When does a Series One become a Serie One and a Half?

The numbers that you list are the start of the 1968 model year car which is considered to be the S1.5. It would be a lot easier, rather then searching through a bunch of books that are basically useless to prove authenticity because no sourse of the information is given, to just go to the Concours page on this website and search out the appropriate judging guide. The guide will list the changes and the official Jaguar information that the information came from.

I am copying this out of Philip Poter's ORIGINAL JAGUAR E-TYPE c 1990 the Series 1 1/2 section.
Chassis Number /Dates manuf 1967-1968

RHD LHD to USA Exported elsewhere
OTS 1E.1864 1E.15980 1E.16010
FHC 1E.21584 1E.34583 1E.34752
2+2 1E.50975 1E.77709 1E.77709

I interpret this to be the chassis numbers where Mr. Porter says the Ser.1 1/2 began and this would start with the cars without covered hear lights. I cannot tell from his book where the toggle switches changed over to the rockers. My 1968 LHD FHC built Feb 19 1968 has rocker switches and the Series II type engine and is number 35152

David
1968 FHC

Daniel good to see you---you can also see the Jaguar E Model guide available from here (library) issued in Charlotte NC Karen Miller, Charles Morgan, and yours truly.

There was an excellent report published by JCNA about 15 years ago, written by Mark Miller, that detailed the changeover in the USA of series one to series one-point-five E-types. I have a copy somewhere, you should get a copy if you can find it.
Bottom line is this: there are "series one" cars with covered headlights, toggle switches, 3 carbs etc; there are "series one" cars with open headlight bonnets but essentially all the series one features and then there are "series 1.5" cars with ALL of the changes at once (2 carbs, rocker switches, open headlights, interior door handles etc. etc. etc.

You are welcome. Don't be a stranger.

Dear Preston:

Thank you very much for your valuable input.

BGC

Patrick:

Thanks a million for your valuable input. it is appreciated.

BGC

Yes, I am a JCNA member, but not a great expert at technicalities. I really appreciate your input. The great thing about 1967 types is that there seems to be many versions of when a Series One becomes a Series One and Half, and what Vin Number is making the change. Thank you again for your assistance.

BGC

Jaguar Interim Parts List for the 1968 model year E-Type, which JCNA considers to be a Series 1.5, lists the starting vin number for USA bound OTS's to be 1E.15983 and cars bound elsewhere to be 1E.16010. The rocker switches also appeared at the above numbers. I don't know why you just don't go to the Concours page and near the bottom you'll find the E-Type S1.5 judging guide. Please be aware that JCNA Concours rules require "official" Jaguar information or an approved judging guide to prove where changes took place and whatever so & so writes in a book without quoting a Jaguar sourse, parts book, spares bulletin etc is worth nothing to prove authenticity. It appears that from your vin number you have one of the first S1.5's to come into this country.
Bob Jag of Mi.
PS you also have, or should have, dual fans. Out of curiosity are you a JCNA member?

I have a 1968 - Series 1 1/2. Car # 1E17696. It has open headlamps, but there are holes for the rivets which hold the trim. It also has toggle switches and two Strombergs. The side lights are Series 1 style, though. I know the ownership history of the car since new.

The Heritage Certificate showed that it was born April 25, 1968 and dispatched to the US on May 7, 1968.

I just completed a three year project. Have Fun! I did and learned a lot!

Generally, you'll know if it had covered headlights (or not) by looking at the light openings. If covered, there are about 10 or so holes around the light opening with captured threaded nuts on the inside of each hole. This is where the chrome ring trim w/gasket and glass attached.

On Series 1.5, if open headlight, there is one screw in the bottom front that holds down a trim piece, and there won't be holes all around the light shell. (Don't you have any photos of this car??) As far as I know, these two bonnet lighting styles are not interchangeable.

According to PorterÔÇÖs ÔÇ£Jaguar E-Type: Definitive HistoryÔÇØ, he shows that headlights were modified for direct access starting with Car#1E.15889 (USA import). If IÔÇÖm reading this right, thatÔÇÖs about a hundred cars before yours, which would clearly make your E-Type a Series 1.5 Rocker-style switches didn't appear until Series 2, so you're safe with toggles. I think Emergency flashers were first incorporated in the Series 1.5

You would have to go to an awful lot of expense to swap the bonnet for a Series One just to get covered headlight capabilities.though I guess you could alter the one you have with holes and all.wouldnt be honest.

Have fun with the restoration and do the best job you can. Whether its going to be a driver or a champ car, just stay authentic. You might try to start building your Jaguar E-Type library as well!! What color combinations?

Nothing wrong with a Series One and ?¢!! They still had toggle switches and triple SUÔÇÖs. Be VERY glad that you donÔÇÖt have covered headlights as they are a pain in the arse!!

Patrick