Over time, experience and a changing worldwide market dictated many changes in the sublimely beautiful Jaguar E-Type. During the first seven years of the E-Type’s life, these changes were evolutionary and culminated in the 1968 release of the Series II models, representing a substantial redesign that foreshadowed many of the attributes of the final Series III V-12 E-Types that would soon enter production.

Federal regulations in the United States, Jaguar’s most important market, drove some of the Series II’s changes, including revised lighting and the shift to a pair of Stromberg carburetors in place of the three SU units of earlier E-Types. Externally, the air intake substantially increased in size, a change masked by larger, full-width bumpers that were matched at the rear to meet U.S. low-speed impact requirements. The well-proven 4.2-liter XK six-cylinder engine was little changed, although a higher-capacity water pump was fitted, taking advantage of the enlarged radiator air intake and better adapting the E-Type to warmer climates. The chassis got bigger Girling brakes with three-piston calipers at the front and two-piston calipers at the rear, while the interior now included reclining seats as standard equipment.

In short, the steady evolution of the E-Type meant that buyers of the Series II got a much better, more comfortable and reliable Jaguar—attributes that complemented its already well-established reputation for superior performance, handling, and appearance.