1968 Jaguar E-Type

Roadster Convertible

6 - Cyl.

Manual

1E78928

Gasoline

Finally, a Vicarage restoration of the most desirable Jaguar ever conceived: The immortal, E-Type Roadster for the first time on eBay with NO RESERVE PRICE! Please allow time for all 103 photographs to load and inspect carefully as great cars such as this rarely come along. A legend before it ever turned a wheel, the E-type Jaguar is the essential sports car. Designed by Malcolm Sayer, the artist-engineer behind the Le Mans winning D-type, the finest GT racer of the Fifties, its rolling sculpture and unbridled performance was sensational in 1961. The XKE is even more desirable today. Constantly upgraded and refined, the 1968 Series 1.5 model represents the zenith of its development in six cylinder form. Gone were most of the quirks--such as limited legroom, fixed seats, worm-eye headlights and non-synchronized transmissions; Preserved are the earlier, minimalist bumpers, running lights, and (in this case) the best modern engineering money can buy. This is the thinking man's E-Type, practical and reliable enough to be used as a daily driver but with performance comparable to today’s supercars. A Vicarage Jaguar is like no other classic car. It is much more than a straightforward restoration. Vicarage, as a company has been building and developing improved Jaguars in Holland, Great Britain and Florida since 1984. Each car completed by Vicarage is a testament to both the original Jaguar design and to the peerless contemporary engineering and coachwork skills of the Vicarage team. Only remanufacturing a small handful of cars per year, the company has continued to develop the E-Type, long since Jaguar ceased production nearly forty years ago. This 1968 Series 1.5 could easily be considered the ultimate XKE. Ordered in 1999 by an executive officer of New York Bank, the car was specially built by Wim Van Ginhoven, founder of Vicarage; Holland. Beginning with an expertly rebuilt shell, the project took over a year and a half to finish. At a completed cost of $125,000, it was flown to the US and delivered to the new owner’s residence in River Forest, Illinois. A box full of ownership materials, service records, manuals, vintage E-Type literature, sales brochures and email correspondences detailing the entire build process are included. One email dated 06/01/2001 from Mr. Ginhoven titled “Car Specifications” includes the following: Engine & Mechanical: · 9:1 Compression Ratio; Approx 300HP · 3 HD SU Carburetors & Air Filters · Valves + Valve Guides Suitable for Unleaded Fuel · Polished Cam Covers · Retainers on Cam Follower Guides · Hardened + Balanced Crankshaft · Modified Crank Shaft Seals · Engine Oil Cooler & Filter · Aluminum High Capacity Radiator with copper expansion Tank & Double Air Fans (Series II) · 10” Heavy Duty Clutch · Stainless Steel “Big Bore” Exhaust System for Road Use · Double Fuel Pumps · Electronic Ignition · Bosch Alternator & Voltage Regulator Transmission 5-Speed Getrag (BMW 6-Series) Manual Gearbox W/ Aluminum Gearshift Knob Suspension/Brakes · Harvey Bailey Heavy Duty, Anti-Roll Bars Front & Rear · Koni Shock Absorbers Front & Rear · 4-Pot (Series III)Calipers in Front · Power Assisted, Dual-Line Braking System · Rack & Pinion Type Power Steering Interior: · Burled Walnut Dash Fascia & Door Cappings · Electric Windows Operated from Center Consol · AM/FM Audio System W/CD Player Exterior: · 4 Aston Martin Type Chrome Wire Wheels (Fatter Look) W/Stainless Steel Spokes · Pirelli 205/70/15 Radial Tires · Standard Size Spare Wheel · Driver & Passenger Door Mirrors · Sealed-Beam, Halogen Headlamps · Tinted Glass For the past decade, this Vicarage Jaguar has led a charmed life. Used sparingly as a sunny-day-only toy, the car was pampered like a favorite child. Meticulous documented maintenance was performed exclusively by Continental Auto Sports in Hinsdale, IL. Otherwise, it remained covered and stored in a climate controlled garage. Today, the Jaguar's odometer shows a mere 4,664 miles and the owner testifies this to be the actual, original mileage since its re-birth in 2001. We can't guarantee it to be accurate but judging by the car's pure state of preservation, it looks to be true. Vicarage automobiles are still being built today. According to Tony Parkinson of Vicarage Jaguar in Florida, the current price to build a similar E-Type Roadster is £85,000 (English pounds) or $136,428 in US dollars. This NO RESERVE auction represents a rare opportunity to acquire a wonderful and exclusive automobile, engineered to modern standards... in less than one week’s time... Let’s have a closer look now. Exterior: Rotisserie stripped and re-painted inside-and-out in classic British Racing Green, the finish was carefully color-sanded and painstakingly hand-rubbed to reveal a high luster. This restoration was a true labor of love, performed without time constraints! With light tan canvas top, leather interior and wire wheels, the Series 1.5 Roadster for auction here is the epitome of Britishness: It