2023-03-07 11:53:21 | pauls writes:

Car offered at:
www.carandclassic.com/auctions/1968-jaguar-e-type-series-ii-coupe-41N1k8

Seller's description:
1968
Jaguar E-type Series II Coupe
Colour Red
Odometer 75,892 Miles
Engine size 4200
Seller Type Private
Town Sydenham
Location International
Country South Africa
Very good condition
Rare model variation
Brilliant mechanical condition
South Africa registered
3rd car off the line for 1968
Rare variant in the overlap between Series 1 and 1.5 productions

Not much is known about the ownership history of this E-Type, the vehicle currently being registered in South Africa and such has a South African registration, the car also has some documentation for work carried out in South Africa.

This is however a very interesting model variation and although not as rare as the Lightweight models, this is a very rare beast compared with other E-Types.

This variant makes up one of a small number of rare “overlap models” in that this is one of the rare cars that bridged the gap from August 1967 to July 1968, and they are essential a Series 1 in every way besides the lack of the glass series 1 headlight covers, so, unlike a Series 1.5, the have the Triple SU carburettor setup, not being detuned with the twin series 1.5 Zenith’s, and they retained the lovely toggle switches in the dashboard instead of the 1.5’s rocker switches, and the polished aluminium cam covers. A rare car indeed, and a dark horse of production being what could be called, a series 1.25?

A very special car indeed along with the fact that this vehicle is number 3 of the 1968 production models bearing the VIN number 1E21746.
The Interior
Stunning black leather upholstery
Tasteful restoration
Brilliant true-to-original feel

The interior of this car has been very well kept, and has had a number of interior trim and upholstery components replaced, such as seat foams, however not so many that the interior is totally new. As such the car feels very fresh inside while feeling very original and retaining the lovely classic feel an E-Type should have.

The rear boot hatch seal could certainly do with replacement due to a large amount of cracking and splitting, and interior could do with a good detail in much the same manner as the exterior, with only a clean being in order.

The rear luggage compartment is in very nice condition and the spare wheel and tool kit are present and appear to be in good condition.

The black leather compliments the wonderful series 1 toggle switches and the luxurious wood rim steering wheel, it is a truly delightful place to be and truly completes the driving experience of this incredible classic sports car.

The Exterior
Gloss red paintwork
Wonderful brightwork
Glass clear and free of blemishes

The exterior of this fine car is in very nice condition overall. The bright red gloss paintwork is very nice and even, despite suffering from a significant amount of swirling that would be easily rectified with a good machine polish. It is worth noting that the only significant defect on the exterior is a small dent in the left side door; this dent has not damaged the paint in any way.

The brightwork is all in very good shape and is well polished. The wire spoke wheels are in superb condition and retain the original 2-wing knock off centre nuts, and are adorned with matching Dunlop Sp Sport 6060 tyres in excellent condition all round. All of the glass is very nice. It has had both tail light lenses replaced and both front indicator lenses.

The glass is all clear and free of trapped condensation or marks, and the windows all appear clean and free of any bad blemishes. Overall, a lovely example of this truly timeless design, often named atop the lists of the world's most beautiful cars.

The Mechanics
Mechanically all appears very sound
Very nice triple SU carburettor setup

Very clean mechanically, this wonderful E-type certainly appears to have been very well maintained, with excellent detail having been paid attention to with keeping even small things like the heads of bolts in great shape, with no signs of poor maintenance quality.

The high-performance triple SU carburettor setup is very nice and original and are all again in very good condition. The stunning, 4.2Litre inline six engine is a sight to behold, and the suspension and subframes all appear well maintained and free of any major corrosion, a very well kept vehicle overall.