1970 Jaguar

The car which holds the title “most beautiful car in the World” which is subjective but still Enzo Ferrari famously described it as the most beautiful car ever made.

This series 2 E-type has white coachwork with black leather interior, black soft top and wooden steering wheel.- just the perfect contrast for a classic roadster. The version that was introduced from 1968 with the aim of globalising the model. The United States was a key focus here, with federal regulations dictating a few changes – such as the removal of the glass covers from the headlight apertures, and a steering lock which moved the ignition switch from the dash to the (now collapsible) steering column. Other distinguishing features of a Series 2 include the wraparound rear bumper with taillights repositioned beneath, chunkier front indicators, improved seats, and a larger front grille to aid the engine’s twin fans. The Series 2 took all of the sought-after elements of the original E-Type and wrapped them up in a more mature and complete package. Today, it’s a hugely desirable proposition.

The American influence is key here, as this car was originally a left-hand-drive model supplied to the US market. It was imported into the UK from Florida in the early 1990s – you can see from the V5 that it was first registered here in 1992 – and, thanks to an absolutely enormous and painstakingly documented history file, we can see that the car received a huge amount of work at this time. As well as being converted to right-hand-drive, we see that nigh-on every element of the car was addressed, with comprehensive receipts to prove; there’s no overarching piece of paperwork claiming to be an invoice for a restoration, but that’s essentially what all this is tantamount to.

Today, it’s a wonderful thing to drive; tight and eager, in just the right spec to turn heads on the high street, with all the gusto to make it endless fun on the country lanes. A properly usable example that’s been cherished and enjoyed.

Based on the invoices available we assuming it has been restored in the early 90’s

Nearly £8,000 has spent last year including clutch and brake system and electrical components.

Huge amount of paperwork available to show the work has been done.

Fitted with immobiliser, comes with tool kit and matching tonneau cover.

The History and Paperwork

• V5

• Statement of Build letter from Jaguar Cars Ltd

• Original handbook

• Sheaf of previous MOTs

• 2025 – invoice for £6480 – clutch slave and master cylinder, attention to electrical system, exhaust, door latches, etc

• 2022 – invoice for £480 – choke cable assembly

• 2020 – invoice for £330 – converting points to electronic ignition

• 2019 – invoice for £1284 – fuel pump, battery, carburettor rebuild

• 1993 – invoice for £411 – cylinder block chemically dipped, rebored and refaced, crankshaft reground, cylinder head chemically dipped and refaced and fitted with new valves, guides and seats, etc

• 1992 – invoice for £677 – engine bearings, chains, springs, gaskets and oil pump

• Huge sheaf of further receipts and invoices for body panels, trim pieces, interior parts and mechanical sundries

The Mechanics

• Recent clutch master and slave cylinders

• Converted to electronic ignition

• Engine rebuilt on importation

The 4.2-litre straight-six is a willing and eager unit, and this one feels very healthy. In 1991 it was converted to Weber carbs, but you can see now that’s running proper UK-spec triple SU carburettors, and it really is joyful to drive. The engine is super eager to rev, with the trademark exhaust rasp accompaniment, and a recent overhaul of the clutch system combined with a sweet gearbox means that every input is rewarded on the road. The brakes are keen, the damping is supple, it’s oodles of fun. The engine starts readily, idles evenly, registers the appropriate temperatures and pressures on the dials, and pulls strongly through the revs. A gentle cruiser and a lively B-road plaything, this is a Jaguar that thrills and delights in all the right ways.