The 1968 Jaguar XKE Fixed Head Coupe is part of the unofficial transitional Series 1 cars that were released in 1967 and 1968 to comply with new safety regulations from the United States the biggest market for Jaguar. Cosmetic changes included the loss of the original Le Mans-style glass-covered headlights to more upright and exposed headlights. Mechanically, a pair of emission-calibrated Zenith carburetors would replace the three SU carburetors that were previously used. Power did decrease slightly during this time from 265hp to 246hp. Additional cues that the model you’re looking at could be part of the Series 1 classics are cam covers that are painted black and ribbed, rather than smooth and polished, and the use of twin electric fans, which were fitted to help cooling at the time. Of course, one of the best ways to ensure that you’re indeed looking at an original 1968 Jaguar XKE Fixed Head Coupe is to check the engine and chassis numbers against Jaguar records.
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Because the 1967 and 1968 Jaguar XKE Fixed Head Coupe models gradually grew into the Series 2 cars over a period of two years, maintenance on these particular models can be a bit more involved than with their predecessors and successors. When purchasing a Series 1 Jaguar XKE, you’ll want to take this into consideration. However, the most important consideration to make with any XKE model is rust. Because the body of the Jaguar XKE is partially unitized, the body tub provides a wealth of structural support; each panel is used for support and appearance. When inspecting the car for rust, be sure to check the areas under the rear fenders, along the doorsills, under the spare tire and battery, and under the carpets to expose the floor pan. These are just a few of the Buyer’s Tips that the team at The Beverly Hills Car Club recommends for the Jaguar XKE.
For more Buyer’s Tips or to learn more about the classic Jaguar models currently available at their California classic car dealership, the team at The Beverly Hills Car Club encourages you to contact them today. You can also view their online inventory via this website. Should you have any questions or would like to discuss the purchase of your 1968 Jaguar XKE Fixed Head Coupe, they are just a phone call away. Connect now to get started!
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