1970 Jaguar E-Type Series 2 2+2


Details

The Swallow Sidecar Company was founded in 1922 by William Lyons and William Walmsley. In 1934 Lyons formed SS Cars Limited to effectively take over the operation from Walmsley. The SS brand was quite successful; though they had a reputation for having ‘more show than go’. The Jaguar name first appeared as a model name on an SS 2½ Litre Sports Saloon introduced in 1936. For political reasons, Lyons changed the name of his company to Jaguar Cars in 1945.

Whilst the SS100 is indeed a fabulous car, it was the launch of the legendary Jaguar XK120 at the London Motor Show in 1948 that really put Jaguar on the map. The car caused a sensation, which persuaded Jaguar founder and design boss William Lyons to put it into production. The XK120 morphed into the XK140 and ultimately the XK150 and in total, just over 30,000 cars were built over 15 years of production.

In 1961 at the Geneva Motor Show Jaguar introduced the E-Type, which like the XK120 all those years ago, took the motoring world by storm. The body styling was simply gorgeous and technologically the E-Type was an engineering masterpiece and it set new standards in all areas.

Whilst automotive styling is somewhat subjective the E-Type is often ranked atop lists of ‘the most beautiful cars’ and in fact, it has been described by Enzo Ferrari as ‘the most beautiful car ever made’. And it’s not just about the looks as the E-Type is often at the top of other lists such as ‘The best sports car ever built’ or ‘The most significant cars’. It is truly a motoring icon.

As a testament to the success of the E-Type, production evolved through three series from 1961 until 1974 during which time circa 70,000 cars were built.

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale a factory right hand drive 1970 Jaguar E-Type Series 2 2+2.

The Jaguar Heritage Certificate confirms this factory RHD example was manufactured on the 5th February 1970 with a date of despatch of 24th February 1970. The original distributor is noted as JRJ Mansbridge from Lincoln in the UK and the original dealer is noted as Austin Monks from Boston in the UK. The car’s original colour scheme was light blue with a dark blue interior. The first owner is not noted, however, the car was originally registered as ODO737H which was issued in Holland, Lincolnshire.

The car’s early history is not known, however, it is understood to have come to Australia very early in its life and been a long term Queensland car. The car has been in the same family since 1989 when it was acquired from Sport & Prestige at Southport on the Gold Coast and there is a Certificate of Roadworthiness on file dated 26th April 1989 at which time the car’s odometer was at 37,954 miles. The car was then registered as 655 PSI (QLD).

The car has a very thick history file dating back to 1987 and there are many invoices on file confirming this E-Type has been regularly maintained during this time. The current owner is a pilot who fortunately likes mechanical things to be ‘just right’! Some of the major work done during this time includes:  body stripped to bare metal with some rust repairs undertaken (November 1987), major mechanical works including a gearbox rebuild (August 1988 @ 37,421 miles), engine rebuild, new clutch and overhaul front suspension (January 1991), refresh the interior (c1992/1993), body repairs (Jan 1990) and major mechanical repairs (May-Dec  2003). The car has just been serviced and had a number of miscellaneous items attended to by respected Brisbane Jaguar Specialists Classic & Prestige Auto Services and it has a current Queensland Roadworthy Certificate.

This E-Type has been exercised over the last 30 years, averaging around a thousand miles per annum during this time and today the odometer reads 70,417 miles.

Today this Jaguar E-Type presents really well with just the right amount of patina. As with all E-Types you need full choke from cold . . . prime the carbs, pump the throttle a few times, then turn the key to start her . . . she takes a while to get fuel through the system and then she fires with that typical Jaguar growl. Warm the engine and it’s all systems go. What’s immediately apparent is that this car is really tight on the road. The gearbox is slick, the steering is light & direct and the pedal control is very responsive. The engine pulls strongly through the rev range and this car has a terrific exhaust note . . . it sounds ‘just right’.

Inside the cabin everything is clean, neat and tidy. The blue upholstery is in excellent condition all round, as is the dash, steering wheel, instruments and controls. Purists will note the non original steering wheel, however, the wheel fitted to the car has a fabulous feel to it. Everything looks to be in working order and the only noticeable fault is the ignition barrel cover is missing.

This E-Type is finished in a fabulous colour scheme that highlights the car’s voluptuous curves perfectly. The paintwork on the car is presentable from say a metre. It has a high gloss with a strong depth of colour, though on close inspection there are nicks, scrapes and stone chips evident, consistent with a car that has been driven over the years.  The most noticeable blemish is a crack in the paint on the left hand side of the nose and the driver’s door check strap is missing. Structurally the car looks to be very good all round and it is very clean and solid underneath. All of the exterior trim, chrome and the wire wheels are in good condition.

Highlights:

– A well presented factory right hand drive E-Type.

– Comes with a Jaguar Heritage Certificate.

– This car retains its original ‘matching numbers’

– This is a much loved and very well maintained car that is mechanically sorted and ready to enjoy

– Finished in a fabulous colour scheme.

The car is currently registered in Queensland (as 219 WCM) and it has a current Queensland Roadworthy Certificate.

 


Specification

  • -
  • Jaguar E-Type Series 2 2+2
  • 1970
  • Coupe
  • Manual
  • 70393 miles
  • 4235 cc

SOLD

Register interest if a similar car becomes available