1969 Jaguar XKE Convertible Series II 4 Speed Manual 4.2 Liter Inline 6

1969 Jaguar XK Series II Description:

The XKE series Jaguar was an instant success from the moment it appeared on the automotive scene in 1961! Featuring monocoque construction, 4-wheel independent suspension & disc brakes, and rack & pinion steering. As each new generation was improved from the last, it continued to offer more and more to buyers as the premier luxury sports car from England! This included improved brakes, better suspension, superior interior comfort, more significant cooling, and bigger displacement engines! The Series II came about in 1968 with wrap around rear bumper, larger repositioned turn signals & taillights, larger grill opening with twin electric fans for better cooling, open headlamps, redesigned toggle switches on the dash, as well as twin Strombergs replacing the triple SU's under the hood.
Offered here is a very clean 1969 Jaguar XKE Convertible finished in Pale Primrose over Cinnamon interior with black vinyl soft top! its original, number's matching drivetrain featuring the 4.2L Inline 6 DOHC engine and 4-speed fully synchromesh manual transmission! Options include power disc brakes, wood steering wheel & shift knob, telescoping steering column, 72-spoke chrome wire spoke wheels wrapped in 185VR15 Michelin XVS radial tires, outside mirror, aftermarket Audiovox AM/FM/Cassette radio with 4 matching speakers, windshield washers, tinted glass, Smiths instrumentation, and chrome-tipped exhaust!
This special XKE sold new to a southern California owner, Earl Cole, who would have the car's color changed early on from Sable Brown to Pale Primrose, a color he preferred. It would remain in his care before selling to a career military officer stationed in San Diego in December 1974. The Jaguar would never change hands again for another 49 years! This new owner would take it with him to his base in Hawaii in November 1985 thru 1992, then transition to the Washington D.C. area that fall until 1995. While in Washington D.C. in 1993, the car would receive its first recommended engine overhaul to update the valve guides with a full valve job, new head studs, along with new pistons/rings, all new bearings/gaskets, new water pump, etc. While the engine and transmission were out, it would receive a new repaint to the body and chassis components. After just a few hundred miles of enjoyment, the Jaguar would stay in storage for some time, then make another move with the family to Cary, NC.
It continued to be driven sparingly due to busy schedules, then travel to Paducah, KY in 1995 where they planned to spend their retirement. It would be purchases by the St. Louis Car Museum in March 2023. Prior to our ownership in December 2020, this car was shipped to Le Stable in Glen Carbon, IL, a prominent Midwest Jaguar restoration facility, for a complete refresh of the entire fuel system, suspension, and brakes since it had been off the road for much of its later years. This included flushing the fuel tank, rebuilding all three SU carburetors, new choke components, new fuel filter & sump screen, fuel pump & lines, new air filters, spark plugs & wires, clutch slave cylinder, brake reservoir cap with switch, new rear shocks, lower radiator hoses, thermostat, new tires, and fresh fluids throughout. The engine is stated to have less than 500 miles on it since the former overhaul, and it continues to perform exceptionally well after recent tuning from LeStable in March. Cosmetically, the door panels and convertible top were just replaced along with some various rubber components like the hood and boot seals.
It presents as an honest, original driver today. The paint isn't perfect, just like the interior shows some wear. Although, its garage kept care has lent to the solid structure with no accident history. Moreover, the triple SU carb upgrade and professional servicing have made the car terrific fun to drive today without worry of adding to the patina! A car to enjoy for sure! Please call with any question or to schedule a chance to review in person. Thanks as always for looking!