Jaguar E-Type S2 FHC

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.

Power still came from the same magnificent 265bhp 4.2-litre triple-carb XK engine which endowed the car with a top speed in excess of 130mph. Just 1,071 Series 2 fixed head coupes were made in right-hand drive before it was replaced by the V12-powered Series 3 in late 1970.

As the accompanying Heritage Certificate confirms, this particular S2 Coupe was manufactured in early November 1968 and is the 40th right-hand drive car to roll off the production line. Originally Sable with a beige interior, it was supplied new by Bath Garages to a G Scarpino of Bath.

Since then it has had just four other owners, the current vendor acquiring it 10 years ago. During that time it has only covered some 2,000 miles but has been serviced and MOTd most years. A new clutch and lower engine oil seal were fitted in 2005, and a new starter motor and fuel pump have also been fitted.

The car is said to drive well and certainly seemed in good health when we took it for a brief test drive on the occasion of our visit with everything working as it should. Appearing to be in basically sound condition, it is somewhat scruffy cosmetically and would no doubt respond well to some smartening up here and there. MOTd until June 2014 and taxed until next May, the car is perfectly capable of being used as it is but could be gradually improved over time if desired.

It is only reluctantly being sold as the arrival of young children means the vendor now has even less time in which to enjoy it. Oozing ‘shabby chic’ charm, it looks great value at the modest guide price suggested, especially as E-Type prices have enjoyed something of an upwards surge in recent months.