1970 Jaguar E-Type Series II Roadster

-4.2L Inline 6
-4 Speed Manual Transmission
-53k Miles
-Red Over Black Interior

(Please note: If you happen to be viewing this 1970 Jaguar E-Type Roadsteron a website other than our Garage Kept Motors site, it's possible that you've only seen some of our many photographs of the car due to third-party website limitations. To be sure you access all of the more than 160 photographs, as well as a short start-up and walk-around video, please go to our main website: Garage Kept Motors.)

“Of course, the first thing that anyone noticed about Jaguar's new sports car was its achingly pretty body…” - Hemmings Sports and Exotics commenting on the E-Type, July 2013

As to the Series II improvements Jaguar made starting in 1969, the Hemmings folks went on: “The Series 2 4.2-liter cars that were sold for 1969, 1970 and into 1971 were distinguished with larger front marker lamps and taillamps below raised bumpers, added side marker lamps, forward-set headlamps and a larger air inlet 'mouth.' Safety considerations also meant that, following 1968's rocker switch substitution, the steering column was made collapsible and headrests were added. A steeper-raked windshield on 2+2 models brought more glass but fewer (only two) windshield wipers. A glovebox door on all models (formerly only on 2+2s), perforated leather upholstery and newly optional power steering improved interior accommodations.”

Offered here is a 1970 Jaguar E-Type Series II Roadster in red over black under a black fabric convertible top. Showing 53,042 miles on the odometer, this XKE has traveled a very conservative, just over 1,000 miles per-year on average since new. The car's impeccable condition throughout is a tribute to owner pride and commitment to proper maintenance across all the car's 51 years. It could not have looked any nicer when it first rolled out of Jaguar Works in Coventry, England in October of 1970.

The exterior non-metallic red paint was a perfect choice for what Enzo Ferrari once described as the most beautiful car ever made. The finish is uniformly shiny and free of imperfections, curve after beautiful curve, from the larger intake “mouth” (characteristic of the Series II cars), across the long hood (with Euro registration numbers showing), the curvaceous cabin area, and the short rear deck. This is a car that simply can't pass by without turning heads. The sheet metal is free of dings, dents, or other damage. (To best assess the quality of the paint and trim finishes, be sure to view the close-up photographs of the car in the accompanying gallery.) The black fabric convertible top shows no wear or damage. Cabin glass (including on the fabric top's rear window) is clear and free of imperfections. The bumpers and other chrome bits on the car show beautifully; only very light patina from age is present, for example on the door handles. Lighting lenses on both the headlights and the larger (Series II-specific) tail and signaling lights are clear and free of cracking or fading. Tastefully limited badging, notably the “Jaguar cat” hood emblem and “E-Type/Jaguar/4.2” model-description lettering on the rear deck, is pristine. Center-knock-off chrome wire wheels in as-new condition are mounted with Michelin® period-correct red-stripe tires.

The XKE's interior meets the exterior's high standards. Vertically pleated, black leather seat upholstery shows virtually no signs of aging or even wear. Simple matching door trim (note door-release handles are on the lowest portion of the panel) is equally well-maintained. Framed by the original, black steering wheel (with wood rim and brushed-metal-trimmed 3-spoke design capped by a Jaguar-cat logo and “E-Type” designation), the black-leather-covered dashboard is a work of automotive art. Two large Smiths® gauges—160-mph speedometer and 5,000-rpm-redline tachometer—face the driver while smaller gauges (all Smiths, of course)—monitoring: battery charging, oil pressure, water temperature, and fuel level—flank an analog clock. Just beneath is an impressive row of toggle-switch controls for lighting and other functions. Vents for the factory air conditioning system are arrayed across the bottom of the dashboard, with control knob near the steering wheel. A period-look digital radio is installed in the factory-radio location. The shift lever for the 4-speed manual transmission is mounted atop the console crowned with a wood shift knob wearing the shift-pattern emblem.

Under the front-hinged, full engine cowl, the 4.2-liter inline 6-cylinder engine commands an engine bay that inherits its layout and construction processes from the World War II production lines for the Spitfire fighter plane. Not only is everything in its proper place, all surfaces—including frame members—are properly clean and all components—including air conditioning—are properly mounted. Authenticity has been maintained in virtually every respect down to the gold paint on the manifold. Viewed from below, the condition of the chassis and its components are, if anything, even more remarkable. Clean surfaces abound. The independent suspension components, and the properly routed dual-exhaust system—each of two inline exhaust manifolds devoted to three cylinders—are among the focal points.

While the more than 160 high-definition photographs and the short walk-around-and-startup video available on the GarageKeptMotors website showcase this E-Type in detail from every angle, including from below, we expect and encourage in-person inspections at our Grand Rapids, Michigan showroom. Please call to arrange an appointment in advance as our showroom is not open to the public. And feel free to get in touch anytime by phone or email if you have questions.

“Jaguar's six-cylinder E-type is eternally desirable” was how the Hemmings article quoted earlier described the model. We envy the next owner of this exceptional example, and especially the joy of caring for it into its second half-century.