1970 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Coupé
1 of just 1,071 RHD Series II Fixed-Head Coupés made

Registration No: OGS 844H
Chassis No: 1R20737
MOT: Exempt

• Highly desirable, home market, matching numbers example
• One of just 1,071 RHD Series II Fixed-Head Coupés made
• Subject to a full mechanical restoration between 2022 and 2023, including an engine overhaul
• Just 55,000 recorded miles
• Finished in the delightful colour scheme of Primrose Yellow with Black leather interior

At launch, the Malcolm Sayer-penned E-Type was the fastest production car of its time – its 3.8-litre straight six engine allowing a 0-60mph acceleration time of a whisker over seven seconds and a top speed of some 150mph. Despite this, the engine size was increased from 3.8 to 4.2 litres in October 1964 and, with the change, came a sweeter all-synchromesh gearbox, better brakes and more comfortable seats. Introduced in August, 1968, the Series II version of Jaguar’s immortal E-Type sported redesigned bumpers and lights. Less noticeable was its enlarged front air intake which, in conjunction with dual cooling fans, made the newcomer better behaved in hot weather and heavy traffic. With its 4,235cc DOHC straight-six engine developing a quoted 265bhp and 283lb ft, the Jaguar was reputedly capable of nearly 150mph and 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds. Available in open two-seater, fixed-head two-seater and fixed-head two-plus-two guises, the American market accounted for the bulk of Series II production, with the fixed-head two-seater being the rarest of the three variants.

This rare home-market 1970 E-Type Series II Coupé – it is one of just 1,071 Coupés made in RHD – represents a splendid opportunity to acquire one of the prettiest and most sought-after of the Series II range. ‘OGS 844H’ was manufactured on 17th March, 1970, and despatched on 24th, to retail through Henlys Manchester. It has been enthusiast-owned for many years, with invoices indicating that it underwent some refurbishment in 1995, but upon entering the present ownership in 2021 it was subjected to an extensive mechanical restoration which commenced in 2021 and was completed in December, 2022.

One of the main tasks of the restoration was the thorough overhaul of the engine, during which it received new pistons, uprated con-rods, a reground camshaft and a modified oil seal. The cylinder head was renovated and the carburettors were overhauled and tuned. In addition, many of the engine ancillaries were refurbished or replaced, including the water pump, the flywheel, and the timing chain and tensioner. An new starter motor was installed, along with an uprated high-capacity aluminium radiator. Many other items across the car were similarly refurbished, including the clutch master cylinder, the brake master cylinder and servo, all the brake callipers, the steering rack, the prop-shaft, the rear subframe, plus all the gauges and switches.

The Jaguar has covered only 2,000 miles since its restoration, and the present mileage reading now stands at around 55,500 miles. It has recently had a full service and is praised by the vendor for its “excellent oil pressure and running temperature.” We are able to report that it started readily and ran well during its photoshoot, and altogether gives the impression of a very fine grand-touring machine. Indeed, that is clearly the view of the vendor, since he had prepared the car with the intention of doing a 500-mile tour of Scotland’s dramatic coastline. In the vendor’s opinion, the engine, transmission and electrics are all “excellent,” the bodywork and interior trim are “very good” and the paintwork is “good.” The interior has, at some point in the past, been upgraded with a more modern radio-cassette player.

A very substantial paperwork file testifies to the care and attention the E-type has received in recent years, beginning with the invoices from the first refurbishment in 1995. There is a large collection of MOT certificates which also date back to 1995, plus a further raft of invoices from the 2022 mechanical restoration – the vendor advises that all invoices were retained. On the subject of MOTs, although this car is, of course, exempt from testing, we are informed that it will be offered with a fresh MOT at the point of sale. Additionally, the Jaguar includes a heritage certificate from the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust.

This E-type really is most appealing on three counts – its rarity, presentation and useability. The colour scheme of Primrose Yellow with a Black leather interior looks ever so pretty, and with the paint, interior and brightwork as they are, the Jaguar would not look out of place on any rally field. As for the useability, the extent of the recent mechanical renovation leaves that in little doubt. Altogether, it promises to be a very rewarding machine for the owner-driver enthusiast, no matter whether one intends to use it for Continental grand tours or just for more leisurely outings to local shows and gatherings.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452