The Jaguar E-Type OTS is one of the few cars that can genuinely make me go weak at the knees. The styling caused a sensation upon debut, as did what was considered a rock-bottom price. Times change, and the E-Type is no longer as affordable as it once was. This 1969 OTS is a stunning survivor that was recently revived after four years in storage. The seller’s approach was meticulous, costing a five-figure sum. However, all good things must end, and the Jag is set to find a new home. The seller has listed this classic here on Craigslist in Irvine, California. It could be yours for $88,999, and a big thank you must go to Barn Finder T.J., whose finely-tuned classic radar pointed us in the E-Type’s direction.
There are typically two schools of thought when assessing the investment potential of any classic. Some enthusiasts believe that a meticulously restored vehicle offers the best long-term return, while others feel that originality is key. This Jaguar ticks the second box because it is as original as the day it left the Coventry factory. Its beautiful panels are coated in Cotswold Blue, which looks remarkably good for its age. There are visible minor flaws and defects, but none that make preservation unrealistic. The panels are arrow-straight, but the apparent lack of rust is the best news. Tin worm has a nasty habit of consuming the floors and the rear valance on drop-top E-Types, but this one has avoided that fate. The Dark Blue soft-top and the sparkling chrome perfectly contrast the Cotswold paint. The seller doesn’t indicate whether any items made a trip to the platers, so we must accept that everything is original. The exterior is rounded out by the beautiful wire wheels wrapped in narrow whitewalls.
There is an expression from the world of magic called “smoke and mirrors.” It refers to those instances when something isn’t quite what it seems. Jaguar used that technique when releasing the E-Type, and the subterfuge wasn’t uncovered for decades. One of the most prolific claims made by the company was that the E-Type could genuinely hit 150mph. This was a psychological barrier designed to unsettle European exotic manufacturers. Jaguar handed the press test vehicle to numerous motoring publications, and almost all hit the mark. However, there was one small detail. The car in question carried registration plates designated “9600 HP.” That car disappeared and was only located many years later, hidden in a barn. The owner commenced restoration, discovering that its engine was crammed with D-Type racing components to increase its power output. Therefore, 150mph was incorrect, although 145 was a realistic expectation for production vehicles. This OTS is a numbers-matching survivor powered by the beautiful 4.2-liter DOHC six, producing 245hp and 263 ft/lbs of torque. That power feeds to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission, while the company’s decision to equip every E-Type with four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes guaranteed they handled and stopped as impressively as they accelerated. The seller located this Jag in storage, a spot it had occupied for four years. They worked through a meticulous revival, leaving no stone unturned. The work is fully documented, and the invoices total over $12,000. The effort and expense were justified because this drop-top is a turnkey proposition with 22,700 genuine miles on the clock.
Examining this Jaguar’s interior reveals one of the few aftermarket changes. The factory radio is gone, and a modern CD player occupies its rightful spot. That is disappointing, but it is a reversible modification. Otherwise, the interior is as original as the day it was born. The “blue” theme established by the exterior continues with the interior’s Dark Blue leather trim. The seatcovers have typical wrinkles that develop with age but look soft and supple. There is no evidence of significant wear or dryness, while the dash and carpet are excellent. There is no broken plastic, and the new owner can slip behind the wheel with the top down and their head held high.
The 2023 market downturn impacted the Jaguar E-Type, with values dropping significantly. They haven’t rebounded, but pristine examples still consistently command six-figure prices. This OTS isn’t pristine, but its originality is admirable. The seller’s price looks realistic compared to recent sales results, and I believe they will find a buyer. That brings me to a hypothetical, and gauging your response should be interesting. What would be your strategy if you found this E-Type in your workshop? Would preservation be your goal, or would a restoration prove irresistible? I would probably ditch the CD player and leave the rest of the car untouched. That’s only one view, and others may disagree. So, over to you.
This is one of the most beautiful cars ever made. I wouldn’t touch it, just bask in the privilege of driving it.
Man, I got “Heartache Tonight”, absolutely one of my most admired cars. If had it would definitely be flying with the Eagles. Exceptional condition if ad is correct, fair price, just a little hard to meet at my age and budget, teardrops.
