The Jaguar E-Type would surely end up on every enthusiast's list of most beautiful cars ever made, and its combination of sinful good looks and remarkably accessible performance mean that it has rightfully earned a spot as one of the most highly-sought sports cars of all time. In 1961, there was simply nothing else like it on the road, and in 2015, that remains just as true. If you're a serious collector, a car like this 1969 Jaguar XKE open two-seater belongs in your stable for every good reason: beauty, performance, accessibility, and investment. With just 20,724 miles, this California-bred E-Type is perhaps the most remarkably preserved Series II in existence, with a list of replacement parts that can be counted on just one hand. If an E-Type is to be considered an investment, this roadster's glorious patina is sure to resonate with sophisticated collectors.

Sold new in San Diego and spending the better part of the next four decades there, this XKE has always been treated as something special. It was repainted several years ago, but it was a sympathetic job that used single-stage paint to more accurately replicate the original lacquer finish, which by then had started to fade. The car was not disassembled because it simply wasn't necessary, and there are plenty of areas in the door jambs, under the hood, and the tail panel that still wear factory-applied Sable Brown paint. The color match was exact and the masking marks are virtually invisible, and had I not just told you that this car had been repainted, it would take an expert to discover it. The bodywork underneath, of course, is completely untouched and unmarred by accident or corrosion, with doors that fit better than any E-Type we've seen, a bonnet that latches without struggles, and a trunk that fits so neatly that it pops open with a gentle touch. Given all the repaired, rebodied, and just plain patched-together E-Types flooding the market today, this one demands your attention simply because it is completely unmolested in every way that matters.

During its recent and very comprehensive freshening at the hands of one of the area's most skilled craftsmen, a few aged bits of weather-stripping were replaced, but any parts that could still be used remain on the car and the original components are included to show just what was replaced. A few pieces of door weather-stripping are new, the rear bumper to body seals were replaced, and the headlight gaskets are fresh, but otherwise the car remains as it was built in October of 1968. While the chrome was off the car, the back sides were cleaned and protected and a new motif bar was installed in the grille opening, but again, the original part is included. Note that the emblem in the center of the bar is original and all the remaining chrome dates to 1968 without any major blemishes or waves. All the lamps, including the Lucas sealed-beam headlight bulbs, are original to the car and fully functional.

The black leather interior is likewise beautifully preserved, including original carpets, door panels, and dash pad, all pieces that tend to wear out regardless of how carefully they're treated. You may note that the driver's side lower seat cushion has been replaced, but it is barely noticeable (the contrast is more drastic in photographs than in person) and the original cover is included with the car. Apparently during storage, someone placed a cardboard box on the seat, and the side-effect was to wick moisture out of the leather, so it was a little more dry and stiff than the rest of the hides. It has been properly treated and is currently sealed in a plastic bag with conditioner already applied, and in time it should be ready to be reinstalled, as it is not split, torn, or heavily worn. The Smiths gauges are bright, clear, and fully functional, the clock keeps time, and even the Phillips AM/FM/shortwave radio is operational. Series II cars replaced the fragile and trouble-prone toggle switches with more robust rocker switches, and all of these function as they should with a crisp click and positive engagement. The wood-rimmed steering wheel is a Moto-Lita reproduction piece (Moto-Lita was the original supplier, by the way), but the original wheel is included. At some point, the car was fitted with an aftermarket stereo system and cellular phone system, so the center console lid and vinyl hordura behind the seats were replaced simply because the originals were cut (they, too, are included with the car). The convertible top was replaced with a correct reproduction unit in 1990 and it latches without a struggle and has a crystal clear rear window with no cracks or cloudiness. The top boot is original to the car and fits well. The trunk is outfitted with its original mat and underneath you'll find one of the car's many delightful treasures: the original spare tire assembly, with a chrome wire wheel still covered in factory-applied Cosmoline and a 1969-vintage Dunlop Sport SP tire that has never been on the ground. The factory tool bag with jack, spanner, and brass hammer is part of the package, too.

The E-Types were an evolution, but the Series II is the one to own if you are serious about driving your cars. Numerous upgrades make them far more user-friendly than the earlier cars, beginning with the larger 4.2 liter DOHC inline-six powerplant, whose fat torque curve is ideal for today's driving needs. Fitted with twin SU carburetors instead of the former three, it's far easier to tune and remains in tune longer, making this Series II Jaguar an excellent candidate for driving events where reliability is critical. The engine bay is highly authentic and while we may be accustomed to polished aluminum and flawless engine enamel, this car proves that isn't how they were delivered from the factory. It is clean, tidy, and completely functional thanks to an intensive major service, but with so few miles, no components required replacement. Of course, it goes without saying that this is the original, matching-numbers engine (serial number 7R 2035-9), but you will also note details like the carburetor paint seals are original, the wiring is authentic, and all of the hoses and clamps are those that were installed in Coventry. The T-fitting for the carburetors and the fan belt were replaced (the original fan belt accompanies the car), but otherwise nothing else was removed or replaced. Even the impossible-to-replicate Champion spark plug wires remain on the engine and the fan motor shields are still in place. Yes, there are signs of age, but aside from straightening and painting the splash pans, finishes were left as they were in the interest of preservation rather than restoration, and I think you'll agree this was the right choice.

The chassis is completely authentic and reflects its California background with zero signs of trouble under the surface. You'll note that the suspension has been cleaned and protected in a way that retains a correct cadmium-plated look, the brakes feature OEM rotors that are virtually impossible to obtain today, and the entire fuel system has been flushed and made ready to drive. All the fluids were recently changed and everything adjusted to spec, so it performs beautifully on the road. At some point in the past a replacement muffler was welded into the original exhaust system, and it remains in place today with a correct Jaguar soundtrack that is thrilling to hear at speed but little more than a soft purr at idle. The suspension remains supple yet athletic and still carries its original front shock absorbers, although the rears have been replaced. The ball joint and tie rod gaiters were replaced and the entire chassis was lubricated so it's completely ready to go. The wire wheels and 205/70/15 Pirelli P400 radials on the car are brand new, but the sale includes the original chrome wire wheels and factory-issue Dunlop SP radials with at least 50% tread remaining—use them for show but please don't drive on them!

Documentation includes a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate verifying the car's critical components and history. The car is titled as a 1970 because that’s when it was sold, but the Heritage Certificate proves that it is a 1969 model built on October 22, 1968. Also comes with an original Owner's Manual.

A-list Jaguars are appreciating faster than price guides can be printed, and each auction makes the top price paid at the previous one seem like a bargain. This car is quite likely the most well-preserved Series II E-Type available, and while it is expensive today, we're quite certain that it will prove to be a wise investment in the near future. We invite appropriate offers that take into account all these special factors, because this car deserves a place in the collection of a Jaguar fan who appreciates the cars as they truly were.