1970 Jaguar E-Type SII 4.2 Roadster

This late manual 4.2-litre Series II E Type has lived in Sweden since 2004. Note that Sweden is fully part of the European union hence no import taxes apply to other EU countries. Imported to Scandinavia from the USA – where it was supplied new – the history tracks two of the car’s former stateside owners. The vendor is thought to be the car’s fourth custodian and has had that distinction for the past 17 years. In that time, he has spent more than €100k on the car’s mechanical and electrical restoration, as well as general upkeep. The invoices to prove this vast expenditure are available upon viewing the car – as there were far too many to photograph here.

The vendor has had a lot of fun over the years with this iconic classic roadster and turned many a head as he explains.

“Why sell a car like this? With 30 000 Euros at a purchasing price and over 100 000 Euros worth of reconstruction fees later, only an idiot would sell. Really. But life is a series of changes. And when the changes adds up, this car has no longer any reasonable place in my life. It had, but not any longer. In 2005 I was an unmarried man with few responsibilities and a high salary. And nothing responsible to spend the money on. So I bought the car from my childhood dreams. The E Type. Open and dark red. Then I started to spend money on resurrecting the mechanical and electrical elements up to better than original. It cost me, but it was a mental journey of joy all the way. To follow the progress in the work shop. To experience the difference in the gearbox before and after. A journey of joy. But then came life, marriage, children and a change of priorities. An E Type is not exactly a family car. Then it´s time to let go. Somebody could use her better. And have a lot pleasure doing so. Göran O. Proud owner since 2005.”

What is important to note about this car is that the owner chose to leave the body, paint and interior original and focus on the mechanical and electrical restoration to make it a perfect running driver ready to head to the ends if Europe without worrying about damaging an expensive paintjob which often causes owners to consciously or unconsciously limit their use and end up doing concours only which is not what these cars were made for.

There are plenty of shiny cars out there with brand new paint but very dubious underpinnings. This car is the very contrary though its paint and chrome has held up very well.

The car is currently displaying just 52,896km, though without seeing the full history ourselves, it’s impossible to verify. The extensive restoration by Competition Motors in Alunda, Sweden from 2006 to 2008 renders this immaterial anyway. The car has been used sparingly sinCe restoration, having covered fewer than 3000kms since said rebuild, which is why it’s being offered for sale because, as we all know, no car benefits from a lack of use.

The car was taken out of hibernation for good in the spring of 2021 and treated to a full service and a successful MOT with zero remarks. “Drives like new” is a worn cliché but in this case it is a fact, it is absolutely on the button.

The brightwork on this E Type appears to be in splendid shape and even the wire wheels generally present well, though a closer inspection does reveal some light surface corrosion on a couple of them which can be polished off. The hood still appears to be taut if looking a little worn – there’s a small surface only tear to the passenger side. Its rear plastic screen however, is still looking very healthy, without any of the common signs of bending or clouding. Considering it’s 52 years old, we think that this Jaguar still looks great, though it’s safe to say that its paintwork could be improved…

The front frame was dismantled and resprayed, along with the bulkhead, so that very difficult area is finished and it is just the outside that could benefit from a respray. It is essential to remember that -1 this is an extremely rust free and original body, -2 the strong points of this car are that EVERYTHING mechanical, functional etc etc has been done.

From a short distance away, it still appears shiny, though get a little closer and you’ll start to see a number of imperfections. There are localised areas of paint dulling on the front valance and bonnet, plus the usual selection of small stone chips to both – those found on the latter appear mild. There are plenty of swirls to the paint and what appears to be a reaction to the clear coat. But as already stated it’s certainly not going to win any concours competitions as it is because this was not the focus of the owner: to have perfectly running car. The paint on the front end is also cracking in several places. Though having said all this, if a less than perfect finish doesn’t bother you – or you want an E Type you can simply drive and not worry too much about, this one could be right up your alley.

The condition of this Jaguar’s cabin appears to be excellent. Its carpets have over mats protecting them and they all look highly presentable. The boot carpet retains deep pile and seems free of any staining. The vinyl seat fabric seems intact and supple and the same man-made fabric on the door cards appears in fine order. The only wear we could unearth in here, at least worthy of mention, was some very mild cracking to the centre armrest, though really this is little more than patina. The dash-pad and top both in fine order with the latter even crowned by a little model E Type.

The owner reports that the car drives without fault. There’s plenty of evidence of extensive work to the running gear and electrics in the car’s service history, so we’ve little cause to doubt him. There’s also a video of the car in action below in which it seems to be running beautifully and sounds fabulous.

The overhaul in 2006-2008 wasn’t just your standard once over. In fact, we’ll let the restorer detail the work in his own words, as it’s fairly extensive…

‘Everything mechanical or electrical was done, leaving no stone unturned. The car was completely dismantled, checked for rust (it turned out to be exceptionally preserved) with the engine, gearbox and differential all fully rebuilt. The bare bulkhead was separated from the front end, stripped, treated, repainted and all components rebuilt and remounted again using new nuts and bolts, fitments, hoses etc. The pedal box was entirely dismantled, treated and rebuilt, as were the suspension and brakes. The radiator was restored and all hoses were, of course, changed for new ones. New nuts and bolts were used throughout where and when the originals were not up to scratch.’

A visual inspection of the running gear certainly seems to back this up, with everything underneath seemingly looking fresh, treated to a protective powder coating. All of the bushes and fixings we could see still looked very good and we also noticed some nice adjustable coil-over suspension on the front axle. Another subtle upgrade over standard is the confidence-inspiring braided steel brake lines, while the beautifully made stainless-steel manifold and exhaust system surely make the most of getting rid of the mix sucked in by those triple SUs.

As we’ve already mentioned, the service history with this car would likely take up all of the space allocated here, so we’ll cover the highlights instead. There are 29 itemised invoices from Competition Motors – a well-known and respected Alunda-based concern that closed its doors in 2021. The meticulous rebuild procedure is apparently well documented in these invoices that total more than 100k euros alone. We also have what is thought to be the original owner’s manual, supplied with the car to its first owner Mr John Rothrock.

Also included in the history file is the Swedish import documentation from August 2004, proving the car’s legitimate import into Scandinavia. The rest of the history is available to serious bidders and anyone wishing to view the car in the metal. The vendor would also like to point out that the car is ready to drive anywhere in Europe and is located just an hour from Stockholm Arlanda International airport. He is happy to pick-up and drop-off anyone who wishes to view the car as well. He also points out that secure, insured transportation to anywhere in Europe is available, as well as shipping overseas. Finally please note that again Sweden is fully part of the European union hence there are no import taxes for EU buyers. Also while Sweden does not use the Euro payment can be made in Euros. Last but not last there is a bridge/tunnel from Sweden to mainland Europe, so no need for a ferry boat ride.

Owning, or simply driving a manual 4.2-litre E Type should be near the top of any classic car fan’s bucket list. The power, presence and sheer joy exuded by these beguiling British sports cars is the very definition of life-affirming. This matching numbers example had all of the expensive mechanical and electrical work done and is reported to drive as well as any out there.

The remaining paintwork attention needed to make it a show winner may or may not be on your to do list, but either way, there’s an epic sports car here ready to enjoy. It still looks great despite the small flaws, which is why we expect that the next owner will need between €60,000 and €80,000 to experience it first-hand. This is clearly an outstanding purchase in terms of value for money.

Viewing is always encouraged, within Govt. guidelines of course, by appointment with the owner’s representative and as stated this car is located in Uppsala, Sweden; and to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.