42-Year Family Ownership | Frame-Off Restoration | 292 Miles Since Restoration
Price: $123,995
DESCRIPTION
For Sale: Often regarded as one of the most beautiful automobiles ever created, the Jaguar E-Type combined breathtaking styling, advanced engineering, and exhilarating performance in a way few sports cars of the era could match. This 1968 Jaguar XKE Series 1.5 represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a meticulously restored example finished in one of Jaguar’s most elegant color combinations. Refinished in stunning Opalescent Dark Blue Metallic over a beautifully restored Parchment Leather interior, this E-Type presents at a level befitting its Condition 1 status and recent professional appraisal of $185,500.
HISTORY
Adding to its desirability is an impressive ownership history. This Jaguar remained in the same family for an incredible 42 years before undergoing a comprehensive frame-off restoration completed in 2012. Approximately $125,000 was invested in returning the car to a concours-quality standard, with careful attention paid to preserving the character and elegance that made the E-Type a motoring icon. Since completion, the odometer shows just 292 miles, allowing the next caretaker the rare opportunity to enjoy a freshly restored example that has seen minimal use.
The Series 1.5 occupies a unique place in E-Type history. Produced during the transition between the celebrated Series 1 and later Series 2 models, Series 1.5 cars retain many of the styling cues enthusiasts appreciate while incorporating several mechanical updates intended to improve reliability and usability. As a result, these transitional cars have become increasingly sought after by collectors who appreciate both their distinctive character and relative rarity.
MECHANICAL
Power comes from Jaguar’s legendary 4.2-liter DOHC inline six-cylinder engine, renowned for its smooth power delivery, distinctive exhaust note, and effortless touring capability. The engine is paired with a desirable upgraded 5-speed manual transmission, offering improved drivability and more relaxed highway cruising while maintaining the engaging driving experience expected from a classic British sports car. The combination provides a significant improvement over the original 4-speed gearbox and makes the car exceptionally enjoyable on modern roads.
EXTERIOR
Visually, this E-Type is nothing short of stunning. The Opalescent Dark Blue Metallic finish beautifully highlights the long hood, flowing fenders, and iconic proportions that helped establish the E-Type as an automotive design benchmark. Chrome trim, brightwork, and exterior details present exceptionally well, complementing the deep blue finish and creating a timeless, elegant appearance.
INTERIOR
Inside, the cabin has been restored in luxurious Parchment Leather, creating a striking contrast against the dark exterior. The interior captures the sophisticated ambiance that defined Jaguar sports cars of the period, while the restored upholstery, trim, and finishes provide a presentation worthy of the vehicle’s Condition 1 classification. Every surface reflects the care and craftsmanship invested during the restoration process.
OWNING THIS XKE
The extensive frame-off restoration completed in 2012 addressed the vehicle comprehensively, returning it to a standard seldom found in today’s market. With only 292 miles accumulated since completion, the car remains remarkably fresh throughout and offers the appearance and driving experience of a recently completed restoration.
Whether destined for concours events, prestigious automotive gatherings, weekend touring, or inclusion in a significant collection, this Jaguar XKE represents an opportunity to acquire one of the automotive world’s most celebrated designs in exceptional condition. Its long-term family ownership, substantial restoration investment, desirable color combination, upgraded 5-speed transmission, and recent appraisal make it a compelling value at the offered price.
THE JAGUAR E-TYPE LEGACY
When introduced in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type stunned the automotive world with performance that rivaled exotic European sports cars costing significantly more. Its combination of advanced engineering, independent suspension, disc brakes, and a top speed approaching 150 mph established it as one of the defining sports cars of the 20th century. Enzo Ferrari himself famously described the E-Type as “the most beautiful car ever made,” a statement that continues to resonate more than six decades later.
Today, the E-Type remains one of the most recognizable and admired collector automobiles in existence. Examples restored to the standard of this 1968 Series 1.5 are increasingly difficult to find, particularly with documented long-term ownership history and minimal mileage since restoration.
