism glances past, a common issue.

The boot is excellent with new plywood, a matching chrome wire wheel and a solid metal floor in addition to very good brown trim.

As for work to do, apart from a professional detail – needed more because the underlying quality is so good than because it is especially grubby - we can’t see anything in there that would bother even the most fastidious of owners.

We are told that it “drives well, with performance to live up to the cosmetics, a strong engine, smooth shifting gearbox and excellent handling” – and you can’t really ask for more than that, can you?

As the video shows, the E Type starts well and idles as it should. The straight-six engine makes a lovely noise too, and the oil pressure looks healthy. The battery charge looks to be slow to build though, so that may require some attention.

The forward-hinging bonnet gives terrific access to the engine and suspension – and even if you’ve got no intention of maintaining it yourself, it allows you to admire the splendid condition.

Because the mechanical bits are every bit as well presented as everything else. Sure, there’s scope for some polishing if you enjoy that sort of thing but the rest is good enough for you to be able to rock up at your local classic car show and flip open the front end without shame.

The underside is very good too but then you didn’t need us to tell you that, did you?

In fact, the only thing we can see that would bother us is the tool kit, which is old and rusty. It might be the original, who knows, but we can’t help thinking that a shiny new one would better suit the rest of the car’s condition - and you can always hang on to the old one in case the new owner is more about authenticity than aesthetics. 

The history file comprises the original handbooks, the stamped service history booklet, a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Production Trace Certificate, plenty of old invoices and bills for service and maintenance work over the years, MoT certificates dating back to 1979, a selection of tax discs and photographic evidence of the restoration.

However, the E Type doesn’t have a current MoT certificate, and while it is exempt by virtue of its age, we would strongly encourage the new owner to have it MoT’d at the earliest opportunity. The cost of an MoT is a small investment when offset against the purchase and upkeep of any classic vehicle, and it gives an independent, third-party assessment of the car’s condition, which not only provides reassurance to the owner (and any subsequent purchasers) but might also be invaluable in the event of a bump when negotiating with the police and any interested insurance companies… 

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear.

The Jaguar E Type has been popular for decades, and for good reason. It’s as good to drive as it is beautiful, and there’s a huge network of enthusiasts, specialists, and suppliers there to make restoring and running one as painless as possible.

With attractive cosmetics, a wonderful cockpit and well-sorted mechanicals, this Series 2 E Type would make the ideal choice for an enthusiast seeking a well presented and nicely restored example they can exercise on their favourite back roads, enjoying the throaty exhaust note and sublime handling. 

With a guide price of between £70,000 and £80,000, it’s also going to be a cheaper way of owning one than buying a shoddy one and getting it restored.

Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy it this coming summer rather than having to wait years for your restorer of choice to find a space in their diary before they can even begin the work.

An all-round win then, eh?

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, 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, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.