1970 Jaguar XKE E-Type

The Jaguar E-Type, one of the most iconic sports cars of all time, was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961. Its sleek, aerodynamic styling was derived from the LeMans winning D-Types and helped it achieve a top speed of 150 mph. More than just a beautiful show car, it combined the best race car practice with the newest technology, including Dunlop disc brakes all round, monocoque construction, rack and pinion steering, and an independent rear suspension. The early Jaguar E-Types came with the 3.8-liter straight six offering 265 horsepower, allied to the often maligned four-speed Moss box, later resolved with the adoption of an all-synchromesh gearbox in 1964. At the same time, the engine grew to 4.2 liters although the power output remained the same, but offered considerably more torque. Other changes to the 4.2 model included stronger brakes, better electrics, improved interior, a 2+2 body style, and the option of an automatic transmission. Most changes to the E-Type were announced in October of 1968, the so-called Series 2 models distinguished by new tail light clusters, minor changes to the nose, and a new dashboard with the old toggles replaced by rocker switches in compliance with new U.S. Federal safety regulations. To help cope with the newly optional air conditioning system, twin fans were added as standard equipment. Power steering and bolt-on chrome wires were also available at additional cost.

Few changes occurred in 1970 to the XKE 4.2-liter E-Type. Bodystyles included the roadster, coupe, and 2+2 coupe with the roadster having a base price of $5,500. The dual-overhead-cam six-cylinder engine displaced 258.4 cubic inches and offered 246 horsepower and 263 ft-lbs of torque. A four-speed manual was standard and an automatic was available on the 2+2. The Closed body styles had a large window in the back and hinged rear quarter windows. The convertible had a large window in its folding top. The seating in the 2+2 was large enough to hold two very small children on the fully upholstered seats. Wide-spoke 15-inch wheels had center-lock quick-change hubs and rode on Dunlop high-performance tires. The mandated bumpers (wraparound in both the front and rear) contained overriders.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster
Chassis number: 1R 11217
Engine number: 7R 8467-9

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.

Roadster

Built November 1969 this Jaguar was the 407th produced that year.

When introduced in 1961 Auto Week road tested the XKE which achieved 150 miles per hour. The XKE was modeled after the XKC & D type racing Jaguars of the 1950s, which achieved several wins at LeMans.

Built by William Lyons and body designed by Malcolm Sayers using the torsional strength of the alloy body panels to lesson the weight added to the exceptional performance of the car.

A race proven XK 4.2 liter dual over head cam hemi engine producing 265 horsepower coupled with a four-speed gear box, four wheel disc brakes, and full independent suspension made the XKE one of the most advanced cars of its time.

Roadster
Chassis number: P1R11852

This 1970 Jaguar E-Type Roadster was offered for sale at the 2007 Blackhawk Collection Exhibit held at the Pebble Beach Concours. It carried a price tag of $125,000.

This spectacular example was built in December of 1969. This is a one-owner 'original' 2,279 mile XKE, complete with the original bill-of-sale. This XKE was sold new on August 8, 1970 by the Emmick Motor Company to a Lawrence W. Brown of Troy, Pennsylvania. Mr. Brown was a sports car enthusiast who took very special care of his cars and drove this XKE sparingly and only for special occasions in good weather and was stored in a climate controlled garage when not being driven. This car does have the original jack & tools, including the original KO wheel hammer (the factory plastic cover has never even been removed). Also included are the original owner's manual, wiring diagram, maintenance instructions, the original owner's ID plate and radio manual.

by Blackhawk Collection

Fixed Head Coupe
Chassis number: 1R28106
Engine number: 1R12574-9

This 1970 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Coupe was offered for sale at the 2007 Christies auction of 'Exceptional Motor Cars at the Monterey Jet Center.' It is Alpine Silver with a black leather interior. It is powered by a six-cylinder engine capable of producing about 265 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel Girling disc brakes.

The series II was introduced in 1968 and brought with it a restyled nose and tail and lights that meet with US Federal Regulations. Emission guidelines were responsible for a decrease in horsepower. Other changes for the S2 were a new cross flow radiator with twin electric fans which improved cooling and the engine components. Bigger Girling brakes helped keep the car in the drivers control, improved handling and responsiveness. Stronger chrome plated wire wheels, improved clutch with a higher rated diaphragm spring, new camshafts, and a collapsible steering column were also among the new improvements.

This example has been treated to a restoration since new. During the restoration slight changes were made that included light customized details to the exterior and improvements to the engine. This car was estimated to sell for $55,000 - $60,000 at auction. Sadly, at the conclusion of the auction, the car had not found a buyer.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster

The Jaguar E-Type was based on the LeMans-winning D-Type and included independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. This car has been family owned since 1983, and it underwent a two-year restoration in 2016. The body was restored to its original British Racing Green, while the interior was restored to its beige color. The engine was rebuilt and all bright work was restored to new. The automobile has its British Heritage numbers matching certificate.

The Jaguar E type, also known as the XK-E, brought style and performance together to create a mass-produced supercar. The road-going sports car was conceived in 1956 as a replacement for the D-type. In March of 1961, the E-Type was officially introduced to the world at the Geneva, Switzerland Motor show.

It's design was created by an aerodynamic engineer named Malcolm Sayer. The front-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicle featured a monocoque body and a tubular front chassis. The six-cylinder double-cam engine had three SU carburetors and produced 265 horsepower. The suspension was independent with disc brakes on all four wheels. It brought together the best or aerodynamics, coupled with the latest technology and propelled by a potent engine. The vehicle was not only fast, it offered excellent performance and handling. Some of the most common complaints it received were the cabin being too cramped and it suffered from poor ventilation.

The E-Type was a popular vehicle. It was fast, performed well, and was competitively priced. Due to the United States' safety and emission regulations, some of the horsepower was lost. The headlamp covers were also removed prior to the close of the 1960's.

A 4.2-liter engine and synchromesh gearbox were introduced in 1964. In 1966, the 2+2 coupe was introduced and featured a longer wheelbase. The Series II cars were not as quick as its predecessors. The Series III, however, was a different story. Powered by a V-12 engine they were once again able to propel the E-Type over 145 miles per hour.

Production for the E-Type ceased in 1975, after 72,520 examples being produced. It was replaced by the XJ-S; a vehicle that was larger, heavier, and not as visually appealing.

by Dan Vaughan