After seven years of production, the legendary Jaguar E-Type underwent its first radical change for 1968. Necessitated by upcoming emissions and traffic safety requirements in the United States, Jaguar introduced the Series 2 E-Type, which retained the same basic shape as the first generation but with major alterations. Foremost was the removal of the E-Type’s glass-covered headlights in favour of an open design while, under the bonnet, the 4.2-litre inline-six engine traded triple SU carburettors for a more emissions-friendly design with twin Zenith-Strombergs. Other changes included twin cooling fans, wingless knock-off wheel nuts, a glovebox door, a lockable and collapsing steering column, and plastic rocker switches in place of the original metal toggles.

As the factory was retooled, Jaguar continued to build Series 1 E-Types fitted with progressively more Series 2 features. These cars, wearing a blend of Series 1 and 2 equipment, have come to be unofficially known as the “Series 1.5” and are among the rarest of all production E-Types.

Manufactured on 23 April 1968, this Series 1.5 E-Type Roadster was built to United States specification and finished in the charming colour of Ascot Fawn over a Black interior with a matching convertible roof. Dispatched on 8 May to Jaguar Cars USA in New York, this E-Type was sold new to its first owner, Mr Sidney Ostroff of Lowell, Massachusetts. The next known owner was Mr Christopher J Schafer of Colombus, Ohio, who acquired the car in September 1975. Mr Schafer retained this E-Type until 1989, whereupon it returned to the United Kingdom. It was purchased via Mr John Britton of Sparkhill, Birmingham in May 1989 before being registered in England in October 1990. Arriving in need of restoration, the previous owner alongside his two sons painstakingly restored the Roadster, repainting the car in Carmen Red. Retained by the current owner for over 30 years, this E-Type is accompanied by a 1975 US title, past MoTs, a JDHT certificate, and invoices.

This left-hand-drive E-Type Series 1.5 Roadster presents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a cherished example of Jaguar’s most iconic model that could be enjoyed out on the open roads.