Minimal Needs: 1969 Jaguar XKE Series II 2+2
The would-be XKE owner has many choices to make. While budgetary matters may dictate some of these, the basics include: what series, what motor, what transmission, coupe or roadster, and if a coupe, 2+2 or not? If resources are substantial and exclusivity is in the game plan, opt for an early car with outside bonnet locks and welded louvers. If you simply must have an XKE at the cheapest price possible, opt for a 2+2 automatic. And here on craigslist we have the latter, a 1969 Jaguar XKE Series II 2+2, with an asking price of $52,000. This car is located in Santa Cruz, California and the seller explains that he’s trying to save for a house – thus the break-up with his Light Blue Jag. This tip was provided courtesy of ToddK – thanks! The 2+2 was introduced in 1966 and for many years provoked the ire of dyed-in-the-wool Jag fans: it wasn’t a sports car! the roof was ugly! what’s the deal with the automatic! But it is practical and sold well, despite the rancor from the connoisseur community.
By the time the Series II arrived, the six-cylinder engine’s displacement had increased to 4.2 liters though without providing any increment over the 3.8 liter’s 265 hp output. Torque did improve, taking the edge off losing those three beautiful SU carburetors in the Series I in favor of twin Strombergs. (Sigh.) The Borg-Warner three-speed automatic helped this “practical” sports car rocket from zero to sixty in about nine seconds culminating in a 136 mph top speed, though those numbers were a downgrade from the manual. The seller has rebuilt the carburetors and the brakes, shifted to an electronic distributor, replaced several hoses and gaskets, tuned it, and performed a transmission service. No word on how it runs but photos show it swanning about town so presumably it drives fine.
The interior is in good nick, with only mild wear evident. The car has a replacement steering wheel, working gauges, and a Blaupunkt with Bluetooth. The antenna needs work, as do the wiper washer motor and the heater motor.
The underside is fairly clean with a few issues – the floor edges are dented here and there which can come from improper jacking (ask me how I know), and the front portion of the underside shows some mangled rails. The car has been repainted nicely, with decent door jambs and a fine finish underhood. No rust is present. The tires and tubes are new, too. Just a decade ago, it was hard to give away a 2+2 automatic. But a rising tide lifts all boats and so it is with these cars, where Hagerty pegs a “good” automatic at about $43k. I’d want to pay a bit less here; what do you think?
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Comments
Looks like a broken shoee
P
clown carr/:(
Without people like you, there would be no story, no character, no soul…
– Barn Finds thank you for commenting section (no one reads it) (no I won’t sign up for up junk)
wear su I I bidding web store
I’m sure the seller r wood be cery happy to starting. A biddintnwebsite. Ask then ten
Still trying to figure out the above comments, must be some foreign language or something. So the guy’s selling this Jaguar to save for a house, hope he’s got about ten more to sell, $52,000 might make a down payment on a pup tent in California.
No Jaguar authority here, looks like a pretty nice one though
I was just admiring the twin 3-into-1 headers, straight-through mufflers & quad exhaust tips. The sound of a Jag DOHC inline six with twin Zenith-Stromberg carbs combined with that exhaust system would be a joy to follow. The automatic almost seems out of place.
The wheels look like correct vintage 1969 knock-off wires.
It is funny but back in 1969 my sister’s friend’s father, a Doctor, owned a new XK-E 2+2 in light blue. It had chrome wheels & hubcaps but otherwise looked like the car in the ad, but brand new.
It looks great but I prefer 66-67 model with a stick. It’s like putting a automatic in your favorite Ferrari! It’s not right!! That exhaust system must sound wicked!! That would cool on a early Jag with a stick. Well … Good luck to the seller. 🇺🇸🐻🇺🇸
Nice Jag! I bet parts are expensive. Credit due for this one because it seems to have no rust issues that these cars are known for.
The under side is “fairly clean”? Looks like a model under there.
Replying to the general post, no offense Mark P, just don’t have a general reply option.
Anyway, author gets her history wrong. The 4.2 came in the middle of the Series 1 run, along with a better transmission.
The Series 2 cars did have a little drop in horsepower and torque, down to 245 or 246 as I recall, but I think all the numbers were probably a bit optimistic.
But anyway, sadly, even series 2 2 + 2 slushboxes are not cheap anymore, and I will probably never own an e-type.
Speaking also about the article, the author mentions the lower performance compared to the roadster and/or manual transmission.
This 2+2 is slower in a drag race, but 136mph top speed? I learned here from Barn Find the promotion roadsters sent to the automotive media went 150mph because of leMans engines, but production roadsters could make it to the 132mph.
It’s fast enough for me. The Porsche Panamerica looks similar today, and it looks good as does this XKE.
Looks nice all around, but I would prefer to see the underside without a coating of POR-15.
I’ll take it over the Audi up a few listings. The lack of rust is a GIANT PLUS! Parts are pricey but guys I knew that had them, took proper care and drove them frequently back in the 80s. The inboard rear discs were a marvel to play with. This car is stunning to say the least. You most definitely could not restore one for this price. This unit will have trouble fing a loving owner.
Looks beautiful. I imagine the automatic is a bit different of an experience, but still earthy and fun no doubt. Any old Jag coupe is special. If you’re looking to park some money in a hobby less expensive than gambling and cigarettes, with lots of upside potential:
Here you go.