1969 Jaguar XKE 2+2 Coupe
When the Ferrari FF was introduced in 2011, it was met with mixed reviews. A Grand Touring car with four seats was a departure for the sports car company and while some dubbed it's odd, shooting brake shape as "the most beautiful super car of 2011," others criticized it for sullying Ferrari purity. What does this have to do with the Jaguar 2+2? In the same way the Ferrari became a lightning rod of the purity debate, the 2+2 E-types suffer the same fate. And just as FF's have a loyal and ardent fan base, so too do the Jaguar 2+2's!
For consignment, a 1969 Jaguar XKE 2+2 coupe, midway through a restoration and spent some time in dry Arizona along the way. Here's one you can drive and take the kids, and a decent amount of luggage or picnic baskets as well.
Exterior
Striking Carmen Red covers our car cleanly and accentuated by metal trim that includes the pursed grille, headlight cove trim and rings, the chrome bumpers, window frame, and a spear that extends from the A-pillar to just beyond the B-pillar, broken only by the door seam. The curved windshield is decidedly upright and starts the greenhouse that is completed with large side windows over a narrow body and a generous rear window on the side hinged hatch. The C-pillar height on the 2+2 is taller, allowing headroom for occupants of the smaller, rear seats. Ah, but that nose, classic E-type elongation, power bulge, gently curved fender tops, louvered hood, inset headlights over a wrap-around grin, retaining all of the enduring beauty that consistently puts XKE's on lists of the most beautiful cars ever produced. Chrome wire wheels are the real deal here and could use some dedicated detailing to bring out their true beauty and may require rechroming of one center hub. Other imperfections on this cat include sizable paint chips on the hood, a number of scratches, rust on the rocker panel, evidence of filler in the door jamb along with evidence of filler repair in the driver's rocker.
Interior
Simple tan leather door panels greet occupants and show some separation of the door card on the driver's side and where the leather wraps the door actuator depression on the passenger side. The wide leather clad door sills could use some cleaning but are in otherwise good condition. Stitched leather bucket seats are inviting and tall, with curved backs and flat bottoms, the driver's side showing a touch of wear on the entry point. Small low rear seats mirror the pattern and look virtually untouched. The beautiful wood rimmed steering wheel would benefit from restoration and the cockpit-like dash panel has wonderful rows of gauges and toggle switches while the primary gauges for the driver are large and clear. An AM radio sits just ahead of the leather knobbed shifter in a black leather boot on the tan leather center console that's topped with an armrest and bordering the robust chrome parking brake lever. The thick pile tan carpet is soiled on the driver's side but is luxurious and clean on the passenger's footwell. In the hatch, the floor and walls are lined in fine, tan leather and the storage surface is dressed in aluminum slats that continue on the back of the movable rear seat.
Drivetrain
Pulling the hood up from the cowl after releasing from inside the cabin reveals the driver quality 4.2-liter DOHC inline 6 cylinder rated at 245 horsepower and fueled by two rebuilt SU carburetors. A 4-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels and 3.54 gears while disc brakes are found front and rear.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath although the stainless steel mufflers and chrome tips provide glimmering tidbits of cleanliness for the dual exhaust. Surface rust is mostly reserved for the front cradle and a build up of grease is observed on the wheel and suspension components. Oil is noted on the rear differential, oil pan, and transmission pan, and we note areas of overspray. A bit of invasive and flaking rust is seen on a belly pan near a body mount and seems to be isolated in this area. Torsion bar suspension is provided up front while coil overs are equipped on the rear independent suspension.
Drive-Ability
The inline six purrs to life and we look out over the long nose and point it to the ramp to our test route. The car feels and sounds wonderful and has noticeable power on tap. The brakes and other important features all seem to work and our report notes the rear tail lights and brake lights are not working and the heater blower is not functioning.
Among the most revered classics, Jaguar E-types have enjoyed an enthusiastic following and active club participation throughout the world. 2+2's have seen an increase in interest as perhaps more attainable members of XKE family, providing all of the classic parts of the marque and adding an intriguing twist in body lines and interior capacity.
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