1970 Jaguar E Type Coupe

The car was reportedly originally delivered to a Joan Wentz who in turn sold it to William Brognia of Middletown PA. It was Bill (William) that commenced and completed the car's Restoration over a six year period. Bill was at the time reportedly a talented Machinist and hence completed much of the work on the car in his own facility. A complete book of records from this period of restorations comes with the car. A grainy picture from the 90's of Bill and his restored, treasured E Type can be found at the bottom of this page.

-----------------------

I had an opportunity to speak with Mike Lempert one of the car's past owners (1999-2004) about the car and it's condition. He had sourced the car at an auction in Atlantic City directly from a dealer that had owned the car for a very short period, having purchased it from the wife of the deceased owner.  

Mike originally a NJ resident in 2001 moved his family to South Carolina and the Jaguar came with them where it fell into a period of disuse so Mike decided to let it go. 

Here is a synopsis of the advert for the Jaguar back in 2004.  

Beautiful 1970 Jaguar S2 E-Type Fixed Head Coupe. This car received  comprehensive six year Nut & Bolt restoration, ending in 1992. Since then it has traveled minimal miles - mostly fair weather pleasure drives and car shows. Miles since restoration are approximately 9k.

The car is stunningly beautiful, catching looks wherever it travels. It is powered by a large 4.2 litre in-line DOHC engine. The engine is smooth and powerful with the deep exhaust note these cars are known for.

I did replace the alternator because of a bearing problem in the original. I have put new tires on only because the others starting showing age cracking. I had the windshield replaced shortly after purchasing it. Although it had a new one from restoration, a small crack had appeared as the result of an unfortunate encounter with a flying pebble.

There are three very small paint nicks that I'm aware of from typical road pebbles. None are noticeable except for up close. One is visible in the picture I've listed of the front left headlight - just to the side of the light. Otherwise, the paint is and finish is superb. The paint is a very deep red hand rubbed lacquer. The interior is near flawless. The seat leather was replaced during restoration.

All chrome is perfect. All electronics work - yes, even the clock (and accurate too). The gent who restored it told me he wasn't concerned with heat, so he didn't hook up the heater. The windshield washers also don't appear to be hooked up (I suspect he didn't want water/cleaner sprayed on the lacquer paint).

There is a heat insulation material installed under the carpeting. The car has the eared knock-offs instead of the octagonal type just because of preference. There are a few other items that were done as a matter of preference that result in concours deductions, like the air filters, polished brass radiator top, shifter knob, etc. All are easy changes if one was to want to make this a high point concours scoring car. As it is, the car scored around a 92 out of 100 in the Capital City Jaguar Concours, held in May in Columbia, SC. 

-------------------------------

Mike sold the car to a gentleman from Connecticut who at the time also owned an early MG T Series. The car was later in the hand of one of the Principals of Smith Volvo in San Luis Obisbo, California as part of a personal collection. Then in 2017 the car was listed by the dealer and eventually it was sold to its current owner Victor another California resident.  

Smith Volvo's Sellers description (2017)

Incredible 1970 Jaguar XKE 4.2 with history and complete restoration documentation. Originally owned by Joan Wentz it was sold to William Brognia in May of 1984 who performed the restoration and stayed in his care until mid 2000's when the car was purchased by Mr. Lempert. Now the car resides here in California and is one of nicest XKE's we have ever had, it is an award winning car that is a truly exceptional example. Please call with any questions you may have. It just received a fresh major service in 2016 at 56736 miles with complete coolant hose kit, new clutch slave cylinder, new starter, new thermostat and radiator rebuild. 

-------------------------

Since his purchased Victor has kept the car securely garaged and appropriately serviced. In the last 1000 miles he has had both the Tires and Brakes replaced on all four corners. Pictures below are recent and provided by the private seller.

The car remains in superb condition throughout, with no known needs.

In addition this link provided access to a personal picture series from Mike Lempert (owner 99-04) which provides an excellent reference as it depicts the car in more detail and the quality and the competency of the original restoration can be better seen and understood.  It is believed that the car remains is a similar state to that seen in these earlier images. Respectful, responsible adult owners with minimal mileage accumulated since the restoration was completed!  Click Here