Detailed Ad: 150+ Pics, 10 Min Video, Only 21k Miles, Manual Trans on 2040-cars

Intro:

For your consideration is this very original, solid, and well sorted 1968 Jaguar E-Type Open Top Sports (OTS), “roadster”, that has traveled only 21,500 miles.  This E-type retains its original numbers matching 4.2L engine (picture provided), matching four speed manual transmission, body panels, and British Racing Green paint color (document confirming provided).  This example could be enjoyed as is, as an original example presentable driver with patina or be a great investment vehicle.  1968 is the last year of the higher demanded earlier models.  The 1968 Series 1.5 model has a higher horsepower engine compared to the lower horsepower 1969+ Series 2 models.  The 1968 model also has the more attractive rear end and front end compared to the 1969+ models.   Please view the video, images, and detailed description below to get a clear idea of this E-Type's condition.

Video:

A 10 minute long high definition video is provided to better show the condition of this E-Type.  The video footage was taken on 7/31/2014.  To view the video please click play or copy and paste the link. 

http://youtu.be/7e7U-ekEd20

There are a few different sections to the clip:

1.) Exterior walk around shows the straightness of the body, quality of reflections in the paint, and areas of crazing.  Also shown is the very nice condition interior.

2.)  Driving clip front view showing the hood.  Drives straight and smooth.  Engine sounds beautiful!

3.)  Interior driving clip also shows this E-type drives straight and smooth.  Transmission shifts great.

4.)  Driving clip showing from the passenger door forward.  Notice the straightness of the body and quality of reflections.

Images:

150+ high resolution images of this E-Type are hosted via PhotoBucket.  The photos were taken on 7/31/2014.  All of the pictures can be seen by either clicking the slide show below, clicking any of the sample images below, or copying and pasting the web address:

http://s1074.photobucket.com/user/OldSkoolFool83/library/1968%20Jaguar%20E-Type%20Roadster

Images include exterior condition, close ups, interior, engine bay, underbody, and etc.  Please look through all of the images.   To view an even higher resolution version of an image on Photo Bucket, click “Download” under “Media Options” on the right hand side of the screen.

Exterior:

The paint on this E-Type is the original dark and proper British Racing Green color.  This is verified by a correspondence with the prior owner and Jaguar (see the photograph of the document), as well as evidence throughout the vehicle such as the trunk floor and door jambs being green.  The vehicle received one repaint during its existence, 25+ years ago, which now exhibits areas of crazing, chips, and other patina.  This paint job must have been very high quality as it is very smooth, deep, glossy, and lacks amateur type flaws such as fish eyes, runs, orange peel, waviness, and over spray.  Notice the paint gauge in the pictures which shows the paint is not super thick nor are there many layers on this vehicle.  Notice the picture with the Jaguar book next to the car.  The quality of the reflection is impressive.  The video shows that the finish overall does shine nicely.  The British Racing Green color is of course attractive.  But as stated, there unfortunately is a significant amount of crazing and at this point puts the quality of the finish in "driver" category.  When the car is driving down the road, or when about 10 feet away, the finish looks quite presentable.  For those not familiar, crazing is a sort of "cracking" in the paint that results in the cracks being visible.  It can be seen on this E-type in the photographs and videos.  It is most significant on the broad flatter areas that face directly up to the sun such as the trunk lid and hood.  This E-type could still be driven and greatly enjoyed as it is with its current finish but to be show quality it should receive a repaint.  This E-type has been priced with this in mind and would increase in value more than one would spend to repaint it.  Due to how straight and solid this car is, it makes an excellent candidate for a repaint or to preserve in its current condition.

 The body of this E-Type is in impressive condition, as expected for having traveled only 21k miles.  It is incredibly straight.  The gaps and fitment of panels are excellent.  The doors open and close with ease.  It is amazingly and originally solid.  All body panels are believed to be original and lack evidence of rust repair.  Rockers are super solid all around.  Wheel well lips are excellent.  Notice the pictures with the magnet on different body panels.  It pulled very strongly.  Door jambs, trunk floor, floor boards, and etc. are impressively solid throughout.  Both floors are original and excellent.  The top of the driver side floor had typical very minor surface corrosion and received some primer to stop further oxidation.  The underside of this Jaguar is impressively dry and straight with what looks to be its original texture intact.  This truly is an amazingly solid and original body worthy of being considered investment quality.   

 There are only about five dings over this whole vehicle, which are very minor and most are not able to show in pictures (passenger door, driver door, trunk lid, driver fender, and passenger quarter panel).  The sheet metal lacks the waviness that poorly restored or vehicles with filler exhibit.  The panels are so straight and smooth.  The convertible top's back window has significant aging and should be replaced.  The glass throughout is in very nice condition.  Chrome throughout is very presentable with some typical minor pitting for the age.  Front passenger chrome bumper piece is new.  Lenses overall look good.  Headlights are new and one Lucas headlight is included with the car.  The wire wheels are very presentable and lack significant oxidation.  A couple of the knock offs have some chrome peeling.  The center bar that houses the logo, the "motif", is not present.  The underside of the hood is quite straight.  The engine bay retains its original finishes with typical wear for the age, is presentable, and unmolested.  The sub frame is in excellent condition and has been inspected.  Again, the body overall on this E-Type is impressive.

