West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely exceptional example of this 1968 Jaguar XKE E-Type Series I 1/2 Convertible/Roadster with it's original matching # 6 cylinder 4.2L/246HP engine and 4 speed manual transmission and finished in it's original factory 'Pale Primrose' color paint with a Black interior and a black soft top and with five chrome 'knock-off' wire wheels, jack, knock-off mallet, handbooks & wooden steering wheel!
The car is a beautiful survivor that has been restored only as required with for example one repaint in its original 'Pale Primrose' color and with its original and beautiful Black interior. Please note that this particular car is one of the few very desirable and collectible series 1 1/5 examples which was delivered direct from the factory with a rare and desirable Series 1.5 hood and features that distinguish it considerably from the Series II cars built later & is one of only 2,801 convertible (OTS) models ever built!
FOLLOWING THE 'SERIES 1' (1961-68) THERE WAS A TRANSITIONAL SERIES OF CARS BUILT BETWEEN 1967-68 UNOFFICIALLY CALLED THE 'SERIES 1.5' AND THEY ARE EXTERNALLY SIMILAR TO THE 'SERIES 1' CARS BUT WITH NEW AMERICAN INFLUENCED FEATURES OF OPEN HEADLIGHTS, DIFFERENT SWITCHES & SOME SLIGHT DETUNING WITH THE NOTICEABLE DOWNGRADE FROM THE ORIGINAL TRIPLE CARBS TO THE TWIN ZENITH-STROMBERG CARBS FOR THE US MODELS
THERE WERE ONLY 2,801 SERIES 1.5 OTS BUILT & THE LOW PRODUCTION NUMBERS ON THESE CARS MEAN THAT THEY ARE ACTUALLY QUITE SIMPLY AMONGST THE RAREST OF ALL PRODUCTION E -TYPES! SO BID WITH CONFIDENCE KNOWING THAT THIS IS THE LOWEST PRODUCTION SERIES OF OTS BUILT BY JAGUAR & THAT VERY FEW REMAIN ANYWHERE! THE TOTAL PRODUCTION NUMBERS FOR THE E-TYPE XKE OF ALL THE SERIES BUILT ARE AS FOLLOWS:
SERIES 1 (3.8): 7,670 FHC, 7,828 OTS = 15,498 TOTAL;
SERIES 1 (4.2): 5,830 FHC, 6,749 OTS, 3,616 2+2 = 16,195 TOTAL;
SERIES 1.5: 1,942 FHC, 2,801 OTS, 1,983 2+2 = 6,726 TOTAL;
SERIES 11: 4,855 FHC, 8,628 OTS, 5,326 2+2 = 18,809 TOTAL;
& SERIES 111: 0 FHC, 7,990 OTS & 7,297 2+2 = 15,287 TOTAL!
The Series II was built between 1969-71 and had open headlights without glass covers, a wrap around rear bumper, repositioned and larger front indicators and the tail lights were positioned below the rear bumper instead of above it as with the Series 1 & 1.5. The car had an improved cooling system with an enlarged 'mouth' and twin electric fans and better brakes. The Series II models were also easily identifiable with 'ribbed' cam covers instead of the earlier 'polished' covers and a redesigned interior with new seats and 'rocker' switches instead of the earlier' toggle' switches on the dashboard. AC and Power Steering were also now available as factory options.
This rarest of rare Series 1 1/5 OTS roadster is an exceptional example in all respects with no signs of any accidents of any kind and has a very straight body with no rust. It's original factory 'Pale Primrose' color paint is in exceptionally fine condition and the car looks extremely impressive with it's original factory lovely black interior which is in complete and mostly original condition apart from an after market CD player and with the front seats, door panels, headliner, dashboard and carpets all in very fine condition throughout with no real flaws. The car has four chrome knock off wire wheels and also a chrome wire spare wheel located in the trunk.
The car drives as nice as they come with no known mechanical issues whatsoever. This particular car must be seen and driven to be fully appreciated - a seriously striking example which turns heads wherever she goes showing pride of ownership throughout the years! The engine is extremely strong and responsive with excellent oil pressure and no noticeable oil leaks and which sounds absolutely magnificent, the 4 speed manual transmission shifts smoothly through the gears and the engine temperature always remains cool.
The car will be sold complete with it's 'Jaguar Heritage Trust' certificate confirming the car's originality; including factory colors and all matching #'s engine, transmission, chassis & body.
This is an extremely rare opportunity to own a great daily driving and restored and rust free example of a 1968 Jaguar XKE Series I 1/5 4.2L roadster with its original matching #'s engine in exceptionally fine condition throughout being offered as a great collectible classic car for any British classic car enthusiast or European classic car lover!
