1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1½ 4.2 2+2 Coupe

Description

There are numerous clichés about the E-Type's good looks and speed, and although we won’t recount them all here, it’s safe to say the sports car (known in America as the XKE) is arguably one of Jaguar’s most beautiful and popular models, whether it's a Fixed Head Coupe or an Open Two Seat Roadster. And it’s quick, too ... not only for its time, but in today’s traffic conditions as well — even more so with the added punch of the enlarged 4.2-liter straight-six. Incremental improvements since 1963 brought the motoring world the “Series 1½” in 1967. Equipped with some of the best bits of both Series 1 and Series 2 cars, the Series 1½ offers the original design of the Series 1 cars with better brakes, lighting, engine cooling, electrics, and revised dashboard switches from the Series 2 models. 

Highlights 

• Numbers matching 4.2-liter “XK” straight-six engine generating 245 horsepower 

• Four-speed manual transmission 

• One of fewer than 2,000 E-Type 1½ 4.2-Litre 2+2 Coupes built 

• Originally finished in Opalescent Silver Blue over a Dark Blue leather interior  

• Currently finished in period-correct Dark Blue over a light gray and dark blue piped leather interior with matching center console, door panels, and rear compartment 

• 15-inch knock-off wire wheels with 185VR15 Vredestein Sprint Classic tires 

• The 2+2 has a 9-inch longer wheelbase (105 inches total) than the coupe and a “fully upholstered rear seat for children,” according to the Jaguar brochure 

• The rear seat folds down to offer additional space in the rear (52.5-inch length) 

• Mechanical work done in 2016-18 included: 

  • New hydraulic lines 

  • New brakes, rotors, and braided SS lines 

  • Rebuilt Master cylinder 

  • SS wheel cylinders 

  • New brake booster and vacuum lines 

  • Rod Davis radiator with high output fans 

  • New water pump and hoses 

  • New high torque starter 

  • New alternator 

  • New suspension parts: Shocks, ball joints, tie rods, and bushings 

  • Rebuilt carburetors 

  • New fuel pump 

  • New gas lines 

  • New gas tank 

• Cosmetic restoration in 2019 included: 

  • Bare-metal repaint in correct 68 Dark Blue 

  • All chrome redone 

  • New correct wool headliner 

  • New interior 

  • New rubber gaskets 

• Current owner has had regular oil changes done since he purchased the car in 2022 

• Offered with 58,775 miles; the Arizona title notes the mileage as actual, however the true mileage is unknown 

Features 

• Left-hand drive 

• Uncovered headlamps with chrome trim 

• Vented hood 

• Dual Stromberg carburetors 

• Dual fan radiator 

• Chrome bumperettes in front, full bumper in rear 

• Pop-out rear side windows 

• Driver’s side mirror 

• Wood-rimmed, three-spoke steering wheel with Jaguar center emblem (horn) 

• Smiths speedometer (160 mph maximum) and RPM (5,500 rpm redline) gauges directly in front of driver 

• Additional Smiths gauges in the center of the dash include amperage, oil pressure, clock, water temp, and fuel 

• Operational buttons below the center gauges include Hazard, Map (light), Interior (light), Panel (light) with dim/bright, Headlight/Side, Wiper, Washer, Fan, and Rear Window (defrost) 

• Push-button radio 

• Seat belts  

• Roll-up windows  

• Locking glovebox with key  

• Cigar/cigarette lighter and ash tray 

• Rubber Jaguar mats up front 

• Carpet mats in rear 

• Dual exhaust 

• Side-opening rear hatch 

• Wrap-around taillights 

Known Imperfections 

• Some paint peeling and light corrosion on underside 

• Light scraping on both door jams 

• Some scrapes in vinyl on driver’s seat 

Included 

• Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate 

• Operating, Maintenance, and Service Handbook 

• Dealer brochure 

• Moss Classic Jaguar Parts Catalog 

• Maintenance records with long list of new parts 

• Motor for radiator and plus hardware 

• Additional seatbelts 

• Fuse box and terminals 

• Wiring diagrams 

• Replacement glass for side windows 

Ownership History 

• This 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1½ 4.2-Litre 2+2 Fixed Head Coupe was manufactured 7 February 1968 and delivered to its original owner 21 February 1968 in Opalescent Silver Blue over a Dark Blue leather interior. It was restored to its current state in 2016-19 and today is offered by its owner of two years. 

Additional Notes 

A Broad Arrow Group Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. 

Contact: Craig Zimmerman  Phone: 586.707.5811‬  email: cszimmerman@hagerty.com