 Interior:

The interior overall is in very nice condition and not in need of significant attention.  The seats are original leather and very dry.  They show typical wear as well and the passenger seat has a split on the bottom area.  The seats are still usable and comfortable.  The center arm rest also has the typical cracking and could use replacement.  Driver side carpet is needed.  Other than that, this interior is quite impressive and is original.  The dashpad is excellent and without splits or cracks.  The front side of the dash is also great, without peeling or splits.  Gauges all look presentable.  Center console/transmission tunnel area is excellent with beautiful original leather and an excellent ash tray.  Chrome and trim throughout is very presentable.  Door panels are excellent.  Vinyl panels on the sills are nice but there is a slit on passenger side front.  Glove box looks practically untouched.  Speaker panels are great and not oxidized.  The steering wheel is nice and not cracked.  Overall a top notch very complete, and original condition interior that could be greatly enjoyed as is or receive a few minor upholstery pieces.

Mechanical:

This E-Type has received significant professional mechanical attention recently to make it a very enjoyable vehicle to drive.  This E-Type had two prior owners and from 1987 until four years ago was stored inside a temperature controlled facility.  Since being purchased by the current owner, it has received thousands of dollars’ worth of parts and maintenance (with receipts, as pictured).  This work was completed professionally by Ajax Restorations.  They of course inspected the vehicle throughout as well.  Significant recent maintenance includes:

-Engine tune up

-Rebuilt distributor

-Valve clearances checked and within specs, valve cover gaskets

-Cooling system flushed

-New exhaust

-Brake calipers and master cylinder rebuilt (original casting remains for proper #'s)

-Suspension inspected, lubed, and wheel bearings re-greased

-Fluid changes throughout including engine oil, transmission, and differential

-Clutch master cylinder and clutch slave cylinder rebuilt, clutch inspected

-Upgraded fuse box installed, original also included

 This E-Type drives down the road very nicely.  The engine starts up fine and idles great.  The valvetrain and other internals sound silky smooth.  The carbs are well synched and the choke is not needed to enrich the mixture during normal driving.  The engine runs very smoothly and accelerates with the power it should.  The sound it exhibits is music to the ears.  Extremely excellent oil pressure.  Excellent throttle response throughout the RPM range.  The 4.2L offers gobs of torque down low to cruise all day in 4^th gear and revs strong and smooth through the RPM range if more spirited driving is in order.  The transmission shifts very nicely through all gears without grinding whether cold or warmed up.  Clunks, whines, shuttering, and other noises advertising significant wear are absent from the drivetrain.  There is something wrong with a British car if it does not leak something, so this Jaguar of course drips a minor amount of oil, about the size of a quarter when sitting after being driven.  The four wheel disc brakes are great and not in need of attention.  No rotor warp, leaking, or other issues noticed with the braking system.  The suspension is comfortable and feels as it should.  In terms of mechanical attention, the most significant repair/replacement are the tires.  The current ones are usable but should be replaced due to age and dry cracking.  A set of redlines would look beautiful.  Overall this is a well sorted classic automobile that is read to be enjoyed.

Conclusion:

The Jaguar E-Type is a very special vehicle.  The E-type is considered by many to be the most attractive vehicle ever produced in the world.  In the context of when these vehicles were produced, E-Types also offered impressive technology and performance compared to its competitors.  The engine is a big, torquey, and high horsepower for a little sports car, dual overhead cam 4.2L inline six.  Fully independent suspension with disc brakes at every corner was standard.  The Jaguar E-Type was a great value compared to other options back in the day (Aston Martin, Maserati, Ferrari, Austin Healey, Porsche).  These cars are so pleasant to drive.  The sound the engine makes is intoxicating.  The view from the cockpit of the power bulge and rounded fenders makes one feel like they are in something very special.  And of course, it is the type of car that when parked in the garage, one can just sit and stare at. 

 This numbers matching, low mileage, E-Type roadster offered for your consideration is an extremely solid and complete example that is ready to be enjoyed.  This E-Type has been well sorted mechanically professionally and can be enjoyed as is or with some investment can be brought up to a top notch investment level.  With consideration for this E-type’s originality, excellent mechanical condition, low miles, higher demanded model year, and solid body, I have tried to set the asking price fairly at $74,000.  Serious buyers are welcome to contact me with any questions or set up a viewing.  Preferred calls are between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM central time.  Clean title in owner’s name.  He is the third owner, has had it four years, and is looking to downsize his collection.          

262-391-1069

This vehicle is located in Chicago, IL, can be inspected there, and will need to be picked up from there.  Motor-Vated.com is assisting the owner with the listing of this vehicle.