One of the prettiest cars of the 1960s
The Jaguar E-Type, known in North America as the XK-E, is one of the most iconic British vehicles of the decade. It debuted in 1961 and production ran until 1974, putting this specific example right at the center of the run.
With a reported top speed of 150 mph (there is question as to whether the original was indeed that fast, but later models did prove capable of meeting that spec), and a charming and cheery styling that immediately captures attention, it isn’t hard to see why Sports Car International gave the E-Type the top spot in their ranking of the top ten best sportscars of the 60s. With only 33,000 miles and a unique rear-facing bench seat, this particular XK-E is for sale on Exotic Car Trader, and it is definitely worth a look. You can see the full listing by clicking here!
Thinking about selling your car?
Get a value estimate and list it online with Exotic Car Trader. Click here to learn more.
It’s surprising what a lick of paint will do, isn’t it?
This specific 1968 XK-E was repainted about eight years ago in a fiery red, which breathes new life into this classic. The overall profile features a pointed, low front and a bulbous cabin that slopes down to the rear, in shapes reminiscent of the era’s retro-futuristic flair.
This fiery red is accented by austere chrome bumpers, chrome wire wheels, and fixed-beam headlights, as the iconic headlights covers that the E-Type is known for were, in fact, a Euro market exclusive. The back hatch hinges out to the driver’s side when open and blends seamlessly into the aerodynamic rear slope when closed, tailing down nicely into the pointed, angular rear.
Exotic Car Trader
Step back 57 years in time
The interior of this 1968 E-Type is remarkably well-preserved, with a ‘2+2’ arrangement, meaning it has two full front seats and two small rear seats despite only having two doors. The entire interior is finished in a bright whiteish-beige, with a black dash trimmed by wood and silver accents. A modern radio with USB capabilities has been installed, but care has been taken to ensure that it has a retro feel. Work was done on the heater and conduits as well to upgrade them to new steel, but everything else is period-correct. The tri-spoke wheel is rimmed in lovely polished dark wood, and classic Smiths analog gauges are in perfect lustre.
Exotic Car Trader
Face down, eyes front, and forward march
The engine is accessed by tilting the entire hood of the car on a hinge, revealing a 4.2-liter, naturally aspirated inline 6-cylinder backed by twin Zenith-Stromberg carburetors and a 4-speed manual gearbox sending power to the rear wheels.
The 2+2 version of the Jaguare E-Type, in addition to adding a pair of rear seats, also expanded the wheelbase by 9 inches and included a bit more trunk space for superior grand touring prowess. The owner indicates that the shocks and brake system were recently replaced, and a stainless steel two-pipe exhaust was added.
Exotic Car Trader
Final thoughts
There has been an unsubstantiated rumor floating around that Enzo Ferrari called the E-Type “the most beautiful car ever made” when it first debuted. While it strikes us as a tad unlikely that someone as famed for ego, competitiveness, and pride would ever say that, it certainly captures the essence of how well-received the model was and how this British beauty still captivates enthusiasts today.
This particular example of Jaguar’s dominance of the British sports car market is well maintained, showcasing original charm as well as upgrades that make it perfect for the modern collector to enjoy.
Exotic Car Trader