Lot 357: 1969 Jaguar E-Type SII

To improve sales performance, particularly in the vital dollar earning US market where home-grown Mustang and Corvette muscle cars were becoming increasingly popular with the locals, Jaguar gave the first version of their already sublimely beautiful E Type a cosmetic and mechanical makeover. The Coventry engineers did not merely bore out the 3.8-litre engine, but employed a redesigned block with re-spaced bore centres to achieve a new brand new 4235cc capacity motor, first for the Series I 4.2 and then for the Series II.Other technical changes included a new alternator and a one-piece cast aluminium exhaust manifold. E Type acceleration was much improved as was torque. Significantly, too, the old Moss gearbox was dropped in favour of a new transmission with synchromesh on all four gears, engagement being made slicker thanks to a new diaphragm-spring clutch.For the 1968-launched SII to be compliant with more stringent US vehicle regs, the lighting was revised and the radiator intake increased substantially in size to better cope with hotter climates. Even with discs all round, E Type braking performance was boosted, too, with 3-piston calipers at the front and 2-pistons calipers at the rear.This 1969-manufactured E Type SII 4.2 coupe was acquired by the vendor in 1998. Amongst work carried out, the floor pans and sills have been welded and renewed as necessary and the two-door bodywork repainted in dark blue, the original colour, with a top-tint export windscreen. There is a grey interior and the rear lights have been changed. The suspension is said to have been stiffened and lowered with Spax adjustable shock absorbers fitted all round. The documents file includes several years of receipts detailing some of the work carried out as well as a V5 and the latest MoT certificate which does not run out until May of next year.