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
productionXKEwas 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/
