Fantasy Junction

Description

1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5 Roadster
s/n 1E17523, engine no. 7 E16924-9
Red with Black Leather

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 “Series 1.5” 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 is an attractive and very honest example which benefits from much recent restoration work including a fresh, high quality repaint. Much of its ownership history is unknown, but it did receive a comprehensive engine rebuild in 2008 by Bob Gorssman of Mighty Roar Racing in Golden, Colorado. It was then owned by a fellow in Nebraska for five years. It runs and drives well, has beautiful paintwork, and is structurally sound. Among Series I Roadsters, it also represents excellent value.

Having been painted within the last year, the paintwork is in excellent condition with almost no signs of use or age. The chrome is very nice, with slight swirls but no scratching or pitting of significance. The lights and glass are excellent. The canvas top has been recently replaced, and is beautiful accordingly, with no significant wear and a clear rear window.

The interior is in excellent shape overall. The leather seats were reupholstered at some point in the past and now have a lovely patina. The console and dashboard upholstery are very nice, as are the high quality wool carpets. The steering wheel has the correct appearance but is an inch smaller in diameter to allow the driver more legroom. The instruments, switches, and controls are in very nice shape as well.

The engine compartment is generally very clean and nicely detailed. This car has been upgraded from its original two Stromberg carburetor setup to the higher performance triple SU setup used on earlier E-Types. The engine itself is clean and nicely detailed, while the suspension shows some dirt from road use. The car has also been fitted with an aluminum radiator with electric fan. The engine block number matches the chassis plate while the cylinder head is unstamped. All hoses and fluids have been recently replaced, and the carburetors tuned. The motor runs crisply and the car drives well at this time. The trunk was re-trimmed in black carpet which is in good shape.

The car drives well. One of the added benefits of the later Series I cars is the improved driver ergonomics and their ability to accommodate larger drivers. The steering, brakes, and suspension all have a very good, harmonious feel of a well sorted car. The engine starts easily, runs smooth making excellent power, and is free of valve train noises. The transmission shifts up well through all gears, but will often experience difficultly when down shifting from third to second and occasionally from second to first gear.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a great driving, solid, and honest E-Type Roadster with fresh paint. Maintaining most of the aesthetic beauty of the Series I, this car is an outstanding value compared to the Series I roadster, which regularly exceed a quarter of a million dollars today. The car comes with service records, in addition to its original jack with bag, knock off hammer, service manual, and owner’s manual.

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