Registration: EXZ 558
Chassis: PIR27815
Odometer: 14,000
Transmission: Manual
MOT: Exempt
- 2-seat fixed-head coupe
- 4.2-litre straight six
- Matching numbers
- LHD US market example
- 3 US owners and 1 UK owner
- Paperwork in support of low recorded mileage
- Driven 20 miles to our saleroom
The Jaguar E-Type Series II, produced between 1968 and 1971, marked an important evolution in the iconic sports car's design and engineering. Building on the success of the original Series I, the Series II introduced several updates primarily driven by safety and regulatory requirements, particularly for the US market. These included larger, uncovered headlights, improved cooling with a larger radiator, twin electric fans, and repositioned front indicators and rear lights to enhance visibility. The interior was also updated with more ergonomic seats and redesigned dashboard switches. Despite these changes, the Series II retained the elegant lines and powerful performance that made the E-Type a legend, continuing Jaguar's legacy of blending beauty with speed.
We are delighted to offer this 1970 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 FHC in Opalescent Dark Blue with black leather interior. We have the heritage certificate which confirms that it was built in February 1970 as a left-hand drive model and sent to British Leyland, New York for sale. The first owner was Jim Cox of Colorado Springs who, despite owning the E-Type for 17 years, sold it with a scarcely believable 881 miles on the odometer. At the time of selling in 1987, he signed an Official Odometer (Mileage) Statement confirming this figure - a legal requirement that could be relied upon in Court apparently. The Jaguar passed through a dealer to its second owner, Karl Morgan, another Colorado resident. He set about a $15,000 dollar recommission, including an engine rebuild, no doubt brought about by lack of use. There are various maintenance invoices on file for this period, some of them bearing the mileage - 4,159 in September 1988, 5,234 in March 1989, 10,925 in April 1995. This much loved example was subsequently passed on to Karl’s son, David Morgan who lived in Idaho Falls. Confusingly, on David’s 2011 Certificate of Title he indicated that the odometer figure of 12,990 miles was “not actual”. This was subsequently clarified with him and, in an email dated 21st July 2016, he stated:-
‘…please consider this as my affidavit that mileage in excess of the 00888 that was on the odometer when my father purchased the vehicle in 1987 is the actual mileage that my father and I added to the car. The odometer functioned during the entire period of our ownership.’
Whether David simply ticked the wrong box in 2011 we can’t possibly say, although his email address from 2016 is on file and the new owner could presumably do some more digging if they wished. In any event, the E-Type travelled back to the land its birth sometime around 2016 / 2017 and was auctioned for just shy of £60,000 to a dealer in Scotland and then bought by our vendor in 2019, when it was first registered in the UK. The all-important NOVA document is on file with other registration paperwork. At this point, the Jaguar had been unused for a few years, so our vendor undertook a comprehensive recommissioning at a cost of £3,000, the invoices for which are included with the paperwork. Since its repatriation, it has not been short of love and the invoices continue. Highlights include a new stainless steel exhaust in 2020, new clutch slave, brake master and slave cylinders in the same year and clutch master cylinder in 2021. The vendor has pointed out to us that the right radiator cooling fan was noisy, so it was disconnected and a manual switch fitted for the left one. Nevertheless, he tells us that the Jaguar is driving well and, reassuringly, he drove it the 20 miles to our saleroom.
There is something quite wonderful about a two-seat fixed head coupe E-Type - prettier than the 2+2 and rarer than the roadster, it is the essence of the Jaguar’s sleek sports car. Originally supplied in red, we understand that the colour change took place around 2010 and we have to approve of the subtle and classy shade chosen, which helps the nice chromework to stand out. We have noted a small bubble appearing on the nearside rear arch and there is a blemish on the bonnet where it has been closed onto something but we’re being picky and, in the Spring sunshine, the Big Cat looks fabulous and something you would be proud to be seen in at any show or meet. The cabin is a lovely place to be, the only modifications we could spot being a modern radio, a replacement oil pressure gauge and a rather smart wood-rimmed steering wheel, pleasingly a touch thicker than the original. The seats are in good shape with just a small break in the leather on the passenger backrest. The boot is clean and tidy with a spare wheel, spinner removal tool, jack and hammer under the floor.
The E-Type comes with V5C, old MOT, Certificates of Title for both Jim Cox and David Morgan, original Odometer Statement from 1987, lots of sale and import paperwork, heritage certificate, NOVA and a large bundle of invoices from its time in the US and UK. There is even a spare set of keys.
The word icon gets rather over-used in the world of classic cars but few would argue that it is a term that fits the Jaguar E-Type perfectly. The E-type is a perennial favourite, with ownership at the top of many a petrol-head’s bucket list. Who hasn’t imagined driving along a beautiful country road, looking down that long, sensuous bonnet and listening to that famous straight six purr? Whilst Series I cars remain a classic only for the wealthy, the Series II is arguably the better car yet is far more affordable. This example represents a rare opportunity to own one with low ownership and a tiny recorded mileage. Whilst we can never guarantee any mileage as accurate, there’s a story in this Jaguar’s paperwork which very much adds credence to that odometer figure. Why not come and peruse the history file and make your own mind up?
