Vehicle Description
The Jaguar E-Type is one of a select group of automobiles to earn
instant-icon status from the moment the public first laid eyes on
it. The Citroen DS, BMC Mini, and Ford Mustang are among those few
that caused as much of a sensation as the E-Type did at its public
unveiling at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show. Like the XK-series before
it, the E-Type combined gorgeous looks, race-bred technology, and
high performance in a relatively affordable, mass-produced package.
Starting with the earliest 3.8-liter "flat floor" models of 1961,
the E-Type evolved gradually through its first six years on the
market, with the most significant change coming with the 4.2-liter
engine in October 1964. Increasingly strict safety and emissions
standards coming out of Jaguar's biggest market, the USA, meant
more substantial changes to the iconic original design would be
necessary. Between mid-1967 and mid-1968, Jaguar gradually adopted
several changes brought on by new regulations, resulting in the
interim "Series 1.5" models. These cars had a redesigned front end
with open headlamps, new interior features, and emissions-friendly
Zenith Stromberg carburetors in place of SUs. It wasn't until later
in the 1968 model year that the full-fledged Series II appeared.
Still unmistakable as an E-Type, the Series 2 now had modernized
and more cohesive styling compared to the S 1.5. Most notable was a
new full-width rear bumper with larger rectangular taillights
integrated below. The open headlamps carried over, and exterior
lamps were enlarged to meet new requirements. Knock off wheels now
had pedestrian-friendly non-ear spinners, and the interior featured
a host of improvements including new seats and a row of rocker
switches in place of the toggles of the early cars. The suspension
was mostly unchanged, and the engine utilized the twin Zenith
carburetors introduced previously. Improvements to the brakes and
cooling and available factory air conditioning made the Series 2
the most practical and driver-friendly E-Type to date. Today's
Jaguar aficionados have renewed enthusiasm for the Series 2 as it
is one of the most user-friendly and best driving of the
six-cylinder models, while still retaining the beautiful
proportions and style that made the E-Type such a legend. One of
the finest Series II roadsters extant, this very late production
XKE was dispatched from Coventry on January 29, 1971, at the very
end of production before Jaguar switched over to the larger Series
3 cars. The car remained with its original owner until circa 1976,
when it was purchased by a young enthusiast who would keep the car
for over thirty years, performing a full ground up nut and bolt
restoration to concours standards completed on October 6, 2006. The
very next day, it was loaded in a trailer and entered in the AACA
Hershey show, where it achieved its National First Place Junior
award, and returned to Hershey in 2007 and achieved its Senior
award. Originally finished in light blue over dark blue leather,
the restorer wanted the car to stand out from the myriads of E
Types out there and chose to restore the car in one of Jaguar's
most striking combinations of black with tan leather. The fit and
finish are superb, with excellent detailing, chrome, and
brightwork. The interior is fabulous, and the level of detail
continues, featuring a period Philips AM/FM/SW radio as well as
correct air conditioning that blows cold. Jaguar improved the seat
design for the Series 2, adding adjustable headrests and reclining
backrests that better accommodate taller drivers and allow for
superior long-distance comfort. The telescoping column carries over
from the earlier cars, as does the gorgeous three-spoke wood-rimmed
steering wheel. The original instruments and switchgear of this car
are in good condition, and the carpets are excellent. Finishing off
the superb cockpit is a black convertible top, and this car also
features a rare original hardtop, which really sets the car off. Of
course the car retains its original matching number engine per the
Jaguar Heritage Trust certificate, which was rebuilt during the
restoration by the experts at Leydon Restorations in Pennsylvania.
The highly detailed engine bay includes correct hardware, and
proper finishes on the air cleaner, generator, and cooling system.
The front "picture frame" radiator support displays the original
chassis number, which often goes missing during rust or collision
repairs. Chrome wire wheels are in similarly fine condition, with
correct "easy clean" hub centers and non-eared spinners, and period
appropriate red line radial tires. The car has been fastidiously
maintained since the initial restoration, and was recently tuned,
serviced, and detailed and still presents as a very fresh
restoration. This exceptional 1971 E-Type Roadster surely ranks
among the finest examples of any E-Type, ready to stand on the
concours green and hold its own against any number of fine
automobiles. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7746-1971-jaguar-xke-roadster/
