INFO GUIDE: 1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1.5
- Description
- 1. Exterior features - Series 1.5 E-Type Jaguar
- 2. Interior features - Series 1.5 E-Type Jaguar
- 3. Interior colours - Series 1.5 E-Type Jaguar (XK-E)
- 4. Paint colours / codes - Series 1.5 E-Type Jaguar
- 5. Chassis number (car number) - Series 1.5 E-Type Jaguar
- 6. Body number - Series 1.5 E-Type Jaguar
- 7. Engine number - Series 1.5 E-Type Jaguar
- 8. Gearbox / transmission number - Series 1.5 E-Type Jaguar
- 9. Mechanical features - Series 1.5 E-Type Jaguar
- 10. Original documentation and advertisements: Series 1.5 E-Type Jaguar
- 11. References - Series 1.5 E-Type Jaguar (XK-E)
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Description
This guide has been written for the Series 1.5 E-Type (XK-E) Jaguar, referring specifically to the 1968 model year vehicles produced for the US and Canadian markets. With respect to right hand drive ("RHD") markets, we have undertaken a large survey of vehicles and concluded that RHD markets did not receive the Series 1.5 specification cars throughout the 1968 model year. Rather, RHD markets received a closer continuation of the Series 1, known unofficially as the Series 1.25 (essentially a Series 1 vehicle in every respect, with the exception of open headlights). If you're looking for information on the earlier Series 1 E-Type, follow this link to the Classic Register's Series 1 E-Type Jaguar ID-Guide.
Although not officially recognised as a distinct series by Jaguar, the Series 1.5 cars are unique as they contain certain features of both the Series 1 and Series 2 cars. The Series 1.5 name has therefore been broadly adopted to categorise these particular vehicles.
E-Type (XK-E) Series 1.5 period of manufacture and production numbers:
Approximately 5,621 vehicles were produced within the chassis number range for the Series 1.5 E-Type, all of which were built between August 1967 and July 1968 (The Series 2 was then produced from August 1968). The breakdown of production numbers has been outlined in the table below for each body type:
| Series 1.5 body style | Number built: |
| Roadster (LHD) | 2,479 |
| Fixed Head Coupe (LHD) | 1,565 |
| 2 + 2 Coupe (LHD) | 1,577 |
These production numbers have been taken from xkedata.com, and represent the series 1.5 out of a total of 72,507 E-Type’s produced across all series 1 - 3.
Please note, this guide has been written based on a variety of online sources and individual enthusiast input. You should not rely on this guide to make any purchasing decision and we make no representation that all information is accurate. You should always seek independent professional advice when looking to purchase a unique car. Please follow us on Facebook to support the production and continued improvement of these guides.
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- Available in 3 body styles:
- Roadster / Open Two Seater (OTS)
- Fixed Head Coupe (FHC)
- Fixed Head Coupe 2+2 (FHC 2+2)
- All Series 1.5s had uncovered headlights. These were the same design as applied to late Series 1 models (just prior to series 1.5). The Series 1.5 had a screw at the base of the front that holds down the trim. Series 2 headlights are slightly larger at 160mm (vs 143mm on the late Series 1 & 1.5 cars). The headlights on the Series 2 were also mounted further forward in the front hood, with a larger chrome bezel above/behind the lamp. See the close-up image for a comparison.
- As all Series 1.5 vehicles were fitted with the 4.2l engine, all cars had badging on the rear trunk lid reading "E-Type Jaguar 4.2".
- Indicators / parker lights were positioned above the bumpers front and back. US-spec cars had all-white front lenses, and all-red rear lenses. Most other markets (including any European-spec cars) had white/amber front lenses and red/amber rear lenses.
- 15 X 5 inch steel 72 spoke wire wheels. Series 1.5 cars had wingless hexagonal central knock-offs (changed due to safety regulations in the US). This style continued on later series cars. The new knock-off had 3 lobes around the nut, with "Jaguar" cast in the centre, and the direction of tightening indicated.
- Fitted with Dunlop 185 - 15 SP41 or 185 VR 15 Pirelli Cinturato radial ply tyres.
- Twin exhaust pipes exited the car centrally under the number plate. Original exhaust size was 1.75 inches (many have modified to a 2 inch system).
- OTS cars in Series 1.5 form had two roof bows (as opposed to the three bows in the Series 1).
- Small front grille/mouth (the same as Series 1). The design is smaller than later models, with a single chrome strip through the middle and small central Jaguar badge.
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The Series 1 E-Type Jaguar had the following interior features. As noted where applicable below, certain features and finishes are different depending on the model year.
- Dashboard rocker switches replaced the Series 1 toggle switches (to meet US safety regulations).
- Instrument gauges were all Smiths. In the main cluster behind the wheel was a 160mph speedometer and an RPM timer with clock at the base. US spec Series 1.5 cars had a 5500rpm redline marking, whilst non US spec cars had a 5000rpm redline marking (the same as the Series 1 4.2l cars).
