1968 JAGUAR E-TYPE SERIES 1 4.2 FHC

This Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Fixed Head Coupe (FHC) is a well-presented example of the iconic British classic. Under the voluptuous bonnet lies a 4.2-litre naturally-aspirated straight-six, producing around 265bhp and 283lb-ft of torque, driven via a four-speed manual gearbox. The odometer reads 84,073 miles.

During 1965, Autocar magazine road tested a UK-specification 4.2 E-Type, giving a 0-60mph time of 7.6 seconds and a blistering top speed of 153mph. Their team declared it as ‘just about the easiest way to travel quickly by road’. The E-Type arguably remains as popular as ever nearly 60 years after launch, and is an eminently usable classic, well supported by an extensive network of specialists.

First registered in 1968, this UK-market right-hand drive example was first supplied by HR Owen of London on 22 May 1968, with the number plate ULN 499F. It currently resides in the Netherlands, where it is offered for sale on behalf of the current owner, having been in his private ownership for the last 39 years. Its current keeper is a well-known Dutch classic car rally organiser, participant and author. The car is understood to have had only three previous owners.

Resplendent in Carmen Red, the elegant lines of the E-Type are highlighted by this standout colour. The paint finish has been previously resprayed, and is still reported to be in good condition today. The vendor notes some rust in several areas, including on both rear wings, the left side of the bonnet, and a paint bubble above the right side door handle.

The chromed brightwork has resisted pitting and dulling throughout, while the light lenses front and rear are in good condition with no damage visible. The Jaguar retains its classic wire wheels, which show some surface corrosion, and would therefore benefit from refurbishment in due course.

The Jaguar’s cabin is a comfortable and welcoming place in which to cover longer distances. The black leather upholstery may well be original, and has some heavier wear and tears in the driver’s seat material. Its dashboard, door cards and headlining appear to be in good order. The Smiths gauges and dashboard switchgear present well, with no damage, and there is a Radiomobile cassette player in the centre console.

Main contact points including the shapely wood-rimmed steering wheel and gear knob are in excellent order, with no visible wear. The vendor advises that the floor mats are new old stock, and the rear boot area lining and trim also presents very well.

At some point in the car’s past, it has been fitted with a replacement 4.2-litre engine, which has more recently been rebuilt. However, the original numbers-matching engine from the car is still in the owner’s possession, and is available to the next owner – though they will need to arrange and cover the cost of shipping it. The Jaguar will be freshly serviced before sale by Very Superior Old Cars (VSOC) in the Netherlands – which is offering the car for sale on behalf of the owner – prior to sale, with all fluids replaced.

The Jaguar underwent the Dutch APK roadworthiness test in April 2019, with the next test due in April 2021. Wearing period-correct Michelin XWX tyres all round, these have approximately 7mm of tread remaining and were fitted in 2016.

Offered following long-term private ownership, this E-Type will be supplied with a driver’s handbook as well as some service history. The car has been driven more sparingly in recent years, covering only 5,000 miles in the last 21 years, but has still been kept in fine fettle, as the driving video below demonstrates.

Regarded as one of the most influential cars of the 20th century, the Series 1 Jaguar E-Type marries elegant styling with a feel-good driving experience. This is a smartly presented and well-maintained example, ready to use and enjoy as-is, or offering a great opportunity for improvement and refurbishment.

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As this car is not UK-registered, it cannot be run through Collecting Cars’ standard online HPI check process.