Following seven years of production, the legendary Jaguar E-Type was to undergo its first radical revision 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 favor of an open design, while under the bonnet, the 4.2-liter inline six-cylinder engine traded a triple SU carburetor setup for a more emissions-friendly designs with twin Zenith-Stromberg. Other changes included twin cooling fans, wingless knock-off wheel nuts, a proper glovebox door, a lockable, 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 unique 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.

Completed 19 June 1968, this Series 1.5 E-Type, chassis 18180, was among the final batch of cars completed before the factory fully transitioned to the Series 2. Furthering this example’s exclusive pedigree, it is one of few E-Types sold new to Canada. While this Roadster was originally finished in Opalescent Maroon over Beige trim, it now wears a handsome older restoration in red over black trim with a black fabric soft-top. Importantly, the car is equipped with its matching-numbers 4.2-liter engine block, which wears a replacement cylinder head and desirable triple SU carburetor setup.

The car is accompanied by service invoices, a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate, operating handbook, and E-Type maintenance chart. Among the final Series 1.5 E-Types built, this beautifully appointed roadster represents an important chapter in the marque’s history.