1968 Jaguar E-Type Series ll 4.2 Roadster

Delivered new to Salt Lake City, Utah

Single-family ownership until 2006; bought by a US marque enthusiast in 2007, who owned it for the next 10 years

Painted and swapped to European triple SU carbs in the 1990s

Original factory hard-top; matching-numbers; 66,300 miles (indicated); Heritage Certificate

UK-registered in 2017; extremely solid and original; drives very well

The E-Type would be one of the last great sports cars developed directly from a successful competition ancestor. The E-Type's engine was also shared with previous models, the well-regarded, straight-six XK unit with a claimed 265bhp. This fabulous engine, combined with the E-Type's weight saving (over the XK150) and its efficient shape, gave real performance gains. This speed and agility were harnessed by independent suspension front and rear, plus Dunlop disc brakes fitted on all four wheels, which broke new ground for a large-capacity sports-car. All these factors resulted in the E-Type becoming the complete package at the time.

Jaguar continued to develop the E-Type throughout its life. The first results of this programme of improvements came in 1964 when the newly enlarged 4.2-litre XK engine was installed under the bonnet and, although maximum power remained unchanged at 265bhp, torque was usefully increased, improving driveability. Other improvements included the arrival of a fully synchronised Moss gearbox and twin SU petrol pumps. The Series ll of 1968 was evolved further, with an improved cooling system and better Girling brakes. It also introduced several design changes, largely due to U.S. design legislation. The most noted exterior features are the open headlights, a larger grille opening, re-positioned and larger front indicators and rear lights below the bumpers. The 4.2-litre engine now featured "ribbed" cam-covers, whilst inside there were better seats with head-rests, new switches and a steering-column ignition.

The car presented here is a 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series ll 4.2 Roadster, having been manufactured in left-hand drive on the 30th August 1968, and dispatched to Jaguar Cars, New York, before being sold to its first owner, a Mr Peter Robinson, of Salt Lake City in Utah. In 50 years, this car has only had a handful of owners, having enjoyed single-family ownership until 2006, before being sold in 2007 to a Jaguar enthusiast in Illinois. He wanted the most original and solid example he could find, eventually choosing this car and keeping it for the next 10 years. It has been described by him as having never been restored, just well maintained and stored, hence it's understood to still be matching-numbers. Given its ownership history and overall condition, the indicated mileage of 67,000 miles would seem highly credible (but this figure is not verifiable). In the 1990s, it was repainted in its original (and rare) colour of Daimler Silver Grey, whilst also benefitting from being converted to triple SU carburettors. The interior would also appear to be highly original, with a mellow patina and genuine feel and the car retains its original hard-top. Its return trip across the Atlantic commenced when it was purchased by our UK vendor from the US marque enthusiast (mentioned above) in 2017 and the Jaguar is now UK-registered, having been fully serviced and passed an MoT with no advisories. However, due to a change in storage arrangements, regrettably the car must now be sold. 1960"s E-Types in this sort of unspoilt and well-preserved condition are getting much harder to find, especially in such a fetching colour combination.

DVG 592G is accompanied by its Jaguar Heritage Certificate, its old US licence plates, an original handbook, and service manual. A very desirable package offered at a tempting guide price.