1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5 FHC
- Iconic and Timeless Elegance
- 4.2-liter inline-six engine
- Nuts and Bolts Restoration
The Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5 FHC is a true masterpiece of automotive design, capturing hearts with its timeless beauty. Enzo Ferrari once famously described it as “the most beautiful car ever made.” Its aerodynamic lines and iconic oval grille make it an enduring symbol of elegance and style.
Underneath its exquisite exterior lies a high-performance 4.2 liter inline-six engine, delivering breathtaking speed and power. This combination of beauty and brawn is a testament to the E-Type’s lasting legacy as a sports car icon.
About this car
Construction Year: 1968
Restoration Start: 2020
Restoration Finish: 2023
Price: Exhibition Only
Power: 265 HP
Date part: 08–05-2008
Color: Grey
Interior: Black
Bodywork: Fixed Head Coupe
Transmission: 4 Speed Manual
The Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5 Fixed-Head Coupe (FHC) is a legendary automobile that emerged during a pivotal era in automotive history. Introduced in 1967, it marked a transitional phase for the iconic E-Type, also known as the XK-E in the United States. By this time, the E-Type had already established itself as a symbol of automotive excellence and had garnered the admiration of enthusiasts worldwide. The Series 1.5 FHC retained the E-Type’s classic design while incorporating important updates, including a more powerful 4.2-liter inline-six engine and enhanced safety features. This model’s timeless appeal, combined with its technological advancements, contributed to its enduring status as a classic sports car icon.
Restoration Process
The restoration of the Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5 Fixed-Head Coupe embarked on a meticulous journey in 2020, culminating in its triumphant revival in 2023. Every component underwent a transformation, with painstaking attention to detail. Parts were meticulously sorted and cleaned, followed by individual restoration to their original glory using a diverse range of techniques, from media blasting and powder coating to hand polishing and rechroming. The car’s bodywork, entrusted to the expertise of Bram’s Classic Cars, a renowned Jaguar E-Type specialist, began with ultra-high-pressure water jetting, using 2500 bar of force to strip away layers of paint and rust. Extensive bodywork included dent removal, section replacements, and the installation of new panels, ensuring structural integrity. Throughout the restoration process, parts were carefully phosphated and primed with 2K epoxy primer. During the spray painting phase, rigorous checks were conducted to ensure perfect fitment of doors, bumpers, and lighting components.
Under the hood, a comprehensive engine overhaul breathed new life into the powertrain. All wear-prone components were dutifully replaced, while the crankshaft underwent precision balancing. The pistons and cylinders were meticulously bored oversize (0.010″), optimizing performance. The independent rear suspension (IRS) received a thorough overhaul, with the replacement of the pinion and crown wheel to meet European specifications. The car’s wiring harness and a significant portion of its electronics were also renewed to prevent potential malfunctions. Finally, the interior was transformed through full upholstery, completing the restoration of this iconic Jaguar E-Type, ensuring its continued legacy as a symbol of automotive excellence.