Fantasy Junction

Description

1968 Jaguar E-Type Roadster
s/n 1E17848 engine no 7E17446-9
Dark Blue with Grey Leather Interior

The E-Type was unveiled in March of 1961 at the Geneva Motor Show, following the famous 11th hour disorder (one of the cars was driven to the show from England with just hours to spare). The car was an immediate sensation: its specification was state of the art, its bodywork arrestingly gorgeous, and the price surprisingly affordable. It embodied William Lyons’ values beautifully and it is no surprise that the E-Type has become such a legendary part of automotive history. The specification clearly demonstrated Jaguar’s racing experience and included independent suspension all around (at a time when Ferrari was still using live rear axles), disc brakes all around (inboard at the rear to reduce unsprung weight), and of course Jaguar’s legendary twin cam inline-6. The cars were continuously developed, however, the arrival of 1970s American safety legislation and the twelve cylinder engine made later cars less attractive and less sporting. 1968 cars were one year only, which started to incorporate the safety and emissions equipment required by the DOT, although they retained the delicate bumpers and turn signals of the earlier E-Type and left the aesthetic of those early cars intact other than the lack of headlamp covers.

This particular car has exceptional integrity and presents with a striking honesty that will appeal to the connoisseur who has seen a surfeit of modified, neglected, under-restored, and over-restored cars. Originally supplied to Carl Rhodes on 27 July 1968 by Ladd Motors, Inc. in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, this car is a matching-numbers retaining is lovely original interior and showing 35,000 miles. Although there is not documentation to support the mileage, the condition and integrity of the car suggests that this mileage is the true mileage on the car. Its previous owner acquired the car for his collection in 1997 and has used it sparingly, and it remains an unmolested example with a great body and exceptionally nice original interior. Fantasy Junction had the opportunity to place this wonderfully original car with the current owner, who reluctantly offers the car having recently added a historically significant Porsche to his existing collection of wonderful European sports cars.

The body is very straight and the panel fit and gaps on the car are excellent. The panel operation, often an issue on E-Types, especially restored cars, is excellent, which gives an impression of uncommonly good integrity. An inspection of the undercarriage confirms that this car has an unusually nice body. The paintwork is glossy and attractive, and was done to attractive driver level, though close inspection reveals some imperfections. The chrome presents well with minor blemishes such as surface scratches and very light pitting in certain places. The glass is in very good shape, with light road wear on the windscreen consistent with the indicated mileage. The lights are excellent including the Lucas headlamps. The top fits well and is older, giving an impression that it may very well be original.

The interior is almost certainly original and has a particular smell and feel that will be familiar to anyone who has spent time in a Jaguar of this period that has never been retrimmed. The leather is in surprisingly good shape, with minor wear and some loss of suppleness, but impressive integrity. The door panels are similarly well-preserved, as is the dash board. The carpets are in good shape as well, and there is an even-ness to the interior that is impossible to reproduce in a car that has been partially restored.

The engine compartment has a similar feel to the rest of the car. There are no modifications to speak of, and it appears that the components are in excellent unrestored condition rather than having been recently refinished. Some areas are showing age such as the heater blower box, but overall, the engine compartment is impressively clean for an unrestored car. The trunk has its original and correct tan upholstery in very good condition (all E-Type roadsters had tan trunk upholstery regardless of interior color).

This is a great opportunity a very nice driver level E-Type that has uncommonly good integrity and a lovely honest feel that is difficult to characterize. A great many of these cars were used of and led exciting lives that were not focused on preservation, but this example appears always to have been carefully used and has therefore survived very well. It has its original jack with jack bag, knock off hammer, original book pouch with owner’s manual, fold out lubrication diagram, service booklet, and owner identification plate.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608