- A revised order was applied to the central dashboard Smiths instruments for the US spec Series 1.5. Reading from left to right this included amperage, oil pressure, clock, water temp and fuel.
- As applied to the 4.2l Series 1 cars, all Series 1.5 cars had a black vinyl textured finish applied to the central dashboard and a leather covered central console (trimmed in the same colour as the seats).
- Fitted with bucket seats with square back support, and no head rest (same as 4.2 Series 1 cars). These were trimmed with 6 parallel pleats in the centre of the squab and back, and had distinctly more broader, flat backrests than the early Series 1 3.8l cars. The sides and backs of these seats were trimmed in vinyl or moquette, and the seat backs were adjustable on the Series 1.5.
- Steering wheel had brushed aluminium spokes (as opposed to polished spokes on Series 1). The central boss of steering wheel has the standard E-Type badge, however, the ring around the horn push is black on US-spec cars, but retained the chrome ring on non-US spec cars.
- Door cards were revised for the Series 1.5 cars. The handle was integrated within the lower door panel pocket, a redesigned window crank was applied and the arm rest removed.
- Interior trim colours available on the Series 1.5 have been summarised in the next section of this guide.
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The following interior colours (and their associated paint colour) were available on the 1968 Series 1.5 Jaguar.
These colours have been cross-referenced against several sources, however, there may be exceptions. If any readers have additional information (including original colour charts), please get in contact with us so we can improve this section. Examples of each interior colour listed below have been provided in the images.
| Paint colour | Available interior colours |
| Beige | Red, Tan, Light Tan (biscuit), Suede Green |
| Black | Red, Grey, Tan, Light Tan (biscuit) |
| British Racing Green | Beige, Tan, Light Tan (biscuit), Suede Green |
| Carmen Red | Red, Black, Beige |
| Cream | Black |
| Dark Blue | Red, Grey, Light Blue |
| Golden Sand | Red, Light Tan (biscuit) |
| Opalescent Silver-Blue | Dark Blue, Grey |
| Opalescent Silver-Grey | Red, Grey, Light Blue, Dark Blue |
| Opalescent Maroon | Beige, Maroon |
| Pale Primrose | Black, Beige |
| Sable Brown | Black |
| Warwick Grey | Red, Dark Blue, Light Tan (biscuit) |
| Willow Green | Grey, Beige, Suede Green, Light Tan (biscuit) |
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A full list of paint colours and codes for the Series 1.5 is provided in the table below. This list has been cross-checked against many sources, however, exceptions may still exist.
The Jaguar code (if available), and the equivalent Ditzler/Dupont codes are provided, and examples of each colour have been labelled in the images.
| Paint colour | Jaguar paint code | PPG / Ditzler code | Dupont code |
| Beige | (TBC) | 23050 | 8322L |
| Black | 9000 (PPG) | 9000 | 99L |
| British Racing Green | 602 | 43907 | 8542L |
| Carmen Red | 303 | 70824 | 8311LH |
| Cream | 2335A | 8157 | 8313L |
| Dark Blue | 529 | 13141 | 8320L |
| Golden Sand | 802 | 22346 | 8318L |
| Opalescent Silver-Blue | 7410S | 12594 | 8316L |
| Opalescent Silver-Grey | 31627 (PPG) | 31627 | 8315L |
| Opalescent Maroon | 7421A | 50629 | 8317LH |
| Pale Primrose | 104 | 81499 | 8319L |
| Warwick Grey * | 703 | 32522 | 8321L |
| Willow Green | 603 | 43742 | 8323L |
*Note: Although several sources confirm Warwick Grey was available on the Series 1.5, we have not sighted a car in this colour. If any readers have an example, please send in an image so we can improve this section.
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Car number (chassis number) format:
The Series 1.5 cars had a 6 digit Car Number within the ranges identified in the table below, differing based on the body style of the car. Note that the numbering prefix format "1E" was carried over from the Series 1, 4.2 cars (officially, the Series 1.5 was not considered a distinct series by Jaguar).
| Body type | Car number range |
| Open Two Seater (LHD) | 1E15889 - 1E18368 |
| Fixed Head Coupe (LHD) | 1E34250 - 1E35815 |
| 2+2 Fixed Head Coupe (LHD) | 1E77645 - 1E79222 |
Source: xkedata.com
Car Number Location:
The car number can be found in two locations (noting that we've anonymised the end of each number for privacy):
1. Stamped into the vehicle's data plate, which sits on the right hand side of the engine bay, below the fuel bowl/filter.
2. Stamped into the top of the square box frame next to the right front wheel (the cross member above the hydraulic shock absorber mounting).
