Description
Offered for sale is an absolutely gorgeous, entirely numbers matching, extremely original, 68k original mile 1968 Jaguar E-Type OTS (Open Two Seater) finished in factory correct (per the original JDHT certificate) British Racing Green over black leather with an original, solid and unmolested undercarriage. While closed headlamp Series 1 E-Types are at the top of the valuation list, the transitional 1968 Series 1.5 examples are considered by many to be the best iteration of the legendary model, blending the preferred early design cues with a more user-friendly gearbox with synchromesh on first gear, a superior Lockheed brake servo, improved cooling and electrical systems and improved seating arrangements. Series 1.5 models are also some of the rarest standard production Jaguars, so if you’re you’re looking for an excellent investment that you can driven and enjoyed, this 1968 E-Type Roadster checks all the important boxes.
– Entirely Numbers Matching
– Desirable Original Livery
– 68k Original Miles
– Two Owners from New
– Extremely Original, Solid and Honest
– Additional Pictures Provided Upon Request
Delivered new by Jaguar Cars New York to a Mr. James Rayburn, he would own the car for seven years, selling it in 1975 to the car’s second owner, a businessman from upstate New York. He would own the car for the ensuing 40 years and, like the first owner, would only use the car sparingly in fair weather months. Because of its New York history, before acquiring the car we had it inspected by marque expert Scott Riter of Scott Riter Classic Auto Service in Victor, NY and the results of his inspection were overwhelmingly positive. Upon taking delivery, we found the car to be in lovely original condition – very strong mechanically, cosmetically beautiful, entirely solid and honest – a testament to the high level of care afforded by its previous owners. Throughout its life the car has been a garage queen, enjoyed in moderation, properly maintained and garaged, with refurbishments taking place as needed. That said, it’s worth reinforcing that at its core this is an exceptionally original, numbers matching example.
Refinished in factory correct and exceedingly desirable British Racing Green a decade ago, the paint remains in great shape: deep, lustrous and marred only by a few minor chips, none of which are significant enough to be visible in the pictures. The body is entirely straight, free of dings or dents and it retains consistent gaps and panel fits throughout. The brightwork and all of the glass is in good original condition, as are the knock-off chrome wire wheels. The interior is entirely original and shows a commensurate level of charming patina, the soft top was replaced a few years ago and the car comes with both the original boot cover and a newer replacement. The car also retains its original Motorola radio, which remarkably is still fully functional.
Series 1.5 Roadsters are exalted amongst motoring enthusiasts, thanks in no small part to the venerable 4.2L engine. Rebuilt 15 years and 8k miles ago by a well-regarded shop, the original numbers matching engine fires up without hesitation, idles consistently and pulls strongly and smoothly through each of the gearbox’s four gears, with excellent compression across all cylinders. The cooling system works well and the exhaust note from the dual stainless system is fantastic, the perfect accompaniment to the visceral, grin-inducing ride quality. The car runs and brakes straight and true, the suspension is tight and the car is a joy to drive, whether tooling through town, roaring through the canyons or bombing down the highway.
With E-Types fetching ever more outlandish prices in collector car auctions over the last few years, this is an excellent opportunity to acquire a fairly priced, honest, beautiful, very original and appreciating Series 1.5 with strong, numbers matching mechanicals and clean cosmetics. Whether it will continue service as a cherished weekend driver, as a Jaguar Club of North America touring and event participant or as a welcomed addition to a collection, this rare and desirable example needs nothing to be enjoyed but a new owner to continue the excellent stewardship provided by its previous.
