Vehicle Description
1968 Jaguar E-Type Open Two-Seater (Series 1.5) – Original Pale Primrose, Unrebuilt 4.2L DOHC Straight-Six, 4-Speed, Highly Original
For part of 1968, the timeless E-type was the only model exported to the United States by Jaguar, in the same year that British Leyland was formed. This Open Two-Seater is the variety commonly known as a Series 1.5, recognizable by its newly non-covered headlamps, and is one of some 9,550 copies of the OTS produced from 1965 through 1968. This example has had one repaint but otherwise remains highly original, including its never-rebuilt powertrain. Driven fewer than 4,000 miles in 20 years, with an accurate odometer, this Pale Primrose E-type is an honest, well-preserved example of Jaguar’s most iconic roadster.
Powertrain
- Original 4,235-cc version of Jaguar’s historic DOHC straight-six (never rebuilt)
- Factory-rated 246 horsepower with 9.0:1 compression ratio
- Two Stromberg sidedraft carburetors
- Spin-on oil filter, electronic ignition, and dual electric cooling fans added
- New stainless-steel exhaust system
- Engine starts and idles perfectly with choke engaged
- Four-speed manual transmission shifts properly
- No powertrain leaks noted
- Engine bay is stock and acceptably clean
Exterior & Body
- Original Pale Primrose color – repainted once, paint is 8 years old with no reported blemishes
- E-type has never experienced rust
- Convertible top has never seen rain – in perfect working order
- Body seals are soft and pliable with no leaks
- Chrome appears in very good shape, includes luggage rack on trunk lid
- Original windshield is delaminating at corners with wiper scratches
- All lighting functional
- Underside views show no visible rust damage
- Series 1.5 features non-covered headlamps
Interior & Comfort
- Replacement leather interior surfaces (a few years old) – no cracks or tears
- Seats retain adjustability with moderate wear creasing
- Carpet in excellent condition with no tears or holes
- Dashboard retains all switches and small controls – very good unrestored condition
- Original AM/FM/SW radio believed to be functional
- Trunk is acceptably clean
Chassis, Suspension & Brakes
- Tie-rod bushings replaced approximately 500 miles ago
- No issues with chassis functionality or component damage
- Brakes are capable of locking the wheels
- Wire wheels are free of damage
- Tires are 4 years old with most tread remaining
Features & Equipment
- Rare Series 1.5 E-type Open Two-Seater (1965-1968 production, ~9,550 OTS copies)
- Original, never-rebuilt 4.2L DOHC straight-six
- Four-speed manual transmission
- Electronic ignition and dual electric cooling fans
- Stainless-steel exhaust system
- Chrome luggage rack on trunk lid
- Original AM/FM/SW radio
- Wire wheels
Condition & History
- One repaint only – otherwise highly original throughout
- Driven fewer than 4,000 miles in 20 years
- Odometer reading is accurate
- Never experienced rust
- Original top has never seen rain
- Honest, well-preserved example
This 1968 Jaguar E-Type Open Two-Seater (Series 1.5) is an honest, highly original example of one of the most beautiful cars ever built. Finished in its original Pale Primrose with a single repaint eight years ago, this E-type has never experienced rust and remains remarkably preserved. The original 4.2-liter DOHC straight-six has never been rebuilt—it starts and idles perfectly with the choke engaged, thanks to thoughtful additions like electronic ignition, dual electric cooling fans, and a new stainless-steel exhaust. The four-speed manual transmission shifts properly, and there are no powertrain leaks. The convertible top has never seen rain and works perfectly, the body seals are soft and leak-free, and the chrome (including the trunk-mounted luggage rack) presents very well. Inside, the replacement leather is crack-free with only moderate wear creasing, the carpet is excellent, and all dashboard controls remain in very good unrestored condition—with the original AM/FM/SW radio believed functional. The tie-rod bushings were replaced just 500 miles ago, the brakes can lock the wheels, and the wire wheels are damage-free with 4-year-old tires showing most of their tread. Driven fewer than 4,000 miles in the last 20 years (accurate odometer), this Series 1.5 E-type is a rare find for the collector who values originality, honest patina, and the pure driving experience of a well-preserved Jaguar classic.
4.2L DOHC Straight-Six | 4-Speed Manual | 246 HP | Series 1.5 | Pale Primrose | Highly Original | Never Rusted