Drivetrain
Chassis
Body
1968 Jaguar Series 1.5 XKE OTS Roadster Rare Factory Hardtop Great Running Cond
The E-type was initially designed and shown to the public as a grand tourer in two seater coupé form (FHC or Fixed Head Coupe) and as convertible (OTS or Open Two Seater). The model was made in 3 distinct versions generally referred to as "Series 1", "Series 2" and "Series 3". A transitional series between Series 1 and Series 2 is known unofficially as "Series 1½". Series 2 cars such as this one feature Open headlights without glass covers (Earlier cars had problems with misting, despite gaskets), a wrap-around rear bumper, re-positioned and larger front indicators and taillights below the bumpers, better cooling aided by an enlarged "mouth" and twin electric fans, and uprated brakes are hallmarks of Series 2 cars. De-tuned in US, but still with triple SUs in the UK, the engine is easily identified visually by the change from smooth polished cam covers to a more industrial 'ribbed' appearance. Late Series 1½ cars also had ribbed cam covers. The interior and dashboard were also redesigned, with flick switches being substituted for rocker switches that met U.S health and safety regulations. The dashboard switches also lost their symmetrical layout. New seats were fitted, which purists claim lacked the style of the originals but were certainly more comfortable. Air conditioning and power steering were available as factory options. It was available in FHC, OTS, and 2+2 versions. The E type is generally considered one of the seminal sports car designs of all time, in fact it was displayed in the Museum of Modern Art due to its stunning lines. No collection is complete without an E type.
This very nice Series 1.5 Roadster is in very good to excellent overall condition. Fully numbers matching with original Engine and Gearbox, this lovely example runs and drives very well and is ready for the road. Featuring the seldom ordered Removable Hardtop, an Original Wood Steering Wheel, Period AM/FM Radio, Jack, Hammer, Spinner Wrench, and Spare, The car was acquired by our client around 2016 and kept stored in a climate controlled facility and used sparingly. Offered as part of his estate the car was recommissioned for sale at substantial expense at a respected local shop. The car runs and drives perfectly, and is ready for either long distance touring or rallies as well as local summer time drives. The car is accompanied by Top Boot. A Jaguar Heritage Certificate is on order and will be sent with the car. Overall the car presents very well with a very nice interior featuring some interesting storage pouches- presumable for tools-behind the seats, The Removable hard top has one small paint flaw (pictured) but is otherwise perfect. A new set of Chrome Trim for the Top is included. The paint presents pretty well but has some color variations visible upon close inspection here and there. Our body man advised this is a lacquer respray over the original paint job, and he feels this is the Original Color of the car and could be corrected. The dent on the rocker panel is not easily visible until you get under the car, I was kind of surprised to find that when I took those shots. The Brightwork is very nice with one flaw noted on the passenger door trim (pictured). I drove the car about 15 miles on both highway and city streets and it ran cool, accelerated well, shifted crisply through the gears, and stopped very well. It was a joy to drive, this car is ready for the road. The Clock, Horn, and Radio are inoperable but all the other gauges worked well and the car has strong Oil Pressure in the 60 lbs area.
The car shows just over 32,000 miles and while we do not know the history of the car, the title is marked as actual miles.
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to acquire a seldom seen Series 1.5 with low miles, rare color combination, and Factory Hardtop.