oozes classic character yet is an up-dated, up-rated version of the original car. When inspecting a vintage Jaguar, closely examining the structural integrity of its monocoque ("unit body") is of paramount importance. A straight body, hallmark of unmolested originality. Pictures clearly show the clean lines and bubble-free rocker panels of this elegant cat. The long, sexy bonnet and the doors open and close smoothly and feature perfect shut lines. Now, a decade after its re-birth, the immaculate body, trim and undercarriage not only speak volumes about the extensive re-manufacturing (not just restoring) this E-Type received from Vicarage but underscores the car’s highly-pampered ownership. There are no major blems, just a few small, chips, scuffs & scratches. Most importantly, body gaps between hoods, doors, and fenders are of reference quality. One of the hallmarks of a true English sports car: the center lock, knock-off wire wheels. These wheel spokes are corrosion-resistant stainless steel units fitted with sure-footed (and expensive) Italian, PIRELLI P4000 Super Touring, high-speed radial paws of the dimension 205/70R 15. The Jaguar's ride certainly benefits from modern tire technology. With sparkling chrome and no curb rash, wheel detail is amazing. Surveying the car's straight and smooth coachwork today, we marvel at every minute detail. In fact, with little preparation, this fine example of the marque could be proudly displayed at a local car show or Concours d'Elegance. Let’s take a look underneath. More important than shiny paint is a healthy undercarriage. Ol' Sherlock himself could inspect this cat's belly with his magnifying glass and would not find an ounce of corrosion. Even the vulnerable footwells are immaculate. Improved suspension components include Koni Shock Absorbers and Harvey Bailey Heavy Duty, Anti-roll bars front & rear. The fully synchronized Getrag 5-Speed gearbox is a much needed improvement to the original, fussy 4-speed. Used in the BMW 6 Series, shifting is buttery smooth and precise and the 5th gear allows for engine relaxed, highway driving. Rack & pinion steering is now power assisted as well as the dual-line braking system which includes larger, Series III, 4-Pot Front Calipers. There is one dent in the floorboard that was clearly caused by a poorly positioned jack and could be 99% popped–out with a rubber mallet. Most importantly, there is absolutely NO collision repair or any other mishap that would cause the enthusiast sleepless nights. We'll inspect the interior next, shall we? Jaguar's interior is no less exciting to behold. A cockpit lifted straight from the Le Mans-winning D-type, the tan leather bucket seats, door panels and trim all look great; as does the wool pile carpeting, dash and full instrumentation. Though not perfect, there is a little wear on the driver’s carpet and the leather is scuffed at the typical points on both outside, top panels of the seats where the top-frame lands. Though original in appearance, the seats have been re-designed with improved comfort, stability, head and legroom. Finally a 6ft+ driver can enjoy extended trips in an E-Type without having his knees in his face and head crouched-down to see under the windshield frame! A true British Roadster must have a wooden dashboard and Vicarage made no exception with this Jag. The door caps and dash fascia in burled walnut highly complement the Elegant, wood-and-aluminum steering wheel. The fascinating array of Smiths gauges and switches seem to be gleaned from a period aircraft. The tactile pleasures are markedly increased by the knowledge that everything actually works; including the clock. An upgraded audio system with CD guarantees pleasurable audio, even when traveling topless at speeds well above the double nickel. Perfectly positioned but hidden from view are the power window switches which are located forward of the center armrest. Gone are the days of having to bend/twist across the cabin to crank-down the passenger door glass-just to say, “Hello” to smiling passersby. The window switches and Billet Aluminum, 5-speed gearshift knob are the only subtle indicators that distinguish this E-Type’s interior as a Vicarage. Finally, the Canvas Top fits tight as a drum with no leaks or wind noises. Of course, a matching, canvas boot cover is included and when fitted, like a fine wine, lends the perfect finish to this Roadster. The the hardura-lined trunk is absolutely immaculate. 