6 Cylinder / 4 Speed
Stored In Garage Since 1984
Late Production Series II LHD Roadster
Original Numbers Matching Engine
41,259 Miles - Said To Be Original
RUNNING AND DRIVING!
Claret Red over Black Interior
Car Number : 2R13872 - Late Production Run Series 2 LHD Open
Body Number: 4R8624
Engine Number: 7R11621
Opportunities like this don't come around often—a chance to own a classic and highly desirable Jaguar E-Type at a fraction of the cost. While it may need some tender loving care, it presents a fantastic, complete foundation upon which to build. Despite any TLC it may require, this E-Type runs and drives, boasting numerous positives and even greater potential for improvement. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a budding collector, this Jaguar offers an exciting opportunity to embark on a restoration journey and breathe new life into a timeless icon.
PLEASE VIEW OUR YouTube VIDEO carefully as it is an extremely detailed analysis of the car.
This 1971 Series 2 Jaguar E-Type has quite the backstory. Its journey began when it was acquired from the original owner in 1981, enjoying a few years of use before finding itself parked in a garage in a Chicago suburb in 1984. Fast forward 40 years, and we were privileged to acquire the car from the owner's daughter. She shared fond memories of sitting in the car as a child, imagining herself behind the wheel. Unfortunately, her father's mobility issues meant the car remained snugly stored in the garage until his passing last year.
Upon taking possession of the vehicle, we were delighted to find it in a heated attached garage, preserved exactly as it was when last driven. It's apparent that the owner had prepared the car for long-term storage, as many features surprisingly still functioned seamlessly. We've endeavored to present this car with the utmost accuracy, respecting its rich history and the care it received over the decades.
The outside:
The 1971 Series 2 Jaguar E-Type presents with a resprayed exterior, with some areas of paint flaking to reveal the original Claret Red paint underneath. However, the top remains original and is in excellent condition, showcasing the car's well-preserved state. The boot cover is also present and in decent shape. Overall, the body is largely complete and in good condition, showing consistency from front to back. Original Illinois license plates, dating back to the last registered date in 1985, add to the vintage charm.
Examining the body further, the bonnet appears straight and exceptionally solid, with only light rust behind the rear wheels. The doors and decklid are similarly robust, showing no signs of major repairs to the body or frame. The original Lucas lights are intact and in good condition, complemented by a non-original tinted windshield that remains in nice shape. While the light lenses show nicely and are functional, the headlight switch requires attention, as the lights stay on when the battery is connected.
Regarding the wheels, they are complete, but the chrome shows expected signs of flaking and pitting. Throughout the car, there are blemishes consistent with its age, which are visible in the provided pictures and video. Overall, minimal bodywork is needed to prepare for a high-quality respray in the future, preserving the car's timeless elegance.
The Inside:
The interior of the 1971 Series 2 Jaguar E-Type retains much of its originality and remains largely intact, showcasing its vintage charm. The original seats are in decent shape, contributing to the overall authenticity of the interior. The dash and gauges appear clear and legible, while the switch panel retains its aesthetic appeal.
Although the radio is non-functional, the electric antenna operates smoothly. Trim panels are intact, and all trim pieces are present, preserving the interior's completeness. Despite some electrical issues likely due to the car's prolonged period of storage, efforts to address them have been made. Cleaning a few fuses and replacing a blown gauge cluster fuse have resulted in improved functionality of key components such as the speedometer, odometer, heat gauge, oil pressure gauge, and fuel level gauge.
However, some intermittent issues persist, such as the tachometer, which may require cleaning of electrical contact points for resolution. It's anticipated that further electrical clean-up will be necessary to ensure optimal functionality of all interior features. Nevertheless, the originality of the interior is commendable, and additional enhancements such as new carpets and trim cleanup have the potential to elevate the interior to the next level, enhancing both its aesthetics and functionality.
Under The Hood:
Under the hood of the 1971 Series 2 Jaguar E-Type lies its original inline 6-cylinder engine, confirmed by matching engine stamp and trim tag. While the transmission's originality to the car is believed but not yet verified, efforts to start the engine were preceded by essential maintenance steps. The original Dual Stromberg carburetors were cleaned thoroughly, and fresh fuel was supplied from an auxiliary tank after removing the incoming fuel line. To ensure proper lubrication, the cylinders were primed with oil overnight.
Remarkably, the engine fired up smoothly without any smoke, indicating its overall health. A compression check revealed consistent compression levels across all cylinders, showcasing the engine's robust condition. Despite initial functionality, the electric fan ceased working, likely due to electrical issues that require further investigation and cleanup.
While the cooling system appears sealed and leak-free, it has not undergone pressure testing. The braking system, although operational, requires cleaning and inspection, as the reservoirs contain a mixture of fluid and gel from prolonged storage. However, the brakes effectively stop the car without dragging.
Surprisingly, the clutch was found to be functional upon inspection, suggesting proactive measures by the previous owner to prepare the car for long-term storage. To address fuel-related issues, the fuel tank's interior was cleaned, although corrosion indicates the need for a replacement tank eventually. An inline fuel filter and aftermarket 12V fuel pump were added to supply fresh gas to the engine, enabling the car to run and drive on its own fuel.
While the original fuel pump requires rebuilding, it is included with the car for future restoration efforts. Overall, the engine's smooth operation and the car's ability to run and drive demonstrate its potential for restoration and enjoyment once proper maintenance and repairs are completed.
Underneath and Trunk:
In the trunk of the 1971 Series 2 Jaguar E-Type, original components such as the mat, boards, and cardboard side pieces are intact, reflecting the car's preservation over the years. The spare tire, along with the complete tool kit housed in the original vinyl pouch, including the wheel nut tool, hammer, and jack, further underscores the car's authenticity and completeness.
Examining the trunk's metal components reveals their solid condition, as depicted in the provided pictures. The undercarriage of the vehicle presents largely original features, with solid metal throughout. The frame appears straight and robust, indicative of the car's structural integrity. Overall, both the trunk and undercarriage contribute to the vehicle's authenticity and serve as additional evidence of its well-maintained state over time.
On The Road:
The 1971 Series 2 Jaguar E-Type demonstrates commendable performance characteristics, with smooth and effortless shifting indicative of a well-maintained transmission. The clutch operates effectively without signs of slipping, contributing to a satisfying driving experience. While the tires are long past the end of their service life and the braking system may benefit from attention due to a softer pedal, the car exhibits s