Jaguar E-Type S2 Roadster

Although die-hard E-Type aficionados will always claim that the Series 1 is the car to have, in the real world there is no doubt that the Series 2, launched in October 1968, is the better car to drive. Visually distinguished by its slightly higher, uncowled front headlights, wider ‘mouth’ at the front and different tail lights, it had twin fans for better cooling, an all-synchro gearbox, better seats, better brakes, improved switchgear and slightly more room in the cabin. 

First registered in California in January 1971, this particular left-hand drive Series 2 Roadster has had just four owners from new. The current vendor acquired the car while working in America in 2003 from an Illinois collector who had owned it for seven years. He brought the car back to the UK with him in September 2007. Just prior to that the rear suspension was all rebuilt along with the rear brakes and a new stainless steel exhaust fitted.

Once back in the UK the engine was fully rebuilt in 2010 by Top Garage in Bromyard, including new pistons and bearings, reground and balanced crank and a new clutch, at a total cost of some £4,500. Four new tyres have also recently been fitted along with new front ball joints and new front brake discs and pads. The car has covered less than 500 miles since the engine rebuild and is said to drive beautifully.

The car is still fitted with the air conditioning system it had in California which is said to be in good working order, plus an additional engine cooling fan in front of the radiator – giving three fans in total so it should never overheat even in our tropical summers! Taxed and MOTd until August 2011 it is ready for a proud new owner to drive away today.