1969 Jaguar XKE 2+2 Coupe 

There are car shows and then there are Concours d'Elegance exhibitions.  They date back to 17th century France when aristocrats would gather to show off their horse carriages.  That turned into automobiles and today, Concours events are by invitation or application and routinely present the best of the best, the finest, most well preserved or flawlessly restored automobiles on planet Earth. 

For consignment, a consistent Concours d'Elegance winner, numbers matching E-type, meticulously restored and maintained by one owner for the past 32 years.  Every part, nut and bolt were removed and restored to original specifications and finish.  Before retiring from the show circuit five years ago it had garnered first place awards at the Greenwich Concours, Meadowbrook, Radnor, and others along with winning several Jaguar Clubs of North America honors.  The car will be accompanied by detailed records and receipts, the Heritage Trust certificate and proper tools used for display. 

Exterior
Miles deep black paint coats the flowing, legendary lines of this big cat and almost appears like wet paint.  Every bit of chrome and brightwork is original to the car and has been worked to a mirror finish or where historically correct, a matted sheen.  The inset headlights and gaping mouth at the front end of the long nose, is iconic as it is epic and all in wonderful condition.  The louvers on the hood, a spot often missed during cleanings, is absolutely spotless.  The wire spoke wheels with Jaguar center caps are impeccable as are the gaps on this car.  The twin tailpipe extends past the rear bumper present with blemish free chrome.  It wasn't easy finding imperfections but a small paint bubble on a wheel arch was noted and some roughness is exposed under the clean rubber body molding as at each point of its ends near the wheel arch. 

Interior
The lap of luxury begins with Cinnamon leather, gently bathing the door panels in a simple and sophisticated design.  Step over the wide, leather clad door sill and find yourself immersed in Cinnamon bucket seats, finely stitched in even vertical lines, well padded and curved.  The back seats are small but also covered in luxurious stitched leather.  The rear seat back can be moved forward over the bottoms to lengthen the rear with sculpted precision.  The wood steering wheel with brushed metal spokes is right at home in the car and the E-type horn button is elegant, not something we generally say about horn buttons.  A large speedometer and tachometer are straight ahead, and the remaining dashboard is a visual and tactile pleasure for the senses.  A myriad of gauges, toggle switches that are plastic but robust, and a clock occupy the center area, all looking like new.  A row of thin vents lines the dash and an AM/FM radio is also present.  An array of colorful warning lights in their own bezels monitor various conditions or indicate flashers.  From the dash we move down to the leather covered center console where a stout automatic shifter sits in a domed housing.  The parking brake is fine polished metal and a padded armrest is consistent with the interior quality.  The rear hatch opens on side mounted hinges and reveals a stunning leather cargo area with polished aluminum slats evenly dispersed over the length of the compartment and continuing on the back of the rear seats, a subtle and tasteful design.   The plush tan carpet on the floors is in fine condition and the matching floor mats look barely used.  The headliner and pillar treatment are a soft, fleece like material and are perfect.  

Drivetrain
The numbers matching 4.2 liter DOHC inline 6 cylinder is in place, rated at an astounding 246 horsepower and tied to the original Borg Warner BW8 3-speed automatic transmission.  Power is sent to the rear wheels and 2.88 gears and is slowed by power disc brakes on both ends.  All of these items were fastidiously gone through and rebuilt, and every minute and item of work has been documented.  You don't win Concours events with a dirty engine and true to form, open the reverse hinged bonnet to reveal a gleaming work of art.  After documenting hundreds of muscle cars with aftermarket bling under the hood, to see an original engine and how much polished metal Jaguar utilized from the factory, is quite astounding and you don't have to be an engineer for this powerplant to take your breath away.  

Undercarriage
Yes, stringent Concours judging requires a look underneath and this E-type does not disappoint.  Incredibly clean with only minor hints of any usage, it mostly appears as if it just exited the Coventry plant.  In particular, the dual exhaust which flows into stock mufflers, ends in a pair of chrome resonators followed by the chrome tailpipes.  They are mounted below a glossy black bottom panel which is a showcase as impressive as the topside of this car.  Independent suspension with torsion bars are up front; we note the A-arms are unpainted, forged metal and quite a sight as they connect with the wheel and brake parts.  The rear suspension is comprised of coil overs. 

Drive-Ability
Even seasoned classic car people can get the slight jitters when Concours level cars are to be tested.  The engine fired right up and the big smooth six is sweet sounding.  We point the long nose towards our loop and accelerate with ease.  The cat has claws but we weren't about to show them.  The long sweeping rear of the car allows for good visibility and despite a slightly longer body than the standard E-types, the car turns in beautifully and the brakes work as new.  We note some interior inoperable items including the clock, the radio, and the low-speed wiper mode.     

We don't know if this is the best 2+2 in the country, but we would guess it's bloody well close.  If you've ever dreamed of entering Concours events, here's a turnkey opportunity.  If you've always wanted to add a pristine E-Type to your collection, and who doesn't, then this fine automobile is worthy of your consideration. 

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.

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