Lot 014: 1970 JAGUAR E-TYPE 4.2 2+2

Introduced in 1969, the Jaguar E-type Series II could be had in Roadster, Fixed Head Coupe or Fixed Head Coupe 2+2 guises. Known in America as the XKE Family Coupe or XKE Sedan, this latter variant had a notably spacious feel thanks to its elongated wheelbase, raised roofline and larger glasshouse. Equipped with a pair of foldable rear seats, it otherwise benefited from the same fully independent (torsion-bar front / coil-sprung rear) suspension, rack and pinion steering and disc brakes as its two-seater siblings. Powered by a 4235cc dohc straight-six engine developing a quoted 265bhp and 283lbft of torque on triple SU carburettors (or 246bhp on twin Strombergs) , it could be had with a choice of four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. Only in production for a couple of seasons, it nevertheless managed to outsell its two-seater equivalent (approximately 5326 vs 4855) and thus helped convince Jaguar to adopt its basic platform architecture for the forthcoming Series III cars. Finished in white with a beautiful red leather interior, this particular example has been converted from left- to right-hand drive. Reputed to have had in excess of ú17,600 spent on it since 2000 (with bills from last year alone totalling more than ú5,000), this practical E-type benefits from triple SU carburettors, three-speed automatic transmission, chrome wire wheels and a 'face-off' stereo. The subject of a speedometer head change at 59,000 miles, it is believed but not warranted to have covered just 76,000 miles from new. Said by the vendor to "look extremely well cared for", this pampered Jaguar is offered for sale with history file, MOT certificate valid until August 20th 2006 and historic class (free) road tax.