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Body numbers can also assist in identifying a Series 1.5 E-type. The Series 1.5 inherited the same rules as applied to the late Series 1 (4.2l) cars in terms of body number format. Unfortunately, however, we have not been able to confirm the specific range of body numbers that were applied to the Series 1.5 cars. Nonetheless, the body number format for the Series 1.5 should conform to the below rules:
| Body style | Body number format |
| Open two seater | 4E followed by a 4-digit body number (starting at 1001) |
| Fixed head coupe | 4E followed by a 5-digit body number (starting at 20001) |
| 2+2 fixed head coupe | 4E followed by a 5-digit body number (starting at 50001) |
Body number location:
The body number can be found in several locations (each is further described in the images):
1. Stamped into the vehicle's data plate.
2. Embossed on a small plate/tag riveted into the body. On a Series 1.5, this is usually located on the panel behind the rear licence plate. The number will be stamped into a small plate riveted to the body.
3. Stamped into the bonnet of the car, on the forward support brace.
4. Hand written in multiple locations: This may include the rear hatch (behind the trim), right or left front firewall, top of picture frame (above the fan), behind the instrument cluster and underside of the dash-pad. There may be additional locations, as this was simply a number written on parts to assist in allocating them to the correct body.
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Engine & Transmission Number
The engine number applied to the E-Type Jaguar Series 1.5 carried over the same number format from the Series 1 4.2l cars, as outlined below:
- FHC and OTS: The engine number will be prefixed by "7E", followed by a 4-digit number beginning 1001.
- 2+2 FHC: The engine number will be prefixed by "7E", followed by a 5-digit number beginning 50001.
Location of engine number:
The engine number will be stamped in the following locations (see images for a better description):
- On the vehicle's data plate;
- Front-end of the cylinder head;
- Right-hand side of the engine block, just above the flange where the oil filter connects.
The engine capacity is also cast into the side of the engine block, along with the engine casting date, as shown in the images.
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The transmission number for a Series 1.5 E-type will depend on the vehicle body style and the transmission type (auto/manual) as outlined below:
OTS and FHC (available in manual transmission only):
- EJ, followed by a 5-digit number (close ratio gearbox)
- EE, followed by a 4-digit number.
- KE, followed by a 3 or 4 digit number.
2 + 2 FHC:
Manual transmission: EJS, followed by a 5-digit number (close ratio gearbox).
Automatic transmission: 5-digit number beginning with 2.
Transmission number location (See images for examples):
1. Stamped into the vehicle chassis plate.
2. Stamped into the gearbox casing in two locations.
- Stamped into the top of the transmission (on the aluminium gearbox cover flange edge).
- Stamped into the side of the gearbox body on a small square block (top edge - right hand side of vehicle).
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- 4.2l litre 6-cylinder DOHC engine (US-spec producing 245hp, Non-US spec producing 265hp).
- Non-US models came with three 2” SU carburettors. US models were fitted with emission control twin Zenith Stromberg 175 CD2SE carburettors in place of the SUs, resulting in the power drop from 265 - 245hp.
- 4 speed all synchromesh manual transmission, or 3-speed automatic transmission (auto transmission only available as an option on the 2 + 2 fixed head coupe).
- US spec diff ratio was revised to 3.54. Non-US cars had a 3.07 diff ratio.
- On US cars, the cam covers were ribbed and painted black, with the top edge of the ribbing having a brushed aluminium finish. The US covers are beveled at the rear to allow for clearance of the aluminium cross-over duct.
- On non-US models, non-ribbed polished aluminium valve covers were retained up to engine number 7E16115 (for OTS and FHC) and up to engine number 7E54313 (for the 2+2 FHC). From engine number 7E16116 (OTS and FHC) and from engine number 7E54314 (2+2 FHC), ribbed valve covers were applied, painted black with a brushed aluminium finish on the ribbing.
- The first 106 LHD cars assigned to outside of the US also came with the polished aluminium valve covers (as opposed to the ribbed design). some of these are presumed to have been imported to the Canadian market, among others.
- On US spec models fitted with twin Stromberg carburettors, a polished cast aluminium crossover duct was introduced on the Series 1.5, which connects to the rear exhaust manifold. This was designed to heat the fuel mixture.
- Natural aluminium coloured head (i.e., not painted gold like Series 1 cars).
- Dual fan radiator was introduced on all series 1.5 cars, with a crinkle black radiator shroud and foam surround.
- Rack & pinion steering and all independent suspension.
- Four wheel power assisted disc brakes (rear disc brakes being inboard).
- Original tyres were 185VR15 Dunlop SP Sport.
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We have started collecting several examples of original brochures / advertisements for the Series 1 E-Type / XK-E, and the intention is to display these here for historical purposes.
If anyone has copies of early documentation, such as brochures, advertisements or specification sheets, please contact us so we can display the information.
Please note, all documentation placed here is not owned by Classic Register, and is for historical reference and educational purposes only. Upon request from any original copyright owner, the material will be removed.
The following sources, among input from many owners and enthusiasts, have contributed to the creation of this page. If you have any further information you believe can be added, please let us know by contacting us or commenting at the base of this page.
https://www.jaguarheritage.com
http://www.uniquecarsandparts.com.au/
Crespin, C. (2007). Jaguar E-Type: The Essential Buyer's Guide, Veloce publishing.