1970 Jaguar E-Type FHC (Series 2) |

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1970 Jaguar E-Type FHC (Series 2)

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Sold Price

£61,367

Mileage~61,288 on clock
Transmission4-Speed Manual
Engine4.2-litre
LocationKenilworth, Warwickshire

SOLD

1970 Jaguar E-Type FHC (Series 2)

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Editor and Photographer

A 1960s icon, the E-Type is also one of the world's most beautiful cars and this Series 2 is no exception, as it's arguably one of the best examples on the market today.

Released in 1961, the E-Type evolved to improve comfort, usability and practicality, culminating in the launch of the Series 2 models in 1968. With a larger front grille to increase cooling, improved lighting and revised seats, the S2 is often considered a sweet spot for those seeking the design purity of the original, without the heavier look of the later cars.

This superbly presented 1970 Series 2 Fixed Head Coupé has recently emerged from a meticulous restoration, and we consider it among the finest S2 examples of its kind we’ve seen. Originally an imported car, it has benefitted from over £40k of investment since arriving in the UK. Adding further distinction, the restoration was carried out by Paul Bridges of Heritage Classics. Paul is widely regarded as one of the UK’s foremost E-Type specialists, with a reputation for meticulous craftsmanship and authenticity, Paul’s work is highly respected in Jaguar circles and he's won prestigious awards including entries at Salon Privé Concours - this particular car stands as a testament to that expertise and also recently won Best Sportscar at the Jaguar Drivers Club Midland Concours (see trophy image in media).

Finished in classic British Racing Green over Suede Green leather, it has been comprehensively rebuilt with the engine and gearbox restored, the body fully renovated, and the cabin retrimmed as part of a right-hand drive conversion. The work has been carried out to show standard, with careful attention paid to authenticity and accuracy, using as many original parts as possible.

Accompanied by a Jaguar Heritage Certificate, 12 months MOT and Paul's own 6 month warranty, this is an E-Type restored to a level that will appeal to both collectors and drivers alike.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Paul the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

The E-Type is sensational to look at and an absolute joy to drive.

Paul is a former Jaguar Land Rover senior engineer who, since taking early retirement, has run his own business, Heritage Classics. He sourced this solid project from Canada and, over the course of two years, entrusted the car to a number of recognised specialists to bring it up to his exacting standards.

Now being sold to make room for ongoing projects, this represents an excellent opportunity for anyone seeking a recently restored, show-standard E-Type. Importantly, it has been built to be enjoyed on the road as well as admired, and will no doubt provide its next owner with huge satisfaction.

Paul actively encourages prospective buyers to visit, inspect, and (fully insured) test-drive the car. A workshop lift is available for detailed underside viewing, and Paul is keen for buyers to experience first-hand what he describes as a true drivers; car, and a lot of fun.

Paul will also be happy to answer any questions in the comments section below.

Paul

Vehicle Owner

Paul saved £10,980* when they
sold their Jaguar with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

A recent restoration, this car has been finished to an exceptional standard.

Wheels and Tyres

The 15" wire wheels are new with stainless spokes.

The front and rear of the car is fitted with a matched set of Vredestein Sprint Classic tyres, showing a spec of 185/HR/15. They are date-coded from 2017, showing even tread and have plenty of life left in them.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior of the E-Type and a closer look at the wheels and tyres to make your own assessment of their condition.

Bodywork

The exterior condition is excellent; the panels are flush to the body and free of any signs of age or damage. The panel gaps are visually even, the doors open and close without issue, although the passenger doors require some effort to close properly due to the new rubber seals.

The underside condition follows the same positive verdict; front frame, engine bay, floor pan and wheel wells of the car are in excellent condition, with no signs of age on any of the structure, components or finish.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The 'British Racing Green' paint finish is beautiful, with no notable marks, blemishes or any evidence of uneven coverage. It has an excellent lustre and a deep shine.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The windscreen is new, so in excellent condition.

There are mild marks noted on the passenger side door glass, but all have good seals.

The trim and rubber seals are smartly presented, with minor signs of age on some of the chrome, but only noticeable upon close inspection.

The bumpers are flush to the body and in excellent re-chromed condition.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Lavishly renewed, the interior strikes a perfect balance of tasteful originality.

Seats and Carpets

The 'Suede Green' leather seats are in excellent shape as they are newly rebuilt and retrimmed - these were refurbished by renowned experts GB Trim of Nuneaton and look fantastic.

The carpets are new with no issues.

The car retains its original Jaguar logo seatbelts.

Dashboard

The dashboard is neatly presented, with a spotless facia and dashtop, and a newly retrimmed centre console. All centre panel gauges have been rebuilt, though the clock is currently non-functional.

The radio operates perfectly; however, with its internal electronic aerial, AM/LW reception is limited.

The cabin trim, door cards, fittings, and headliner are all in excellent condition, being entirely new. The headliner and Webasto sunroof have been replaced, featuring a colour-coordinated, weatherproof top.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear lever complete an impessive presentation of the cabin.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Smooth and powerful, the E-Type retains its reputation for comfortable cruising.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine started immediately, with no hesitation or unusual noises, and all dashboard warning lights remained off. The car idled smoothly with no excessive exhaust fumes.

