Description
What a day it must have been in 1968 when the first owner collected his 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Fixed Head Coupé from his local dealership in New York. He has ordered a 4. 2 litre Jaguar E-Type Series 1 with the immutable Opalescent Maroon exterior married with a Beige interior. They also just happen to be the colours the car still has. The car also is in excellent condition. To be honest that is not really all that surprising when you view the photo series of the restoration. The bodywork was taken back to bare metal, repaired where needed before being resprayed in her original finish. Inside was also fully tastefully reupholstered with a keen eye for original detail. All work was carried out to an exacting standard with a result that still holds today.
The bodywork is in good shape with only a few minor blemishes here and there. The shut lines are true and all the chrome work on the wire wheels and moulding sparkle brightly. Again the paintwork is in very good condition, showing only a few minor blemishes. When viewing the rear the centrally mounted twin exhaust immediately catches ones eye. The fact the car has always been kept in a garage is obvious from the condition of the supple leather and unfaded carpets. One thing is certain; this car has been well and truly loved. All instruments and controls are very neat and work as intended. Cars were so beautiful in all their simplicity in the 60’s.
The car is still in rude health when it comes the mechanics. As much attention was given to the overhaul as the rest of the restoration. The engine was dismantled down to the very last screw and put back together using lots of new parts, new gaskets and bearings. All that effort pays off when you drive the car. The 4. 2 litre straight-six develops a pleasing 265 Ps with a shed load more torque than its smaller 3. 8 brother. It is such a relaxing experience to drive this car though it is no slouch with zero to 100 km/ hr in 7 seconds and a top of 246 km/ hr. This performance is helped by its, according to current standards, low curb weight of 1300 Kg. The 4. 2 not only shone because of its increased torque but also had improved seats, a nicer dashboard, better brakes and sycro’s on all four gears. The gear change is precise and well-suited to the sporty
character of the E-Type. Of course the advantage you get when tackling such a rigorous overhaul is the quality of todays materials are far superior and longer lasting than the old ones ever were and the translates in an overall smoother running engine.
The car comes with a Jaguar Heritage Certificate and extensive photo series detailing the work carried. This timeless Jaguar E-Type 4. 2 FHC looks stunning and is heavenly to drive.
