1968 Jaguar E-type Fixed Head Coupe Series 1.5 XKE

Price: - Item location: Merced, California, United States
Description:

1968 Jaguar E-Type

1968 Jaguar E-type Coupe. 4.2 L engine with 4 speed manual transmission, all matching numbers. Runs, shifts, and drives well. Engine had good compression (9:1) when last checked. Drives straight. Clear CA title.


This is an early Series 1.5 as shown by the early VIN and other small design details, such as the thinner typeface logo on the engine.


Our family has owned the car since 2006 when it was purchased not running and in the current cosmetic condition. My father was able to get the car running with the help of a local Jaguar mechanic, who went through and refreshed the engine, performed a full tune-up, valve adjustment (6+8), and replaced worn timing gears and freeze plugs as needed. He surmised that it stopped running because, as the only year of E-type with skip-tooth timing gears, they wore out, and he replaced them with Series 1 style gapless gears. There was no valve damage. The engine was clean and shiny inside.


During the time we have owned it, it has been driven occasionally and had maintenance as needed. This includes:


  • rebuilt radiator
  • all new hoses
  • upper and lower fan belts
  • engine tune-up
  • rebuilt brake master and servo
  • brake pads
  • clutch hydraulics
  • rebuilt carburetors
  • oil pan and valve cover gaskets
  • rebuilt fuel pump
  • differential oil flushed and replaced
  • wheel bearings lubed
  • fuel tank flushed
  • new Pirelli tires purchased in 2018 and driven on very little


Known issues:

  • thermostat does not read correctly, will likely need new
  • small leak at the pinion seal
  • surface rust in places
  • floorboards have rust, mostly on driver's side
  • needs control arm bushings in the front


All exterior lights, wipers, some dash lights, and heater work. Rear defrost and dome light do not work, as they were disconnected for the now removed rear wiper.


We have some history and documentation on the car up to the late 1970s. The previous owner purchased the car from Fantasy Junction in Emeryville. The car sports various E-type club badges, and concours participant badges from 1977. We were told the previous owner used the car as a vintage racer. It had chrome trim removed, much of which will come with the car. The interior console had been removed and is no longer present. The car was fitted with a fire extinguisher system; we removed the pipes but left the large red button on the dash. It also had a rear windscreen washer and wiper, which explain the cutouts in the rear hatch.


Car comes with its original spare tire, original headlight trim, windshield and rain channel trim, and the radio speaker assembly, but no radio. Also included are its blue and yellow CA vanity plates that read 1968 XKE. The car was sporting these plates when purchased; they are not active.


Bidders are encouraged to inspect the car in person or have a third-party inspection performed. Please be certain before bidding. A non-refundable $500 deposit is due within 24 hours of your winning bid.


Balance of the purchase price is to be paid by wire transfer within 7 days of auction end. Full payment must be cleared before car is released to buyer. All shipping charges and arrangements are the responsibility of the buyer. Car is sold as-is with no guarantee or warranty.


We reserve the right to end the auction early.