2009-08-08 07:04:54 | pauls writes:

Ebay item 8/8/09
cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jaguar-E-Type-Series-1-5-Series-1-5-Roadster-Triple-Sole ...
Current bid $23,600 reserve not met, 23 bids 1 day left in auction.

Sellers description:
Car number 1R 9478; Engine number 7R5548-9; Gearbox # KE7011; Body number 4R 3678, Mileage 97,100

This E-Type Roadster Series 1 ½, built in April 1969 has the most desirable details of the Series 1 cars: toggle switches, three carbs (in this case I installed Italian Solex) but not covered headlights, plus it has the desirable 4.2 liter engine without smog control.

I purchased the car in the late 1980s (1989 I think after two previous owners). It was registered to me in New Jersey (at 70K miles) and I took it to be checked out by a well-known NY dealer who performed some engine work. The first documented invoice I have found is dated August 20, 1991 by Exoticars - $3037 (invoice 1098) for bodywork and rust removal. Exoticars looked after the car for the next ten years with work in 1999 costing $5397 (invoices 2005 and 2023); $3000 app (invoice 2001 when mileage 90753).

Subsequently, work was carried out by Mayo for new steering rack and master cylinder ($1975 invoice dated June 2001); AW for new suspension and distributor $2129 invoice dated 10/19/2001 when speedo was 92817; Michaels in Texas for $1555 (maintenance when mileage was 94878 in July 2004; AW for $3039 (invoice dated August 2006 for new front brakes/calipers and electronic ignition). Copies of these invoices are scanned and can be emailed.

Although the car is today located today in New Jersey, it spent two years in Texas. I had it transported in 2004 to Houston where I have a second house. It is now registered with a Texas plate but has not “lived” there since 2006. (Climate is too hot and I missed using the car at weekends in New Jersey.)

PLEASURE-GIVING ENHANCEMENTS
The car has the following improvements newly fitted in last 5 years (5000 miles ago) unless otherwise stated:

Triple Solex Carburetors (fitted 1987) - Car is very fast

Ansa (Italian) Manifold and Exhaust (fitted 1987) - Car might be a little loud for some

Italian air horn - fabulous

Electronic ignition

Spare fuel pump (on/off switch on far right of instrument panel) – one never knows

Upholstery, carpets and respray in 2005

Waterproof soft top (I think it is mohair)

Vinyl tonneau cover with central zip

New Series 3 wire wheels (wider than standard Series 1 ½) – makes car look lower, wider and sleeker (if that were at all possible)

New steering wheel - 14 1/2 inches (giving more leg room)

New front wheel brake calipers

FAULTS, FOIBLES AND FRUSTRATIONS
1. At my age (mid seventies) getting in and out is awkward although I did it for more than 20 years. For this reason and poor eyesight, I am selling the car. Also Isky cams (see below) at 3000 rpm and the BHP generated were fun 20 years ago. Today ?????

2. Iskenderian (“Isky”) high lift cams have been fitted but they proved to be a little too radical. They have been modified slightly which may perhaps explain point 3 below.

3. Starting the engine after two or three weeks parked in the garage is not as easy as it should be. I think the timing needs to be adjusted. (Perhaps it’s “Isky.”) I always put the battery on charger the night before and start the engine on it (don’t want any surprises when out shopping or going to Starbucks).

4. Paint is GOOD but there is a little dent on driver’s side scuttle caused by an adjacent parked car door being carelessly opened (not a big deal).

5. Radio has lost a knob.

6. Chrome is OK but easily brightened.

7. Panel fit is quite good – not perfect.

8. Sable color always attracts admiration and never ceases to impress – it is to my mind the perfect color: subtle not flashy.

9 Glove box has a key which was lost . . . and explains why I never used it. Not sure what is in there.

GENERAL CONDITION
* This is not meant to be a perfect car. It has not been driven in East Coast winter or when raining and it is used only on summer weekends. It looks good, feels good, drives safely and it gives the driver the necessary satisfaction that he/she is driving a masterpiece of design - more relevant today than ever before. It also faster than most other 4.2 Jaguars.(excluding of course "C" and "D" types).

* A purist will obviously find fault with it– some non-standard equipment (Solex, Ansa, Series 3 CWW) and the lack of ‘newness’ may/will worry some.

* It will never win a prize – although I should say it did earn an award in 1998 for driving from New York to Stowe, Vermont to attend the British Weekend (this was done three times - 1998, 99, 2000).

* The engine does not eat oil (which is regularly changed); it runs at 50 psi at 2500rpm when hot.

* The right turn indicator ‘sometimes’ does not work.

* The passenger side seat ratchet/hinge (to adjust the slope of the back) needs to be replaced - it slips. (This is not an issue when the hood is folded down/not being used because the back of the seat will be supported by the folded hood.)

* Some original parts are included