I never saw one that color. My buddies dad had a pale yellow one that I didn’t care for but this one is pretty.
Just looking at the seats and dash, I can imagine the smell and feel. Another iconic British masterpiece.
I taught a family of sisters how to swim in their neighbor’s pool — their sonn had a pale yellow Jag. Loved the body style, but not the color.
Nice example but the color isn’t for me. Given the low mileage and condition it’s worth that price or more.
This is one to drive carefully and preserve as is. Who cares about the C D player, put in your favorite Miles Davis disc and know your defining cool.
The six was so much nicer than the 12. I would love to go through the gears in this!
I don’t know, I’ve owned both: a ’67 coupe and a ’74 roadster. The V12s sounds amazing, has gobs of torque, and is silky smooth. Don’t get me wrong, I love the venerable 6, too, but it’s a tough call. They are both fantastic power plants.
Stunning example.
Small nitpicks but the dash does appear (by the photos) to have a bit of warp to it. And the stereo; it may sound good but the look is all wrong.
I would be content to have the leather and chrome blank-out plate as mine had. A fellow enthusiast had a coupe in this Cotswold Blue and he and I would meet up and talk Jaguar stories. Mine, the Series III in Sable with black interior, 4 speed, wires. V/12 which easily hit 155 mph, and oh so smooth…….
Norm’s cpe. went to his daughter when he died and I lost track of it. Thanks for the great memories. Such a beauty ~
Wow, sable brown over black – that sounds gorgeous! Sable cars are nearly always biscuit.
Mr.Green Jeans: If your Series III could hit 155 mph it was extensively modified. American market V-12s in ’71-72 did 142 mph. ’73s did 138 and ’74s, with further lowered compression, 134 mph. For the rest of the world, such as a French market ’72 a relative of mine owned, it was 146 mph. If your car was electronically clocked at 155, it must have had Huffaker racing cams, six webers, etc.
Somebody loved this car its whole life. Beautiful.
Well, if you gotta drive something. No, seriously, still among the most beautiful cars ever. Unique color that would be cool. Blue is the new green, they say.
Stunning art that smells beautifully of leather and grease,
Love it! Always promised wife one, but reneged. Would give my left one for this!
I was in the Marine Corps 1967-1971 and had the opportunity to purchase an XKE through the Pacex Exchange in 1970 for $4500 no duty or taxes POE New York, asked my mother to borrow 5k and she thought I was crazy because her house cost 5k in 1950. I was going to order the sea mist green with tan top, tan interior, but needless to say it didn’t happen and I still harp on it today. To soften the blow I purchased a 2008 Jag XKR in this color blue with beige interior, a small consolation prize. Beautiful car.
Mr.Green Jeans: If your Series III could hit 155 mph it was extensively modified. American market V-12s in ’71-72 did 142 mph. ’73s did 138 and ’74s, with further lowered compression, 134 mph. For the rest of the world, such as a French market ’72 a relative of mine owned, it was 146 mph. If your car was electronically clocked at 155, it must have had Huffaker racing cams, six webers, etc.
I totally love these, to me they’re one of the most beautiful cars ever created and they were to my late wife as well. Her father and uncle had a junk yard in Baltimore and she told me they’d towed one in after it was in an accident and the owner didn’t want it back so it became theirs, and rather than parting it out they fixed it. This was several years later when she was telling me the story and how she almost begged her father to give it to her, and I could tell by the tone in her voice that she still hadn’t forgiven him for giving it to her cousin instead. I can’t say I blame her.. I would’ve felt the same way.
Wow! That car increases my heart rate by 20! While I would store the original radio in a special place in my shop, I would leave the CD player in the car for my personal enjoyment as I motored about on a perfect day, top down.☮️♥️🎸
Born in montreal in 1962 , i would see them
Rusting away at the service stations and parkings in the late 70’s , heavy salt use and lack of interest for foreign cars made the survival rates very low , the rarity of the expensive parts were certainly a negative condition also
This is an absolute BEAUTY but the us/can conversion is a killer on this retired guy …
YOLO