There is little doubt that the Jaguar E-Type revolutionised the motoring world and sent the press into raptures. The Museum of Modern Art in New York recognised the significance of the Jaguar E-Type's design in 1996 by adding a blue Series I Roadster to its permanent design collection, one of only two cars to receive that distinction. This three-dimensional beauty was complemented by a fabulous double-overhead cam, six-cylinder engine that powered the lithe, taut creature comfortably over the 100mph mark. Jaguar was not content to rest on its laurels and continued to develop the E-Type with the first substantial improvements arriving in 1964: a newly-enlarged 4.2-litre powerplant increasing torque and improving driveability. 1968 models featured open headlights (without glass covers), a wraparound rear bumper, re-positioned and larger front indicators and taillights below the bumpers, as well as better cooling aided by an enlarged 'mouth' and twin electric fans together with uprated brakes; these are all hallmarks of Series II cars. The engine is easily identified visually by the change from smooth polished cam covers to a more industrial 'ribbed' appearance. The interior and dashboard were also redesigned with the toggle switches being substituted for new rocker switches. The dashboard switches also lost their symmetrical layout.

This example was originally supplied to the UK in Signal Red with black interior, as confirmed by its Heritage Certificate and is presented in excellent condition throughout. Our vendor purchased the car in 2022 from his boss, who had owned the car for a long period of time before that and carried out a large amount of work during his ownership. Probably the most important part of this E-Type is the engine, which is a fast road prepared unit producing just shy of 300bhp. The engine has forged pistons, billet camshafts, triple Weber carburettors, fluid harmonic damper, full Hayward & Scott custom manifold and exhaust system, electronic mappable 1-2-3 ignition and an aluminium radiator with twin Kenlowe fans. We are told it is an absolute joy to drive.

The bodywork was restored to an excellent standard in the 1990s, with good evidence in the history file to support this. The cost was around £13,000 - around £30,000 adjusted for inflation today - on the bodywork alone, which gives a good idea of the standard it was completed to. Shortly before our vendor's ownership began, the bodywork was refreshed once more, with a very good respray inside and out and new rubbers and seals; the car now looks outstanding and would be very hard to fault. The interior is quite original and wears a nice gentle patina, but there would be no need to retrim it. The chrome wire wheels and exterior brightwork is also in very good order, as are the hood and carpets which were replaced in recent years. Other recent work includes new Pirelli radial tyres all round and a new windscreen.

This isn't a regular E-Type, it has been tastefully upgraded and improved to make it an even more engaging drivers' car and is being offered for considerably less than what it would cost to replicate with a car in need of restoration work. It's supplied to auction with a comprehensive history file, Heritage Certificate and a V5C registration document. Consigned by Fraser Smith

Lot details
Year: 1969
Make: Jaguar
Model: E-Type Series II Roadster
Registration: EHJ 99H
Chassis No: 1R1454
Odometer: 74,000

* Restored to an excellent standard in the 1990s, still presents very well today
* Body restored again c.2020 with an excellent respray, new rubbers and new hood
* Fast road specification with forged pistons, billet camshafts, triple Weber carburettors and much more, producing 292bhp
* Comprehensive history file including a Heritage Certificate confirming it's an original home-market car