Bring A Trailer auction preview: Roadster fitted with Series I covered headlights, BRG/black leather, lovely driver.1968 Jaguar XKE Series 1.5 RoadsterChassis Number – 1E17077Engine Number – 7E16206-9Exterior Color – British Racing GreenInterior Color – Black leather seats with vinyl door cards, dash, & console Engine – 4.2 Liter DOHC in-line six-cylinder engineTransmission – 5-Speed Tremec manual Current Miles – 94,154 miles (TMU)Current Owner – Purchased in 2016 with 87,611 milesGeneral HistoryBeautiful body lines, unrivaled performance, and racing lineage combined at the dawn of the 1960s to make the Jaguar XKE an immediate sensation. With its beautiful design and affordable price, the E-Type grew to iconic status where it continues to be adored by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. Independent front and rear suspension, disc brakes all around (inboard at the rear), and Jaguar’s legendary twin-cam inline six-cylinder engine were among the many performance features of the legendary XKE. Sales were brisk with continuous development growing in both American and European markets. In 1968, the Series I model transitioned into the Series II. These transitional cars retained some of the Series I traits while tooling developed for the Series II cars. Changes to the Series II included open headlights, wraparound rear bumpers, larger tail lights, and a larger grille with twin electric fans to aid in cooling. Cars in the transition period are regarded as Series 1.5 models combining traits of both Series I and Series II improvements. History of this ExampleAccording to the Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate accompanying this car, this Jaguar was completed February 23, 1968. The car was finished at the factory in Dark Blue with a red interior and a blue convertible top. According to a former owner and confirmed by the service voucher booklet accompanying the car, the car was delivered to the first owner in San Francisco, CA where it was serviced up to 1969 with 10,577 miles. Though ownership is not known after the first owner, under prior ownership the car was restored including a comprehensive respray and color change to British Racing Green with black leather interior. During this time, covered headlights were fitted to the car with glass covers and chrome perimeter trim. By 2008, the car resided in Tennessee supported by service records accompanying the car. Records include recorded mileage of 74,023 mile in December 2008 when a new rear bearing, clutch master cylinder, and rebuilt alternator were installed. In 2009, with 76,817 miles, the engine and transmission were removed and a new clutch, syncro rings, gaskets, and roller bearings were installed along with turning the flywheel and replacing the pilot shaft bushing. The next owner purchased the car and had it serviced in New York, May 2014 with 85,775 miles. Work included upgrading the transmission to a Tremec T5 5-speed using a complete conversion kit including a clutch disc, clutch cover, and throw-out bearing. Work continued in 2015 with 86,646 miles including a new brake master cylinder, new water pump, new alternator bracket, hoses, and clamps, and fluid service. The current owner purchased the car in 2016. Services in 2021 at 90,659 miles included fluids and filters, timing set, new master cylinder, replacing all coolant hoses, new thermostat, new upper and lower ball joints, two-wheel alignment, and brake fluid. Later that same year, with 93,000 miles, a modern electronic ignition distributor was installed, carburetor rebuilt and ported for vacuum, rear brake pads and calipers replaced, and an oil and filter change performed. The current owner reports that ongoing annual fluid services for 2023 and 2024 have been performed.Current ConditionToday this Jaguar presents as an attractive and honest example which benefits from a restoration performed under prior ownership several years ago. Still presenting as a well maintained and visually pleasant example, the paint is glossy and nicely done but displays road chips on the front fascia. The headlights were modified to fit the earlier Series I covered headlights, retaining the original bumpers and grille trim. The chrome is nicely presented overall but has some hazing in areas on the rear bumper. The black canvas top is taut when installed and in very nice condition, appearing to have had only minimal use. The chrome wire wheels are in excellent condition, wearing a set of Pirelli Cinturato 185 VR15 tires. The lights and glass are in very good condition as well with nice presentation in keeping with the quality driver level condition of the car overall. The interior is in very good to excellent condition considering the time that has passed since the restoration was completed. The leather seats, reupholstered as part of the restoration, now display a lovely soft patina. The console and dashboard upholstery are very nice, as is the black carpet, all of which appear to have been done to a high standard, now thoughtfully preserved over time. The steering wheel has the correct appearance and nicely finished aluminum spokes with a handsome center emblem and wood rim. The instruments, switches, and controls are in very nice shape as well, once again contributing to the look and feel of a driver level sports car. The owner reports that the right most toggle switch is an on/off switch for manually activating the auxiliary fan to aid in idle cooling. The engine compartment is generally very clean and nicely detailed featuring later series engine cam covers, twin carburetors, and dual fan cooling. The matching number engine is clean and nicely detailed, while the suspension shows just mild evidence of road use. Overall, the engine and engine compartment are nicely finished and properly presented with a few improvements and upgrades including, newer style distributor, MSD ignition, modern coil, and an aluminum radiator. Consistent with the matching engine and correct chassis plate the front suspension “picture frame” is in place bearing the original matching chassis number. The undercarriage appears sound and tidy, while the overall integrity of the body seams, welded floors, and suspension components are consistent with original construction. Various suspension components appear to be original to the car as well as the correct cast alloy oil pan, independent rear suspension cradle, and inboard rear brakes.The engine starts easily, runs smoothly on idle and makes excellent power. The desirable 5-speed transmission shifts well through all gears, with very nice brakes and suspension both on cornering and at highway speeds. The steering, brakes, and suspension all have a very good, harmonious feel, having benefited from proper care and service over the years. Well-sorted mechanically and delightful to drive, the improvements are subtle but welcomed by anyone who enjoys driving their XKE. This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a great driving, honest E-Type Roadster with desirable upgrades while maintaining the character of the original. For anyone seeking a fine driving car, this Series 1.5 E-Type represents the right balance of excellence and usability, readily prepared for your ongoing motoring enjoyment. Included with the carThis Jaguar is accompanied by an owner’s manual, dealer listing, service voucher booklet, and Jaguar branded booklet case, a tire jack and case, copper-headed knockoff mallet, a loose set of sun visors (there are no sun visors currently mounted on the car), a spare distributor, and other various spare parts.