'E'-Type Operating, Maintenance and Service Handbook, as well as various parts catalogues will be stored here for the new owner. A compartment below the trunk contains the spare spoke wheel and tire complete with jack and 2-pound, THOR copper and cowhide knock-off hammer. Of course, the spare’s never been on the ground nor have the tools ever been put to use. A typical E-Type weak spot would be the trunk floor. Out of sight and deeply recessed, it is usually the first place where corrosion develops. Things are different here! Not the tiniest rust bubble is to be found; Finish work around the braded fuel line, and petrol tank are better than factory quality. A picture says more than a thousand words: this trunk is clean! Engine & Mechanical: Ironically, perhaps, the original E-Type’s mechanical configuration was just not suitable for relaxed open-topped driving in summer weather. Owners quickly grew weary of having to watch the temperature gauge at all times. The slightest traffic congestion could spell trouble. The factory engine was famous for overheating and notoriously short maintenance intervals, and could spoil all the fun of an otherwise most exciting package. No such problems here! Hence, the Million-Dollar question: what's hiding below this Jag's bonnet? To the naked eye, this Jaguar’s immaculate engine compartment looks factory correct, down to the polished cam covers and intake. Originality abounds; E-Type's 4.2-litre straight six "tri-carb" engine with Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC) was a trailblazing design, chiefly responsible for Jaguar's innumerable racing successes and in continuous, largely unchanged production for well over 30 years. What can’t be seen but becomes keenly appreciated at the turn-of-the-key are the vast improvements performed by Vicarage’s Wim Van Ginhoven with respect to the engine, drive train and ancillaries. The 9:1 compression ratio engine with hardened & balanced, crankshaft now has nearly 300HP with valves & guides that allow the car to run superbly on unleaded Fuel. The auxiliary oil cooler and Series II, aluminum high capacity radiator with copper expansion tank & double air fans ensures stable temperature and oil pressure, even on extended runs in any climate. The 10 inch, heavy duty cutch, dual fuel pumps, electronic ignition, Bosch alternator & voltage regulator bring this power plant well into the 21st century. It's a bullet-proof drive train, built with trouble-free long distance touring in mind and certainly provides more than sufficient agility to prevail on any U.S. highway. Smoke upon start-up, excessive oil consumption and leaks? Not here! Beyond routine tune-ups & oil changes, thousands of dollars were invested into fully documented, preventative maintenance. Continental Auto Sports is a factory authorized, Ferrari and Maserati dealer in Hinsdale, IL. Over the past ten years, Continental’s vintage car, Master Mechanic has personally performed all the meticulous maintenance on this E-Type. No wear item has been left unattended; as a result, this Jag is mechanically as strong as it is cosmetically. Speaking of cosmetics, let us stress how straight the body is, how perfect the bumpers, how glossy the paint: if you wouldn't know differently, you'd think to be looking at a 1-year old, not a 10-year old (or 43-year-old) car. This one is that clean! Drivability: Driving this unique XK-E is a revelation! A trip in any open road car is something to remember, but it becomes an almost mythical experience in this E-Type Roadster! Once seated snugly behind the aluminum-spoke steering wheel, you pull the choke 2-3 clicks and turn the ignition. Even dead cold, the power plant fires right away and falls into a determined, slightly lopey idle, awaiting the things to come. The well-muffled rumble emitting from its twin end-pipes successfully disguises this cat's true identity… This engine revs freely and runs oh so smoothly, developing a raspy, bellowing sound through the stainless steel “big bore” exhaust system that has to be experienced in person to believe it. Addictive, to say the least, is the feeling of 300 well-fed horses ready to pull this cat. The original E-Type’s suspension was very well balanced and decades ahead of its time. The vast improvements made to this Vicarage E-Type’s steering, braking and suspension bring road handling and driving comfort are comparable to supercars of this new millennium. The power assisted, rack & pinion steering remains sure footed and precise but makes parking and slow-speed maneuvers SO much easier. Aided by newer, Pirelli radials, handling is simple and superb with no rattles, shakes, shimmies or pulls. Power assisted, dual-line, four-wheel disc brakes with 4-pot, Series II front calipers shorten braking distance and always stop the car in a straight line without a hint of fading. Harvey Bailey, heavy duty, anti-roll bars front & rear with adjustable Koni shocks firmly puts this car’s handling on par with a modern Porsche. Cornering on tracks, side lift is minimal and twisty backcountry roads at near-double the posted speed limits become fun to negotiate. Cruising at 60mph, the engine turns at a mere 1700 rpm; thanks to the Getrag 5-speed transmission. Top speed is only limited by your guts (or the lack thereof . . .). All the while you are the center of attention and the recipient of more 'thumbs ups' then you imagined would be humanly possible. Actually, it's the predaceous feline they admire, but you, as her master and tamer, are the man. All in all, this Jaguar is a thoroughly convincing performer and a joy to drive! XK-E's awe-inspiring appearance