1968 | Jaguar E-Type

The 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1½ 4.2 Roadster is a fascinating piece of automotive history, standing at a crossroads between the classic elegance of the early Series 1 models and the regulatory-driven changes that would define the Series 2. Here's the story and history behind it:

Origins of the E-Type
Introduced in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type (or XKE in North America) stunned the world with its gorgeous design and high performance at an affordable price. Enzo Ferrari himself allegedly called it "the most beautiful car ever made." The E-Type was derived from Jaguar’s successful D-Type race cars, combining sleek aerodynamics with innovative engineering.

Evolution to Series 1½
By 1967, changing U.S. safety and emissions regulations forced Jaguar to start updating the E-Type. The Series 1½ was never officially a separate series by Jaguar; the term was created by enthusiasts and collectors to describe these transition models built from mid-1967 to early 1968.

Key Features of the Series 1½:
Open headlamps (no longer covered as in the original Series 1).

Toggle switches replaced with rocker switches on the dashboard (U.S. requirement).

Dual cooling fans and revised electrical systems.

Revised seats and slightly different interior detailing.

Retained the Series 1 body shell and many of its mechanical features.

Powered by the 4.2-liter inline-six introduced in late Series 1 cars, known for its torque and smoother driving experience.

Performance
Engine: 4.2-liter inline-six

Power: ~265 hp

0–60 mph: ~7 seconds

Top speed: ~150 mph

Transmission: 4-speed manual

For its time, this was supercar territory—yet it was more affordable than Ferraris or Aston Martins, making it a performance icon for the masses.

Why the Series 1½ Matters
Collector Appeal: It’s a rare transitional model—fewer than 7,000 were made across all body styles.

Design Purity: It retains much of the Series 1 charm without the bulkier bumpers and other changes of the Series 2.

More Usable: The added cooling fans and minor electrical upgrades make it a bit more user-friendly and reliable than earlier models.

Legacy
The E-Type became a symbol of 1960s British style, performance, and innovation. The Series 1½ holds a special place because it represents the end of an era—just before safety and emission mandates started reshaping the automotive landscape in earnest.

This excellent example was purchased by the current owner in 2014 following a total restoration by BMT in the Philippines during 2012 to 2013 and shipped to the UK. The restoration was a testament to BMT whos attention to detail was superb in the day. The current owner has carefully pampered the car and used all the right people to take care of the car during his ownership which is a demonstration of the stunning overall condition of this splendid motor car.

With invoices totalling over £28,000 (GBP) over the 11 years of ownership from the likes of Jaguar Land Rover Classic and CMC shows how well the car has been cared for.

The car is used for special occasions with trips to Scotland, Wales and the Peak district and a load of classic car shows and events, always asked to be used for weddings and photo shots, it just has that desirable look and feel.

The very shiny and un-blemished Black paint complements the Red Leather interior, sparkling wire wheels just looks right, once seen NEVER forgotten. Well worth a viewing.