1969 Jaguar XK-E

1969 Jaguar XKE Roadster The Jaguar E-Type, for the North American market, is a British sports car that was manufactured by Jaguar Cars Ltd between 1961 and 1975. Its combination of beauty, high performance, and competitive pricing established the model as an icon of the motoring world. The E-Type with 150 mph top speed, sub-7-second 0 to 60 mph acceleration, monocoque construction, disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, and independent front and rear suspension distinguished the car and spurred industry-wide changes. The E-Type was based on Jaguars D-Type racing car, which had won the 24 Hours of Le Mans three consecutive years beginning in 1955, and employed what was, for the early 1960s, a novel racing design principle, with a front subframe carrying the engine, front suspension and front bodywork bolted directly to the body tub. No ladder frame chassis, as was common at the time, was needed and as such the first cars weighed only 2900lb. Few automotive brands can match Jaguar when it comes to consistency in design. From the E-type forward, long wheelbase platforms with elongated noses and short rear overhangs became the companys signature look. This XKE stays true to that formula, with sleek body lines that have been carefully maintained, after benefitting from some restoration through the years. For consignment after 46 years of ownership, this always garage kept and covered curvaceous crumpet catcher with a DOHC 6-cylinder, sexy leather interior, and an instant converted drop top from top up, and you are Austin Powers all over again...Yeah Baby! Exterior Signs of prior bodywork, as stated by our consignor, are slightly evident in the cracked and checked respray of Pale Primrose that bathes the steel body of this sporty Brit. It still retains its shine, and the steel panels retain their consistent gaps. Nice thin wrap-around bumpers are in very good condition adorn the front and rear and the pesky government hasnt intervened yet with their mandated 5mph crash bumpers. A side view is candy for the eyes as the line in this car is unmatched. On top, a black vinyl roof is on that presents with a heavily yellowed rear plastic window, a few small tears and some seam separation. 15-inch chrome wire wheels with knock off Jaguar badged center hubs are wrapped with older 185R15 thin red stripe rubber, (no Avons here). No visible rust, just beautiful lines accentuated by near perfect chromed trimmings. Interior Jaguar hit the mark on this interior, making use of fine leathers and interior surfaces just as original and our consignor has kept it that way. Two nearly pristine buckets, recovered not long after our consignor purchased the car, sit in a spacious driver and passenger compartment, and are backed by a large carpeted storage area, which also doubles as top storage when the roof is lowered. These buckets are finished in a tan tuck and roll leather with smooth bolsters. The leather remains crack free but there is some wear noted on the drivers upper outside facing bolster. Fronting the buckets is a pristine black leather padded dash, which is peppered with various Smiths gauges, toggle switches, and sliders for cool air, fan speeds, and lighting. A matching leather center console rises to the dash and contains the obligatory ashtray as well as the shifter and chrome parking brake handle. Noted is a cigar lighter just above the aftermarket AM/FM/Cassette player, as smoking those fags is so pedestrian! Tan carpeting covers the floors and is protected by Coco style floor mats. Of note, a few spots of heavy rust are seen in the rear of each of the door jambs. Drivetrain Pulling the bonnet forward we can reveal the entire engine bay and front suspension and have unlimited access to all areas. Neatly inside the patinaed engine bay is an original 4.2 Liter DOHC inline 6 cylinder, which is fed by 2 Stromberg carburetors and is capable of making 245hp. An original 4-speed manual transmission is on back, and the rear axle sports 3.54 gears. Surfaces display a nice patina and light surface rust with light corrosion. Undercarriage Looking good underneath with rust free components, and nice straight steel frame and floor pans. There is some rust beginning on the pinch weld area of both rocker panels and surface rust is noted on some suspension and braking parts but all else is coated in a liberal application of black undercoating. Independent coil spring suspension is all around with the rear being a quad coilover set up, as are disc brakes. A dual exhaust is seen and has some surface rust but remains solid and leak free. Drive-Ability Im a sucker for anything British so of course I had my hand in the air to test drive this beauty, and I was totally satisfied upon my return from the test track. After a full choke start, and half choke warmup, it ran just beautifully, with loads of top end power, nice ride, and good cornering. The inline 6 cylinder has a sound like no other, and it was definitely a head turner. Nearly like driving a piece of sculpture, a very pleasant overall experience. One of the most desirable cars when the first version came out in the early 1960s that were based on the late 50s Jaguar race car designs, this car was instantly wildly successful. We are fortunate to have examples like this still around like this one, that can be driven and enjoyed. A true rolling example of automotive art right here in our Hallowed Halls!