1968 Jaguar E Type S2 2+2

We know this car, which was sold new by Parkers of Bolton to D. Anderson on 13th December 1968.

It’s passed through the hallowed portals of our Oxfordshire HQ before.

Then, it was a non-running project in need of a fair bit of work just to get it back to decent mechanical order, let alone aesthetic perfection.

Today, it is a running project, in decent mechanical order, but still waiting for the aesthetic work to commence.

Then, as now, the stand-out quality that separates this car from other E Types of its type and era is its nailed-on, documented, obvious status as an unrestored, original and authentic survivor.

As we know from our experience of auctioning many E Types over the years, that quality is becoming increasingly hard to find, and accordingly more attractive to true marque and model enthusiasts.

The vendor, who has got the car up and running, sorted out the errant wiring looms, and generally ensured that it has a bright future as the bona fide classic it fully deserves to be, is only selling because he’s taken it as far as he can and now wants someone else to pick up the baton and finish the job.

Well, as the more observant among you may well have discerned, the car’s general cosmetic appearance is today rather more ‘rat-rod’ than concours.

And most of that is down to the fact that the car’s original ‘Regency Red’ paintwork has been sanded back, flattened, keyed-up and otherwise prepped in readiness for some remedial work that has yet to take place.

That’s your (far from impossible) mission, should you choose to accept it.

The bodywork itself is pretty much OK and the panel gaps and shut lines are decent, but there are a few issues here and there.

There’s a dent at the n/s/r corner just above the bumper; some bubbling and flaking at the base of the offside sill beneath the bonnet, and along the length of the sill on the nearside; some light foxing, pitting and tarnishing on the chrome-work; some surface rust on the spokes of the wire wheels; and a spot of rust low down on the passenger door.

The wheels themselves, together with the chrome-work, would no doubt jump at the chance to reclaim their former glory if granted an appointment with a re-chroming professional.

The lights, lenses, badging and other exterior fixtures and fittings are in generally reasonable condition.

The interior is following the example set by its exterior counterpart in terms of originality, authenticity, condition and preservation, although we’ve noted that the Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate states that the black leather upholstery and trim were originally ‘Cinammon’ in hue.

The underlying structures of the seats seem to have retained plenty of integrity, but the black leather in which they’re clad is split, worn, torn and even a little mouldy in places.

The door cards, too, have some splits to the trim and the headlining is missing entirely.

The carpets, mats, luggage bay floor, and dashboard and centre console trim are tired, grubby and spotted with mould here and there, but they may be at least in part redeemable.

The steering wheel, handbrake, controls, dials, switches, buttons and levers are all present and correct, but we can’t vouch for their efficacy or otherwise.

A quick look underneath the car reveals that there’s some rust to be found in a few places.

It also reveals that the suspension looks to be in reasonable order (there are newish-looking springs and shocks in evidence), that the exhaust system looks pretty new, and that previous owners have evidently carried out some judicious remedial welding as, when and where necessary.

Everything in the engine bay looks clean, dry and in its right and proper place.

The history file is notably thin.

Why? Because the car’s history resided with the penultimate keeper’s widow and she was unable to locate the documents.

That means there’s only a bare minimum of paperwork currently offered with the car.

There is a certificate of authenticity from the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust, a V5C, a recent HPI report, a couple of books and manuals, including a model-appropriate Haynes manual, a copy of the wiring loom layout, some old MoT certificates, and a copy of an old-stye registration document.

This 1968 E Type S2 2+2 is the kind of blank canvas that’s becoming increasingly hard to find.

As we and everyone else in the business are fond of endlessly repeating, cars are only original once.

This one’s originality means that you get to choose the sort of restoration project that works for you – anything from full to partial to none whatsoever.

The choice is yours – and that’s a truly rare thing nowadays.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £20,000 - £25,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.