1969 Jaguar E-Type

In 1968, US safety requirements-overwhelmingly the company's largest market-began to force Jaguar to modify the exceptionally pure E-Type design. The changes began with the Series 1.5 in 1967, when the covers were removed from the car's headlights, and the toggle switches on the dash were replaced by rocker switches. The three-eared wire wheel knock-offs were swapped for hexagonal ones, to fit a wrench.

US cars suffered when the triple 2-inch SU carburettors were replaced by two Strombergs, with a water jacket pre-heater. With that, the 265 bhp, 4.2-litre engine took a 94 bhp hit, down to 171 bhp. The the rear axle ratio was lowered on US cars, in an attempt to maintain the same acceleration at the expense of about 20 mph top speed. Care should be taken when importing LHD cars from America in this period. West Coast cars are rarely rusty, but a right-hand-drive conversion will need to be accompanied by mechanical upgrades.

The Series II took the Series 1.5 changes further. The uncovered headlights were found to have shadows in the beam pattern, so they were moved forward about two inches, with chrome filler piece added to the top. The bumpers were made bigger and the front one was raised, with square sidelights and turn signals placed underneath it. Behind the bumper, the grille opening was increased, and twin electric fans were added to compensate for the heat generated by the optional air conditioning. The rear bumper lost its integral taillights, which were now hung underneath.

The good news involved a move to three-cylinder Girling disc brakes from Lockheed two-cylinder ones. Power steering was an added option, as were reclining seats with headrests. At the same time, the controversial 2+2 of 1966 was modified, with the windshield reset so as not to be so upright. Many 2+2 coupes were ordered with automatic transmissions, making them the cheapest way into an E-type.

Jaguar E-Type SII sales continued to be strong, with 18,808 roadsters built between 1968 and 1971, 4855 coupes, and 5326 2+2 models.

Series II E-Types have long been overshadowed by earlier cars, and they do lack much of the verve inherent in the first series. Many owners, however, claim that SII E-Types are better to drive and easier to live with due to increased cooling capacity and some modern upgrades. They have long lagged SIs in price, though, so any purchase should be accompanied by a close inspection for deferred maintenance. Specifically, prospective owners should be aware of rust and badly repaired collision damage. If the sub-frame tubes do not match the colour of the car, expect a colour change, probably from Primrose Yellow, Willow Green or Sable Brown.