1970 Jaguar XKE E-Type Roadster

Jaguar introduced their E-Type at the March 1961 Geneva Motor Show. Though elegant, it was not without its shortcomings. The transmission had an unsynchronized first gear; the seat backs were non-adjustable; and the cooling system was marginal in some of the warmer American climates. By 1965, these drawbacks had been addressed - the gearbox was now fully synchronized, and the seat backs were made adjustable. The brushed aluminum trim in the cockpit gave way to molded plastic and leather, and a new brake booster was adopted. The engine was enlarged to 4.2 liters, resulting in greater torque.

The covered headlights were replaced by open lights, and other lighting was relocated and made larger. The switchgear was replaced with rocker-type units, and other revisions were made for convenience and safety, complying with U.S. motor vehicle safety and emission regulations.

This particular car is a Series 2 Roadster that has a fully documented history from its time of manufacture. The car was completed on October 27th of 169 and was shipped to the British Leyland distributor in New York. After being consigned to Raymond Imported Motors in Cincinnati, Ohio, it was sold to Dr. Harold Kelso, of Dayton, Ohio, on February 12, 1970. The car was finished in Regency Red, has a black interior and convertible top and was fitted with the optional Delanair air-conditioning system and factory wire wheels.

The car remained in Dr. Kelso's care for nearly 15 years. It was sold to fellow Dayton resident George Monington in 1984. While in his care, it was given mechanical re-freshening, as well as the brakes and exhaust, and the head and valves were reconditioned. A new, correct black leather interior was also installed, along with a new top.

The current owner acquired the car in 2012.A full body-off restoration soon followed, and re-finished in correct Regency Red paint. Currently, the car shows fewer than 33,000 documented miles.