1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5 Convertible
Quite simply, the Jaguar E Type was one of the most iconic British sports cars ever manufactured. Spanning more than thirteen-years of production, the E Type never strayed from its original curvature and would become a truly unparalleled part of automotive history. It’s easy to understand – based on beauty alone why collectors value this classic so highly, yet when you add in the power and performance it becomes vividly apparent why the Jaguar E Type was also one of the most successful sports cars of all time. The 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5 Convertible, while not one of the most favored body styles, is still highly sought-after even today. Equipped with new features such as a collapsible steering column, new toggle switches, and detuned carburetors to meet emissions and safety regulations, the 1968 model was nearly identical to the 1967. Because not all of Jaguar’s new changes in answer to regulations would be rolled out until 1969, these 1967 and 1968 models are often referred to as the Series 1 cars positioned between the original Series 1 models and the 1969 Series 2 models that would offer all the changes.
The car was manufactured in April 1968 and distributed through Jaguar Cars New York. Series 1.5 XKEs featured exposed headlights to comply with US regulatory requirements while retaining Series I features such as a small front grille opening, front turn signals mounted above the bumper, and taillights positioned above the split rear bumper. This example was originally finished in Signal Red.
This 1968 Jaguar XKE Series 1.5 roadster is powered by a 4.2-liter inline-six paired with a four-speed manual transmission and is finished in red over black leather.
Chrome 15″ wire wheels are secured with three-lobed knockoffs and wrapped in older 205/70 Bridgestone Turanza tires.
The bucket seats were reupholstered in black leather and the interior features black carpeting and matching door panels. Amenities include a Kenwood stereo, a trunk-mounted CD changer, a locking glove compartment, an Amco floor mats, and reupholstering the center and radio consoles.
When the trip was done, we felt like the E-Type is a car you can love not just for its looks but also for what it can do. It’s more robust than you might fear and, most important, genuine fun to drive, which at the end of the day isn’t true of a lot of cars you might think you’d love. It’s also what counts most. It’s a Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5 Convertible.
