2026-06-05 14:06:19 | pauls writes:

Car on BaT

bringatrailer.com/listing/1968-jaguar-e-type-series-1-5-roadster-8/

Auction description:

42-Years-Owned 1968 Jaguar XKE Series 1.5 4.2 Roadster 5-Speed

Seller: CompassRacing

Location: Vista, California 92081

Chassis: 1E16205

79k Miles Shown, TMU

4.2-Liter Inline-Six

Five-Speed Manual Transmission

Limited-Slip Differential

Silver Grey Metallic Paint

Red Soft Top

Red Leather Upholstery

15" Knock-Off Wire Wheels

Wilwood Front Disc Brakes

Wood-Rimmed Nardi Steering Wheel

Dual SU Carburetors

Stainless-Steel Exhaust System

Jaguar Heritage Trust Certificate

Private Party or Dealer: Private Party

Lot #247305

This 1968 Jaguar XKE Series II roadster was acquired by the current owner in 1984 and subsequently underwent a multi-year refurbishment from 2008 to 2016. Work involved a color change to Silver Grey Metallic, the addition of a red soft top and interior upholstery, an engine rebuild, and the installation of a Tremec five-speed manual transmission. The 4.2-liter inline-six is fitted with dual SU carburetors as well as a stainless-steel exhaust system, and further equipment includes a Nardi steering wheel, a limited-slip differential, Wilwood front disc brakes, and 15″ wire wheels. This XKE Series 1.5 roadster is now offered by Compass Racing—a BaT Local Partner—on behalf of the owner with a Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate, refurbishment records, spare parts, and a clean California title.

This example left the factory finished in Primrose Yellow and was stripped to bare metal before being repainted in Silver Grey Metallic (JA011) in 2014, according to the seller. The exterior brightwork was rechromed at the time of the repaint, and the bonnet was refinished in preparation for the sale. Further details include a louvered clamshell hood, a driver-side mirror, and wraparound bumpers with tubular guards.

The 15″ wire wheels are secured by two-eared knock-offs and are mounted with 205/65 Michelin Defender tires. Braking is provided by four-wheel discs with inboard-mounted rear rotors. The brake hydraulics were refurbished and the wheels were replaced in 2015, Wilwood front disc brakes were installed in 2016, and a replacement steering rack was fitted in 2021. Work since December 2025 has involved replacing the rear calipers and servicing the brakes and well as changing the left rear wheel bearings and replacing two of the wheel knock-offs.

Refreshed circa 2008, the cabin houses bucket seats upholstered in red leather accompanied by a color-coordinated center console, door panels, and Wilton Wool carpets. The convertible top frame of this car was powdercoated and fitted with a replacement vinyl top at the time of the interior work. Further interior appointments include an AM/FM radio, a heater, a sliding rear-view mirror, and a locking glovebox. Work since December 2025 is noted to have involved replacing the boot cover and lining along with painting portions of the console.

The wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel frames frames a Smiths 160-mph speedometer and 6k-rpm tachometer, while auxiliary gauges for coolant temperature, oil pressure, fuel level, and amperage are located in the center of the dashboard along with a clock. The speedometer and tachometer were removed and repaired in May 2007, and the latter was repaired again in July 2021 and December 2025. The five-digit odometer now shows 79k miles, approximately 13k of which were added under current ownership. True mileage is unknown.

The 4.2-liter inline-six was factory equipped with dual Zenith-Stromberg carburetors and rated at 246 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque when new. Work under current ownership has involved the following:

June 2008 – Added aluminum radiator with dual cooling fans

Feb 2012 – Boiled, cleaned, and resealed fuel tank

June 2012 – Installed stainless-steel exhaust system

August 2012 – Jet-Hot coated the exhaust manifold, performed a valve job, and replaced the timing chain, tensioner, pistons, rings, and rod bearings

June 2014 – Repaired oil pan and replaced water pump

November 2015 – Dismantled engine, modified crankshaft, resealed engine

March 2016 – Started engine wiring harness installation

February 2017 – Reassembled engine and reinstalled accessories

January 2018 – Completed engine wiring harness

May 2019 – Fitted carburetors with adjustable jets

July 2021 – Replaced ignition switch

December 2025 – Serviced cooling system

February 2026 – Replaced camshaft O-rings and oil-line, valve cover, and intake crossover gaskets

The car left the factory fitted with a four-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. A JT5 five-speed manual transmission was fitted in September 2014 before a Tremec unit was installed in March 2016. The clutch fork, shaft, and bearing were replaced at the time along with the pressure plate and transmission mounts. The clutch was serviced in April 2025, and the clutch master cylinder was replaced in February 2026.

A copy of an August 2025–issued Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate notes a November 3, 1967, date of manufacture as well as factory identification numbers and colors.

Chassis number 1E16205 is listed as the VIN on the current California title prepended by the prefix “J68,” which appears on a tag stamped to the body.