Vehicle Description
1971 Jaguar XKE Roadster
The facts about the Jaguar E-type are etched into every car nut's
consciousness: it was derived from a racing car; it was designed by
an aerodynamics boffin, not a "stylist"; its stiff chassis and
supple suspension gave it a smooth ride and great road-holding.
Normal people, meanwhile, know the E-type as an icon of 1960s
freedom - a performance car with a bird-pulling image. "The
greatest crumpet-catcher known to man," as US journalist Henry
Manney described it.
For consignment, a curvaceous "crumpet catcher" with a 4.2 liter
Inline 6 cylinder engine, sexy leather interior, and an instant
converted drop top from top up, and you are Austin Powers all over
again...Yeah Baby! This car has undergone a drivetrain pulled out
and quality cosmetic restoration with work ongoing from 2001 to
2015. An extensive list is available of every aspect of this
process for your viewing pleasure.
Exterior
In the aforementioned time period this car 's exterior was totally
stripped, remediated of any rust that has accumulated on the body
work, and resprayed with Old English white paint. It still retains
its shine, and the steel panels retain their consistent gaps. Nice
thin wrap around bumpers in very good condition adorn the front and
rear. A new Armco luggage rack was put on the trunk deck. An
Aldridge tan stay fast hood envelope, new tack strips and bonnet
dampers and new latches are now on. A side view is candy for the
eyes as the line in this car is unmatched. On top a new GAHH blue
Stayfast convertible top and rear tack strips covers the
2-passenger compartment. 15-inch wire wheels with Jaguar badged
center hubs are wrapped with 205/75R15 (Dated 2015) thin whitewall
rubber. No rust, just beautiful lines accentuated by near perfect
chromed trimmings.
Interior
Starting out with a new sound and heat barrier then add in biscuit
leather and vinyl for the seats and door panels along with Wilton
wool carpeting which is covered with protective True Berber mats
from Lloyd. A new black padded dash top is on, and all
instrumentation in the dash front is very clean and clear. This
dash is fronted by a 1 off steering wheel by Mike Lempert. It
sports engine turned swirl pattern spokes and the rim is bird's eye
maple laminate over black walnut. It is large, 15.5 inches and is
reminiscent of the Giunta steering wheels of yore. All new dash
harnesses, all powered by a red top Optima battery. Even the
AM/FM/radio with Bluetooth connectivity sounds fab!
Drivetrain
Pulling the bonnet forward we can reveal the entire engine bay and
front suspension and have unlimited access to all areas. Neatly
inside is a 4.2 liter DOHC inline 6 cylinder mill fed by Stromberg
dual carbs. On back is a 4-speed manual transmission which is newly
rebuilt for the linkage and has new mounts. The clutch has a new
master cylinder and clutch housing oil seal. A 3.54 rear axle, also
with new seals, spins the tires. This cat is kept cool by a CoolCat
alloy radiator with an electric 8-blade fan and all new hoses.
Also, Pertronix Ignitor electronic ignition and flamethrower 40,000
volt coil eliminates any prince of darkness foibles.
Undercarriage
Looking good underneath with rust free components, and nice
straight steel frame and floor pans. There is some rust beginning
on the drivers and passenger side "torque boxes." Independent
torsion bar suspension is upfront, and Independent with dual coil
overs are on back, as are power disc brakes all around. Exhaust is
a new Bell stainless steel system, and it shines like a crazy
diamond underneath.
Drive-Ability
I'm a sucker for anything British so of course I had my hand in the
air to test drive this beauty, and I was totally satisfied upon my
return from the test track. After a full choke start, and half
choke warmup, it ran just beautifully, with loads of top end power,
nice ride, and good cornering. The I-6 has a sound like no other,
and it was definitely a head turner. Nearly like driving a piece of
sculpture, a very pleasant overall experience.
One of the most desirable cars when the first version came out in
the early 1960's that were based on the late 50's Jaguar race car
designs, this car was instantly wildly successful. Unfortunately,
the US Government and their constantly changing regulations killed
this car, however we are fortunate to have those examples still
around like this one, that can be driven and enjoyed. A true
rolling example of automotive art.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
