We have available a solid and rare west coast 1971 Jaguar E-Type 2-Place Coupe. Jaguar produced very few of these 2 place coupes in the series II version, and this is one of the last made. This particular car comes with $10,000+ in receipts for a full engine rebuild, brake work, and interior work, all done since 2005. The car is very sound mechanically and retains its matching numbered engine. The car has also benefited from a new set of chrome wire wheels and tires that are less than two years old and cost an additional $2300. This car is a driver level car. The older British Racing Green repaint is very shiny, but has minor dings and scratches from garage storage. The body and panels are very solid and rust free. This is an affordable, entry level E-type that is properly equipped with only 2 seats and a four speed. While it should not be confused with a concourse car, it has great curb appeal and will do nothing but appreciate in coming years.
Mechanicals:
This E-Type runs and drives well with lots of torque available to use in town and speed to spare on the highway. The engine has been rebuilt, has excellent oil pressure, and makes all the right sounds. Clutch is very good and engages nicely. The brakes stop well and the car is fitted with the original posi differential. There are receipts for lots of mechanical work including carb rebuild and as an upgrade the distributor has been fitted with electronic ignition, but the tachometer is not working. This car had A/C fitted from the factory and has the under dash unit along with the special engine bracket, but the compressor and lines have been left off.
Body and Paint:
The paint is older and a color change from brown to a much more appealing BRG. The car has good body and front subframes. There does not appears to have been any rust or major accident issues. The bonnet, floors, sill and trunk floor are very solid. There are some indents in the lower front floor panels and lower radiator support from inexperienced tire jockeys with ill placed jacks and lifts. There are numerous scratches and minor dings around the car. There is a noticeable ding in the front bonnet, and a circular scratch nearby, but the overall condition of the damage prone bonnet is very good. The car would need a full repaint to be shown, but is adequate for weekend running to the store duty.
Interior:
The interior is a combination of new and original. The seats have been recovered with leather kits and sit quite well. Carpets and other interior panels are redone. The dash top is improperly redone and could use replacement to improve the entire interior appearance. Overall a decent driver level interior.
Wheels and Tires:
The car is fitted with a set of four new chrome wire wheels with stainless spokes and proper size tires that have approximately 500 miles on them. They run true and smooth.
Summation:
The E-Type, or XKE as it was commonly known in this country, is an icon. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a solid driver level car at a reasonable price and explore the joy of selecting the proper gear while winding the Jaguar DOHC six cylinder up to feel the massive torque and acceleration. The suspension on these cars was the most sophisticated one could get and provides very comfortable ride quality. The attractive lines of the two place coupe look great standing still or exploring back roads. This car is priced very reasonably. Buy one while it is available as E-types make great road cars and will outperform most other sportscars of the 60′s.