elicits unanimously admiring comments. In fact, it is one of a handful of cars that look terrific from any angle, hereby confirming that Sir William Lyons created a piece of automotive art. Hence, it's an E-Type Roadster that is displayed in New York's Museum of Modern Art. Without compromising one shred of originality, this open headlight, Series 1 1/2 has been restored by Vicarage to better than new condition. This beloved automobile is not only a collector's item but could serve as a stylish daily transport. It's a fully functional museum piece, a restored driver, a welcome alternative to your gas-guzzling SUV. To find another one like it would be nearly impossible, to restore a lesser one, a tedious and expensive undertaking. There's but one stumbling block on the way to XKE heaven: Vicarage examples almost never come to market. All the more reason to watch this one closely; Presently, we have a clear, Illinois Title. Local sales tax and DMV transfer fees apply to residents in CA. All questions must be answered and all inspections must be completed PRIOR TO BIDDING. Proof of insurance will be required for a test drive. This Jaguar is being sold in AS-IS CONDITION and comes with absolutely NO WARRANTIES EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. We are proud to have 100% POSITIVE FEEDBACK. Bid with confidence, knowing everything represented in this auction is accurate. BIDDERS WITH ZERO OR NEGETIVE FEEDBACK MUST EMAIL US FOR APPROVAL PRIOR TO BIDDING OR THEIR BID WILL BE CANCELED. This Jaguar’s present condition and buying terms have been described as accurately as possible. If you have ANY questions or want to bring a mechanic to inspect, please email us. You will receive a prompt response. E-Type Jaguar roadsters are highly valued among automobile connoisseurs, and command prices well over $100,000, reflecting the XK-E's supercar status. If you are someone who enjoys driving your collector cars, you will appreciate this cat's powerful drivetrain and modern refinements. This fine automobile needs nothing, and it is poised to become your favorite toy. We do not hesitate to say: "Fly in and drive home!" Thank you, good luck and HAPPY BIDDING! On Feb-06-11 at 12:28:45 PST, seller added the following information: **Important information about the VIN and Body** The VIN #1E78938 on this car belonged to the front chassis of a 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5 2+2 that was originally Titled in Florida, USA. It is important to note that the Chassis on an E-Type only extends from the front cowling forward. When Vicarage; Holland built this car, the 2-seater Roadster BODY was purchased new by Martin Roby Engineering in Great Britain and installed onto this “donor” VIN and chassis so it could be imported and titled here in the US as a 1968 model. Back in the 1990's, Martin Roby obtained the original molds and panels from Jaguar and are reproducing BRAND NEW bodies and other components for the E-Type and other wonderful collector cars. Here is their information: Martin Roby Engineering Road Camp Hill Industrial Estate Nuneaton England CV10 9AE +44(0) 2476 386903 Website: Martinrobey dot comOn Feb-11-11 at 08:59:19 PST, seller added the following information: As we are now in the final hours/minutes of the auction, I want to share some additional, new information: I've received a number of questions regarding the import/export taxes and registration procedure from Holland as well as details of the engine build-up. This morning, I put in a call to Wim Van Ginhoven, founder of Vicarage; Holland. He is the gentleman who actually built this car for the owner. He explained to me that in 1999, this car was imported from the US to Holland TAXES PAID with the original Florida Title. From there, everything was stripped from the chassis and a new roadster body with all new or remanufactured parts (as described) were installed. A 4.2 XJ6 block # 8L177249 was used for the engine build-up for improved water circulation. Please note this engine # does not agree with the chassis plate which still shows the original engine # from the donor chassis. Once completed, the car was registered and driven in Holland on the plates displayed in the photos. When the car was re-imported back to the US in 2001, it came in with the original Florida Title (as if it was “on holiday” in Europe). It was then re-titled in Illinois and for the past 10 years has been driven on Illinois plates. Now in Los Angeles CA, the car can be re-imported back into Holland with “taxes paid” or transferred and registered to a new owner in the US with its existing Illinois title. Both the Dutch plates and the Illinois plates are included in the sale. It has been exciting and educational to be the recipient of your interesting questions and informative comments. Additionally, the enormous interest in this unique automobile confirms that the winning bidder will most assuredly become the proud owner of an sound investment which will be a joy to drive for many years to come. Thank you again and good luck!