Chassis P2R28098
- Numbers-matching 4.2-liter engine, fully rebuilt and fitted
with an upgraded XJ6 cylinder head and three SU carburetors
- Highly documented restoration spanning nearly 10 years and
approximately 2,350 hours
- Featured in Jaguar Journal and awarded an AACA National Senior
Award in 2021
- Signal Red over beige leather with restoration by respected
marque specialists
- Accompanied by eight binders documenting ownership,
restoration, service history, and manuals
By 1971, the Jaguar E-Type had already secured its place among the
great sports cars of the postwar era. Introduced a decade earlier
at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, its combination of elegant styling,
advanced engineering, and remarkable performance quickly
established a new benchmark. The later Series II cars benefited
from years of refinement, retaining the character of the original
while incorporating improved cooling, updated lighting, and greater
day-to-day usability.
Power came from Jaguar's celebrated 4.2-liter dual-overhead-cam
inline-six, paired with fully independent suspension and four-wheel
disc brakes. In coupe form, the E-Type combined genuine grand
touring practicality with the same long-bonnet proportions and
unmistakable profile that made the model an icon.
This 1971 Jaguar XKE Coupe stands apart as one of the most
comprehensively restored examples of the type. The subject of an
extensive, highly documented restoration spanning close to ten
years, the project was undertaken with an exceptional level of care
and attention to detail.
A true labor of love, the restoration was led by devoted Jaguar
enthusiast and skilled restorer Doug Ehmann, who reportedly
invested approximately 2,350 hours in the project. Virtually every
component was disassembled, inspected, cleaned, restored, rebuilt,
or replaced as necessary, with the clear objective of producing an
E-Type to a standard well beyond that of a typical cosmetic
restoration.
The bodywork received equally exacting attention. Ron Yearger was
entrusted with correcting and refining the panels before the car
was finished in striking Signal Red by Mark Gregory at East Coast
Restorations. The bumpers and bright trim were subsequently
re-chromed by Librandi's Custom Chrome Plating in Harrisburg,
Pennsylvania, contributing to the exceptionally crisp presentation
seen today.
Inside, the cabin was restored in beige using a Suffolk & Turley
upholstery kit, with the seats retrimmed in leather by Classic
Jaguar. The result is a warm and elegant contrast to the vivid
exterior, while the quality of the materials and workmanship
reflects the same attention paid to the rest of the car.
Documented by its accompanying Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust
Certificate, the car retains its numbers-matching 4.2-liter
inline-six engine. During the restoration, the engine was
completely disassembled and fitted with a later Jaguar XJ6 cylinder
head incorporating larger valves, a thoughtful upgrade intended to
improve performance while retaining the original engine at the
heart of the car. Furthermore, the car was also upgraded to
European specification with triple SU carburetors, over the
standard, less powerful twin Stromberg setup. Final assembly was
entrusted to Lippincott's Garage, a Jaguar-specific restoration
shop.
The supporting mechanical systems received the same comprehensive
attention. A new CoolCat radiator and Bell stainless-steel exhaust
system were installed, while the fuel system was completely rebuilt
with a new tank, fuel pump, lines, and fittings. Both the front and
rear suspension were fully rebuilt with new bearings, seals,
bushings, shock absorbers, and tie rods, and an entirely new
braking system was fitted. The result is not simply an
exceptionally well-restored E-Type, but one prepared with genuine
road use in mind.
Completed in 2020, the Jaguar was subsequently featured in Jaguar
Journal, the publication of the Jaguar Club of North America. The
quality of the restoration was further recognized in 2021 when the
car earned an AACA National Senior Award.
Equally impressive is the documentation accompanying the car. Eight
substantial binders chronicle its ownership history, the complete
restoration process, servicing, invoices, and marque literature,
providing an unusually thorough record of both the car and the
enormous amount of work invested in its restoration.
Finished in Signal Red over beige, with its numbers-matching
engine, extensively rebuilt mechanical systems, award-winning
restoration, and exceptional supporting documentation, this 1971
Jaguar XKE Coupe represents a rare opportunity to acquire an E-Type
restored with extraordinary patience and care. More importantly,
the restoration was carried out not simply to impress on the
concours field, but to produce a Jaguar ready to be driven and
enjoyed.
Offers welcome and trades considered.
