1968 Jaguar E-Type SI
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Year of manufacture1968
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Mileage35 145 mi / 56 561 km
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Car typeOther
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Lot number183
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DriveRHD
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ConditionUsed
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Location
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Exterior colourOther
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GearboxManual
Description
"Launched in October 1964, the 4.2-litre version of Jaguar's sensational E-Type sports car brought with it a more user friendly all-synchromesh gearbox and a superior Lockheed brake servo along with the bigger, torquier engine. Top speed remained the same at around 150mph, the main performance gain resulting from the larger engine being improved acceleration. For 1968 the E-Type underwent major revision to comply with US safety and emissions legislation, emerging in 'Series 2' guise minus the original's distinctive headlight covers. In addition, enlarged side and rear lights were adopted while a thickened front bumper centre section bridged a larger radiator intake. Interior changes included a collapsible steering column and rocker switches in place of the earlier toggles. Beneath the bonnet the familiar XK engine now boasted ribbed cam covers and, on cars destined for North America, twin Stromberg carburettors, replacing the previous triple SUs that remained standard on those supplied to other markets. The adoption of the Strombergs, together with their associated inlet plumbing and a new Lucas ignition distributor, enabled the E-Type to meet the emissions targets but, inevitably, resulted in a reduction in power. From late 1967 the E-Type began to embody some of the forthcoming modifications, these interim cars coming to be known as the 'Series 1½', although there was never a fixed specification for this unofficial 'model'.
Manufactured in March 1968 during this transitional period, this left hand drive, matching-numbers Series 1½ was sold new via Jaguar Cars, New York, USA and was originally finished in Pale Primrose Yellow with black interior trim, the same as it is today. This car has the desirable triple SU carburettor induction and must be among the last despatched to the USA with this feature. We are advised that the car had only two owners in the USA and was well maintained there by an amateur motor sports enthusiast, who used it for auto tests. Remarkably, the body has never needed any welding and remains all original apart from a repaint undertaken some years ago, while the interior likewise is original. In 2013, the E-Type was imported into the UK and recommissioned by the previous owner to make it suitable for regular road use, the brakes, suspension and drive train all being overhauled. Described as in generally in rust free condition, with excellent mechanicals, this outstandingly original Series 1½ E-Type is offered with a V5C registration document, an MoT test certificates which expires in April 2019, a Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate, photographs and the correct handbook in a Jaguar wallet."
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