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Jaguar E-Type Page for Barry & Joy Cooper
 

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We purchased the 1968 Series 1½ 4.2 Litre Fixed Head Coupe in 1991 at Beaudesert near Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.  There weren't many E-Types to choose from at that time and this was what seemed to be the best of a bad lot.  Maybe it was, but it wasn't good, having been bodged in all the usual ways, particularly the body with flattened tin cans and tar paper repairs on the floors.  According to the Heritage Certificate, this E-Type was completed on 5th July 1968 and delivered to a dealer "Ashton Preston" in England.  Much to my surprise and delight I received an email in July 2021 from the second owner who was able to name the original and third owners. We now know that the original owner was Mike Cornall, a dentist.  Ian Levy, also a (newly graduated) dentist purchased the car from Stadium Garage in Ashton-under-Lyne UK in early 1971 for £2100 plus £100 to replace the clutch.  Ian sold the car to Keith Hurst in 1973-74.  When and why it came to Australia is unknown but we have been told that it was owned on the Queensland Gold Coast for many years.  There was a Southport Jaguar service sticker on it when we bought it but they were unable to help.  We would love to hear from anyone who can fill in more of the history and can be contacted through the 'Contact' link above.

 

In 1995, following an off-road excursion (due to two blown tyres within 50 kilometres, caused by age related delamination) we undertook a complete rebuild and had the car back on the road in 1998.  A brief photo record of the rebuild can be accessed here.

 

I use the term Series 1½ as that is now in common usage.  Jaguar themselves did not use the term and referred to all 4.2 E-Types up to the Series 2 as either Series 1 or 4.2.  Our particular car has the later Series 2 cooling system but has the old style toggle switches on the dashboard.  Of course, the headlights are uncovered but the headlights have not been moved up and forward as they are in the Series 2.

 

We have used the E-Type on a number of long trips where it performs well.  The only drawback is the warm cabin temperatures, particularly in summer.  We have also entered a few Concours d'Elegances at both National and State levels.  We were awarded "Best E-Type" at the Jaguar Drivers Club of Queensland 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 Display Days and achieved a Gold Award in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

 

At the Jaguar National Rally 2010 held at the Gold Coast we were awarded Gold in the Concours d'Elegance,  the Lofty England Sports Trophy, ACJC Best in Class,  and the Jaguar Cars Aggregate Trophy for best combined d'Elegance and Sporting results.

 
Jaguar E-Type Rebuild JDCQ 2009 Display Day National Rally 2010