Yahoo Autos 1969 Jaguar E-Type Roadster Found on Bring a Trailer
As Jaguar grapples with an uncertain future, here's something from its catalog of greatest hits.
Finished in British Racing Green (of course), this straight-six-powered XKE Roadster is a treat for the eyes and the ears.
This is a no-reserve auction, so this sleek cat will be headed to a new home soon.
Shake the Magic 8-Ball and ask about Jaguar's future, and the answer that's most likely to swim to the surface is Reply Hazy, Try Again. After giving the F-Type a viking funeral as a send-off to combustion-engine power, Jaguar reportedly plans a pivot to become a premium EV brand. But if we can't see the future, certainly a look back to the past reveals some of the best fast cats ever to come out of England.
This 1969 E-Type Roadster for sale Bring A Trailer (which, like Car and Driver, is part of the Hearst Autos), is about as good a Jaguar you could wish for. Finished in splendid British Racing Green set off with wire wheels, it has grace, certainly. Pace is provided by a lusty 4.2-liter straight-six breathing through dual Zenith-Stromberg carburetors, attached to a four-speed manual 'box and a limited slip differential. Space enough for two would-be grand tourers and their luggage. As the Brits would say, proper.
There are perhaps more exotic Jaguars than an E-Type—Steve McQueen's XKSS springs to mind—but in terms of peak British sportscar, this is as about as good as it got. Enzo Ferrari himself famously referred to the XKE as "the most beautiful car ever made," and there is perfection aplenty here in the proportions, curves, and just the right amount of chrome.
V-12 versions of the E-Type are rather over-egging the pudding, so to speak, and what you really want is the inline-six under that long hood. The Series II was the last call for this engine, and even if it can be argued that the earliest E-Types are a little more valuable, this end-of-the-sixties model has some welcome upgrades like headrests, full synchromesh in the gearbox, and better brakes.
This example was delivered new to Windsor, Ontario, fittingly paid for with Canadian currency featuring the likeness of HRH Elizabeth II. It remained in that original ownership for 34 years, clearly beloved and driven only sparingly. The odometer currently shows just 5300 miles, and the car carries the all-important Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate.
The engine is noted as being numbers-matching and was serviced last year, with fresh sparkplugs and other electrical components, and the oil changed. It comes with 15-inch chromed wire wheels mounted with 185-series Dunlop tires, along with a spare set of wheels and a few other bits and bobs.
Just imagine grasping that wood-rimmed steering wheel and stirring that 4.2 'six into song on some back lane, the first chill of autumn creeping into the air. It's easy to see how seductive these cars were back in the day. Here's hoping Jaguar can find that magic again.
The auction ends on September 9.
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