An outstandingly wholesome, seldom-seen Series 1.5 Roadster in excellent condition, offered from 36 years of caring ownership.
The Series I E-Type was introduced initially for export-only in March 1961 using the triple SU carburetted, 3.8-litre, six-cylinder XK engine from the XK150S. The car continued to be developed over time, with the first major changes arriving in 1964, including an increased capacity to 4.2-litres. There was never a fixed specification or official designation for this interim model, although with the arrival of the officially-named 'Series 2', the early cars became Series Is and the interim cars, logically, Series 1.5. These cars can be recognised by their open headlights, small 'mouth' air intake, the exhaust tips under the number plate at the rear and the tail lights and indicators above the bumpers. It is undoubtedly one of the rarest variations of the E-Type, with enthusiasts claiming that it is the best-driving and most nimble derivative. The 4.2-litre engine and all-synchromesh gearbox offers increased power and usability whilst retaining the fabulous looks of the earlier cars. Naturally there are enthusiasts for every iteration of E-Type from the early, flat-floor, Moss-gearbox skinny-seat cars to the voluptuous and voluminous V12 Series 3, however those folk that really know suggest that a 1.5, well-maintained and properly set up, would probably represent the ultimate.
NOP 155F is a left-hand drive Ohio-delivered Series 1.5 imported into the UK in the 1980s and first registered in 1990 following a tremendous, enthusiast-performed restoration, finished in period-perfect Carmen Red with a black leather interior. Manufactured in the second year of Series 1.5 production in 1968, the car's early/USA history is relatively unknown, but we can ascertain from the original Ohio registration plates that it resided there for a while, before returning to the UK. Purchased by our vendor in 1987/8 in a very poor state of repair, it was a passion project from the start as he set about restoring the car with his sons from the ground up to what you see today. After more than two years of hard work with long days and nights, the Jag was completed, MOT’d and first registered in 1990 with a wonderful tale from our vendor. Thankfully the restoration was very well-photographed throughout and illustrates the level of restoration the car required. It is undeniable that our vendor is a perfectionist and that truly shows through with the quality of the result.
The Jaguar was purchased with c.37,000 miles displayed on the odometer and, being just 19-years old at the time, we believe this to be genuine. Since being in the UK, it has an MOT Certificate from every year, with yearly mileage increments remaining incredibly low, so we believe the mileage to be a genuine 41,069 miles from new but, without any USA documentation, it's impossible to be certain. What we are sure about is that the car has covered less than 5,000 miles in our vendors long-term 36-year ownership, as can be verified by the aforementioned MOT history.
Whilst in our vendor's care, the car has always remained garaged and in simply impeccable running and driving condition. Over the years, it's been taken to various shows and displays including the 1991 Display of 1000 E-Types at Donington with lots of photographs in the file. Having never seen the rain since its completion, NOP 155F continues to present well with good panel gaps, a deep shine and an excellent hood.
The word 'wholesome' really gets thrown about a lot these days, but this car truly ticks all the boxes. Restored with the help of his sons and kept for 36 years at the same property, we imagine parting with his beloved E-Type will be somewhat emotional for the whole family, however we have promised them that we can find a new owner who will take proper care of this venerable Jaguar.
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