Vehicle Description
If you've been watching E-Type prices skyrocket and wondered how
you'd ever be able to put one of these purring cats from Coventry
into your garage, look no farther than the Series II 2+2s.
Practical, usable, and still gorgeous after nearly 50 years, this
'70 E-type will give you all the Jaguar fun without the big price
tag.
Given most Jaguar's propensity to rust in the most demonic ways
possible, it's always a smart idea to buy a U.S-spec example
without all the evident trouble areas. This one has obviously spent
its entire life someplace where snowfall almost never happens, and
all the critical areas like the foot boxes, floors, and cowl
structure are all solid, and even though the body amount area could
be addressed at some point in the future, this is one solid Jag.
The brown finish is unusual on an E-Type, but combined with the
lovely two-tone leather interior, it's a classic combination that
looks as right as a single mat in an oak barrel. The massive
forward-tilting hood fits as it should, with good panel alignment
on the doors and rear hatch as well. The finish is far from perfect
and shows its age, but it's obvious that someone loved this Jag,
and no matter what the color, it will always be the center of
attention. The factory chrome is still bright and presentable (take
a look at that awesome wrap-around rear bumper), and the rare vinyl
top around the sunroof adds even more maturity and sophistication
to this elegant British gentleman.
The 2+2 body style was a late addition to the roster, aimed at
making the Jag more practical for American tastes, and it works.
While the back seat is best reserved for children or some of your
smaller friends, storage space is cavernous, and there are few
long-distance touring cars better than this big cat, so pack it up
and head for the coast. The seats are nicely stitched with a
handsome patina on the leather that reminds you of your favorite
jacket, and the carpets appear fairly recent. A professional detail
is needed to restore some former glory, and once that is completed
the cabin will be fit for the Queen. The instrument panel and
gauges seem to be original, and it's clear that some TLC went into
ensuring that things look proper and clean. The slender shifter for
the smooth-shifting automatic is uniquely Jaguar, and Series II
perks include powerful A/C with R134a refrigerant and an AM/FM
stereo.
The 4.2-liter inline-six was designed to make more torque for
American enthusiasts, and it's a total success in that regard. Most
enthusiasts agree that the Series II cars are the ones to own if
you like to drive, as the fatter torque curve makes this car
genuinely fast and with two responsive carbs, it runs great. The
engine bay is a bit dirty, but you could clean it up and take it up
a notch, and there's plenty of evidence of recent work, including a
newer alternator. These cars have an undeserved reputation for
being unreliable, but this one runs and drives very well and
doesn't seem fussy in the least, so you should enjoy it every
chance you get. The automatic transmission shifts cleanly, the
suspension nails Jaguar's combination of comfort and sporting, and
the 4-wheel disc brakes are confidence-inspiring, even 49 years
later. Gorgeous chrome wire wheels complete this Union Jack and
carry 215/70/15 blackwall radials.
E-Types will never get cheaper, and the best Series II cars will
not be this affordable for much longer. Don't hesitate, call
today!
