Lot 49: 1970 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES II 4.2 LITER ROADSTER

35,200 miles and one owner from new



Black with gray interior and black soft top

Engine: six cylinder, twin overhead camshaft, triple SU carburettors, 4,235cc, 265bhp at 5,400rpm; Gearbox: four speed manual; Suspension: independent, double wishbones with torsion bars to front, independent rear with twin coil spring/damper units on each side; Brakes: Dunlop servo-assisted disc. Left hand drive.

To many, the Jaguar E-Type is the archetypal British sports car of the post-war years. It appeared in 1961 and quickly caused a sensation, being faster and more powerful than its popular rivals. Two-thirds of production was destined to go to North America whilst the car itself evolved through three series, developing progressively from the 3.8 liter to the 4.2 and finally the 5.3 liter V12.

The Series II cars carried a number of changes and improvements, many to meet stringent US laws, which included a larger front grill, wrap around bumpers, a more raked windscreen and a redesigned interior with better use of rocker switches. Open headlamps were also standard.

This Series II E-Type, specified in the rarely seen combination of black with gray interior, tells a story that few others can boast. While working with the American foreign service, the current and sole owner since new collected this E-Type from the factory in Browns Lane, Coventry, England. He then used the car for a couple of years whilst on his posting and predominantly enjoyed the car for touring the array of countries one can visit with relative ease in Europe. When he returned to the US, the trusty E-Type duly followed and with nothing more than routine service was used for several more years before being put into storage in Laredo, Texas.

After years without use, the owner then decided to commission a restoration and therefore entrusted local marque specialists Jeff's Resurrections to undertake the work. Fortunately, having traveled so few miles, this Series II example was phenomenally original and thanks to the dry state it had been stored in was structurally sound throughout. So to replicate the experience first tasted back in England when the car was new, it was treated to a complete nut and bolt restoration to original specification of the highest order that even included a full mechanical rebuild encompassing the barely traveled engine, transmission and differential. Upon completion in 2002, the decision was made to take this one owner example onto the show circuit and in 2003 it battled for JCNA (Jaguar Club of North America) National honors where it claimed second place.

Since being on the show circuit the car has been sparingly used and has predominantly resided at the restorer's premises. Upon a recent visit, a Christie's specialist was privileged to briefly drive this fine example and a glowing response was reported thanks to a super smooth engine and transmission and well dialed in set up. The color combination is very striking and as the previous concours glory will attest, condition is without fault. Prior to the sale a thorough check through and detailing will be performed and we confidently boast that this documented example with such alluring provenance is sure to impress. Accompanying the car will be a generous array of paperwork related to the thirty-six year relationship the vendor has enjoyed with the car.