The fully rebuilt engine is beautifully presented, with significant attention to detail to maintain original accuracy, right down to the neatly arranged plug wires and Champion plug caps.

The car is fitted with an electronic fuel pump, new oil pump, new SU carburettors, and a new alternator drive belt. The overhauled cooling system includes a reconditioned radiator and water pump, and for total reliability, it also features a 123 electronic distributor, new alternator, and battery.

The reconditioned gearbox operates smoothly, providing precise and positive gear changes, while the new clutch assembly functions flawlessly.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension dealt with the road conditions without fault, free of bangs or knocks. Their physical condition is positive, having seen new gaitors, bushes and lower ball joints. The hubs and UJs have also been reconditioned.

The car brakes confidently, with no wobbles or vibrations. Of course this is due to the braking system having been overhauled, with a new master cylinder, servo, brake lines and front discs and pads.

The Drive

This Jaguar’s detailed mechanical restoration showcases the smooth, torquey 4.2-litre inline-six engine and refined grand touring manners. True to its heritage, it delivers comfort and composure with an engaging edge, combining stability with plenty of verve.

We joined Paul for a comprehensive drive across dual carriageways and town roads around Warwickshire, where the car impressed throughout. It warmed up cleanly, the engine reaching temperature without issue, and pulled strongly and smoothly, free of any unwanted mechanical noise. The stainless steel exhaust note adds to the occasion, with a delightful crackle on the overrun.

On the move, the Jaguar felt competent and sure-footed, composed both on straights and through corners. Steering is precise, the cabin feels tight and remarkably well insulated, and no adverse noises were noted from the wheels or suspension. The gearbox operated as it should, downshifting without resistance, while braking and acceleration remained straight and true.

The car is fitted with its original differential which, including its cage and mounts, appears to have been rebuilt before Paul received the car.

Oil pressure was consistent during the drive, and engine temperature remained stable. Paul reports no issues with general reliability since the restoration and has completed over 200 miles on shakedown tests so far.

Importantly, we observed no fluid leaks during our inspection.

Electrics and Other

The car has had a full nut-and-bolt restoration and as mentioned has covered in excess of 200 shakedown miles before sale with a full MOT.

It comes complete with a Heritage Classics 125 point health check sign off document and a contract of sale defining the Heritage Classics Warranty terms and authenticity statements.

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History and Paperwork

Restored by Heritage Classics together with several respected specialists helping complete the car - over £40K has been spent on its restoration.

The car was built in January 1970 and originally finished in 'Regency Red'. It eventually made its way to Canada, where it was owned from the early 1980s by Mike Rutherford of Montreal. Paul purchased the car directly from his family's estate in 2022 as a partially restored example with a reported 61,000 miles from new.

A folder containing 150+ original invoices from Mike’s ownership, dating back to the mid-1980s, is available to view in full upon request.

The bodyshell was restored, including the underside and under-bonnet areas, and Paul elected to refinish the exterior in the same colour scheme. Finishing touches to the bodyshell were carried out by Vintage Machines, while Dynamic Classics repainted the entire exterior and cabin. The interior and Webasto roof restoration were completed by GB Trim of Nuneaton. The engine block was overhauled by Chesman Engineering in Coventry and rebuilt by Motion Technical Services.

Thanks to this comprehensive restoration, the car presents exceptionally well at shows and competitions. It was awarded 'Best Sports Car' at the Jaguar Drivers Club Midland Concours in August, and the trophy remains with the car.

The car is matching numbers, with its original engine, gearbox, driveline, and frame chassis stamp, and includes the original data plate. It comes with its Heritage Certificate, a current V5, and an MOT valid until September 2026.

Please take the time to read the three-page Heritage Classics Health Check document. This examines the car’s cosmetic and dynamic features in detail, covering the restoration process, preferred vendors, and provides a red/amber/green rating for each section to give prospective buyers confidence.

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From Trade Classics:

This car is being offered at auction on behalf of a trade seller, and standard auction rules apply - there is no return policy, and all bids are binding as set out in our Terms and Conditions.

On this occasion, the car is available with an optional comprehensive 6-month warranty provided by Heritage Classics. This warranty covers new mechanical failures during the period, but it is subject to a pre-sale inspection to confirm agreement on the car’s condition. Please note that the warranty cannot be finalised until after 8 October due to other commitments. Further information can be obtained upon request prior to bidding.

We’ve carried out our usual seller checks, including verifying photo ID, the V5C, and an HPI check. This confirms the car has not been stolen, written off, or has any outstanding finance. Please note: This check does not include mileage verification.

We’ve summarised the car based on the seller’s information above. As always, we go to great lengths to photograph and film the car in high-resolution detail so you can make your own informed assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So grab a cuppa, relax, and enjoy reviewing everything in this listing.

Viewings are welcome for all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a time - we just need to speak with you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

If there’s anything you’re unsure about, no matter how small, please ask the owner in the comments section below before placing your bids, as bids cannot be retracted and form a binding contract if you win - just like in a traditional auction house.