1971 Jaguar XKE V12 2+2 *SOLD*

[Matt Harwood]

*SOLD*

Ask any car guy to name the 10 most beautiful cars of all time, and it's pretty likely that the Jaguar E-Type would be somewhere on everyone's list. By 1971, it had evolved into more of a grand touring machine, but that seemed just fine for American tastes. This one fits that mold perfectly, with a purring SOHC V12, comfortable suspension, powerful brakes, and fully functional A/C and Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic gearbox. The E-Type's real Achilles' heel is rust, and this is a totally rust-free car with solid steel (no patches or replacement panels) in all the critical areas, including the floors, rocker panels, transmission tunnel, and front end where the front clip bolts on. The white paint was done several years ago and still shows well, and it's exactly the kind of car that you're happy to drive without worries about bugs and rain. Good glass, new weatherstripping when it was painted, and panel fit is decent, including the hood, which is often problematic. Good chrome and while the Series III cars have their fans and their critics, the '71s are the ones to own as they offer the most horsepower, fewest emissions controls, and slender bumpers for a cleaner look. The only notable flaw is that the little horizontal straight piece on the rear decklid "G" in JAGUAR is broken off, but I'm sure those are easy to source.

The interior is black leather, and actually is far better in person than it looks in photos. I hate taking pictures of black leather because the flash magnifies every crease and wrinkle. I'm betting that the front seats have newer seat covers in the correct pattern and material, but it's quite likely that the rear seat is original. Carpets are also newer, and all the lovely Smiths gauges and rocker switches work properly. A/C converted to R134a refrigerant last year and blows cold. There was a radio, but it was removed for some reason and a block-off plate was installed, so at least it looks tidy. There are speakers throughout the car as well as a power antenna on the rear deck, so installing your own sound system will be easy.

Mechanically, the car is quite sound with an incredible voice. Thoroughly overhauled in 2009 by the experts at Leyland Motors in Canton, Ohio, including rebuilt steering gear, transmission, and brakes. Engine was rebuilt in 2005 by a previous owner who spent a reported $100,000 on the restoration (probably not). As I said, it starts easily and drives extremely well with no issues. It doesn't leak, although the usual spots are moist--why should this be the only Jaguar that doesn't leak? Newer Dunlop radials on chrome wire wheels look great, and the exhaust is 100% stainless.

E-Types are not getting cheaper, and if this were a convertible it would be 60% more money, so if you've always longed to own one, this one is a no-issues specimen ready to enjoy for not a lot of money. Asking $29,900 and we're always open to reasonable offers. Thanks for looking!

Edited April 24, 2013 by Matt Harwood
SOLD! (see edit history)

[Matt Harwood]

*SOLD* Thank you!