1969 Jaguar E Type Series 2 2+2

This E Type has had just three owners and covered an incredible 56,065 miles from new. The owner, a former Rolls Royce aero engine engineer, bought it in the USA in 1997 and has converted it to UK spec. He’s also made many sensible upgrades, including power assisted steering and a Toyota five-speed gearbox conversion.

The car is fresh from some minor restoration work by P&K Thorntons (£8500) and comes with a new MoT certificate. 
 

This is a very smart looking Series II E Type. Finished in maroon, the car has the distinctive extended wheelbase and raised roofline of the 2+2 variant, which allows for a more spacious interior while preserving the unmistakable profile of the original design.

The bodywork is generally straight and well aligned the chrome detailing – such as the bumpers, window surrounds, door handles and grille – is in excellent condition, offering a bright contrast to the body colour and enhancing the car’s classic appearance. All glass is clear and well-fitted, including the distinctive curved rear hatch.

The stainless steel wire wheels are a highlight, giving the car a purposeful stance and vintage charm. These are in fine condition and fitted with period-appropriate tyres that complement the E-Type’s character. The lighting, including the updated Series II exposed headlamps and revised rear lenses, remains in good order and adds to the clean, well-kept look.

The paintwork for the most part is in good condition however there is visible evidence of paint and bodyworks most notably to the rear n/s wing and drivers door area that the new owner may want to see too. 
 

This Jag’s interior is in excellent condition, trimmed in classic black leather that complements the car’s sleek exterior and enhances its timeless GT character. The seats are in superb order, showing only light signs of use and retaining their correct shape, support and stitching. The leather remains supple and smooth throughout, with no splits, tears or noticeable wear. Matching door panels and trim are equally well preserved, contributing to a clean, cohesive cabin presentation.

The black carpets are in similarly fine condition, with good fit and minimal signs of age. The dashboard retains its original layout, complete with the correct rocker switches, Smiths gauges and a period look that will please purists. The instrument cluster is clear and fully legible, with the wood-rimmed steering wheel showing only light patina – just enough to reflect the car’s age and character without appearing worn.

One modification worth noting is the fitment of a five-speed Toyota gearbox. It’s a popular upgrade among E-Type owners, known for improving reliability and reducing engine revs at motorway speeds. 

Overall, the cabin of this E-Type is a delightful place to be – smart, comfortable and true to the spirit of the original design. The combination of high-quality leather, well-preserved switchgear and subtle modernisation makes it ideal for regular use or longer-distance touring. 
 

The under-bonnet area reflects both the care and expertise of its engineer owner. Presented in clean and tidy condition, it shows signs of regular maintenance and thoughtful improvement, without the excessive polish or cosmetic embellishment often seen in show cars. It’s an engine bay that looks ready for driving rather than posing – exactly as a proper E-Type should.

A notable feature of this car is its conversion to full UK specification, most importantly the correct triple SU carburettor setup. Originally built for export, the car would have been fitted with twin Stromberg carburettors and associated emissions equipment, which restricted performance. The current arrangement not only brings the car in line with how the E-Type was originally intended to perform, but also delivers a noticeable improvement in throttle response, power delivery and overall drivability. 

The conversion has been carried out neatly and with mechanical sympathy, using the correct manifold and linkages to preserve originality and ensure proper function.

The engine itself presents very well, with clean castings and components showing none of the usual grime or signs of neglect. Hoses, wiring and pipework all appear well routed and in good order, with no signs of leaks or poor past repairs. The finishes are consistent with a car that has been kept in excellent mechanical condition – smart and honest, rather than overly detailed for show.

Overall, the engine bay offers a very pleasing balance between usability and correctness. It’s clear that time, thought and expertise have gone into making this a mechanically sorted example, with careful attention paid to improving it in line with original UK-market specification. It stands as a testament to the car’s enthusiast ownership and would be a reassuring sight for any prospective buyer.
 

Our owner, a former Rolls Royce aero engine engineer, says:

‘I’ve always been interested in mechanical things. At university in 1956, studying Mechanical Engineering, I used my first pay packets from a vacation job to buy a 1934 (22 years old) Morris Minor. Later I bought a part complete Special to finish. Then a series of cars and motor bikes.

‘In the USA I was tempted by the prices for British cars. The majority of British sports cars went to the USA but perhaps because it is hard to get the correct maintenance or just that they are able to change more frequently, the prices are lower. So I was keen to buy before I came back to the UK.

‘Jaguar had a wonderful run at Le Mans for years from 1950, based on the XK engine in XK 120, C Types, D Types. This generated world-wide interest, and a 28 year old E type was just as exotic – and I could afford one.                        

‘I bought this one after talking to the owner, John Tasko. I was convinced by his story of the distributor failing (I have it somewhere safe but cannot remember where.) He said that the owner stored the car for 10 years, which is possible but made more likely as he talked of buying it from the family, which suggests to me that the owner died.

‘John had made a great job of respraying it in its original colour (Jaguar Regency Red).

‘I seem to have made a lot of changes – I fitted a power steering kit from Vicarage. For the five-speed gearbox I used Realm. Both were very helpful. The 123 electronic ignition is another great improvement, as is the oil filter change.

‘I’m now selling the E Type as I am two years from my 90th birthday and driving anything in modern traffic might soon become too difficult.

‘I think the overall condition is very good, no rust anywhere, the problems dealt with by P & K Thornton’s were mainly rubber mountings, tightening up clamps or rearranging pipe runs. Well worth doing but not a sign of wearing out. Having had this work done with an MoT certificate to show, I would not know of any faults.                                                      

‘The car has been well maintained and has only done under 57,000 miles in just under 57 years. The car has its original engine.’                                                

A beautifully maintained and thoughtfully improved E Type with an incredibly low mileage and impeccable history file. And you’ll be just the fourth owner.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £35,000 - £40,000.

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