1969 Jaguar E-type S2 roadster £86,990
Restored and converted to right-hand drive, this vibrant ex-florida roadster looks to be good value, says Rob Scorah
This E-type has lived much of its life in more classic-friendly Florida. It was imported into the UK in 1997 and has covered 13,000 miles since, bringing its total on the clock to 98,500.
You certainly wouldn’t think this Jag had covered the best part of 100k. It underwent a complete restoration (by Jaguar apprentices) and right-hand drive conversion in 2004. In May 2014 the car was stripped and repainted again, this time in Signal Red, and the cockpit retrimmed in black leather. A new windscreen was also fitted. Consequently, there’s little to fault. The paint finish is consistent and swirlfree, retaining a high-gloss finish. Looking down the ‘mouth’ and underneath reveals no discolouration or surface corrosion.
The smart click of the doors opening and shutting suggest the tub is straight, as does the fuss-free opening and closing of the huge bonnet. Reassuringly, shut lines to the big clamshell remain consistent along both sides. The long chrome strips and bumpers are free of pitting or discolouration. Likewise, headlight mountings are clean, smooth and bright. The MWS wire wheels (with EBC vented disc brakes behind) are in fine fettle – no corrosion or grime around spoke ends – and shod in new-looking Pirelli Cinturato tyres.
The refurbished cabin is also hard to fault, the only obvious anomaly being the faded hood cover. Seats are hardly broken in and the centre console armrest looks to have never felt an elbow. The only chips to the finish appear around the speedo mount and centre console ashtray. The hood is in good order. An Aiwa stereo is the only non-period-looking item.
The car’s last owner was an engineer and his company – Yorkshire Engineering Services – looked after the car. The bay suggests a vigilant attitude towards leaks, stains and fluids, and no jubilee clips or screw heads show signs of corrosion or dirt. There is a pair of sizeable fans in the nose.
The straight-six fires up readily – helped by the high-torque starter motor and uprated distributor – and settles into an even idle. Those three SU carburettors (European spec rather than Us-market twin Strombergs) work nicely in harmony. It doesn’t feel hugely quick, so perhaps it still has a Us-spec low-compression head, but above all feels a well-sorted, balanced car on the road. Pedals are light and responsive and the motor pulls well. The smooth, progressive clutch and positive changes from the four-speed ’box are reassuring, as is the play-free steering. None of the gauges threw up any warning signals, and there were no groans, whines or grinds from body or drivetrain.
Though it may have a higher mileage than some, this repatriated example’s conscientious upkeep means it has many more miles to drive and it is priced keenly.