Keep up to date
Keep up to date with all things Trade Classics, along with new cars.
OPEN TO OFFERS

1971 Jaguar E-Type 2+2 (Series 3)

This auction has now closed. Click “I’M INTERESTED” below to enquire about this vehicle or to get notified when we consign a similar one.

  • Mileage~130,324 on clock
  • TransmissionManual with Overdrive
  • Engine5.3L
  • LocationDorking

AUCTION CLOSED

1971 Jaguar E-Type 2+2 (Series 3)

Register interest for similar cars

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Photographer and Editor

A British legend, the Jaguar E-Type is a smooth, effortless V12 grand tourer.

The Jaguar E-Type, a representation of engineering skill and design flare, was the ultimate 1960s British sports car, and Jaguar was rewarded with widespread global success. With a racing pedigree that successfully translated to the showroom, the E-Type's fortunes depended on exports and demand to enhance the car's impressive ride and comfort. The last incarnation of the E-Type arrived in 1971 as the Series 3 models, which were now fitted with the iconic and long-lived V12 engine. Jaguar developed the 5.3 litre V12 as part of its competition program but also understood that the engine needed to be light and simple while harnessing power flexibility and potency. The car's enhanced performance, smooth engine, and world-class ride comfort were all complemented by the widened and expanded passenger capacity and for many years hailed as the best of the Jaguar grand touring coupes.

This cherished 1971 2+2 coupe in "British Racing Green" and a black interior has been in the ownership of the same keeper since 1999. The car is solid throughout, has a folder of invoices going back to 1981 and comes with its owners and repair manual and parts catalogue. It has seen an engine rebuild ~2010 with the head adapted to run on unleaded fuel, and now could be further improved cosmetically to take it up a level.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Jan the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

Since I've had it, it's regularly visited Le Mans and seen the occasional trip to Norway.

Jan bought the car back in 1999, having been captivated by the comfort and impressive engineering of the E-Type. Never afraid to use the Jaguar and because of that, it has been well maintained.

Having used the car, covering many memorable miles, he has decided to sell it to free up funds to help with a house purchase. Jan will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Jan
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

Solid and smart, it just needs attention to some cosmetics to make it perfect.

Wheels and Tyres

The wire wheels are cleanly presented with tight spokes. The rims show mild signs of age but are still very presentable.

The rear Rotalla tyres are under 15 years old and the front Vredestein are from 2009. All look in good shape with even tread.

Bodywork

The exterior is free of significant panel damage, with just a small dent on the bonnet near the nearside headlight and one dent spotted on the driver's door. The doors open and close easily; the driver's side needs a little more force. The panel fit is generally flush with the body. We found corrosion around the bottom of the windscreen and minor signs on the boot scuttle well. There is bubbling around the boot lid screen and nearside sill. The bottom of the nearside rear wheel arch corner shows under paint imperfections.

The underside looks solid, showing minor signs of age. The right-hand side of the interior footwells show signs of age. The inner wheel wells, suspension mounts, boot floor and engine bay are decent. We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The paint finish has consistent coverage and a decent lustre, with a minor haze on the passenger door and light scuff below the offside front headlamp. There are a few surface blemishes and signs of age, which include touch-ups on the bonnet, boot lid and roof. There are cracks on the rear scuttle, top of the nearside rear wing and a minor blemish along with some under-paint bubbles on the nearside of the bonnet.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass is in line with the age of the car, with no significant marks other than a haze on the boot lid glass. The boot lid rubber seal shows signs of age and paint overspray. The headlamp lenses are in good shape, they have light pitting on the chrome bezels and have perished seals. The rear offside lens has a fracture.

The chrome trim is complete and generally free of damage although much of the glass chrome and some of the side trim have mild pitting. The bumpers are flush to the body and are presentable.

Interior

A clean cabin can be transformed with a little work to the soft furnishings.

Seats and Carpets

The leather front seats have seen plenty of use over the years, with tape repairs and wear to prove it. The rears seats are good, with a working fore-aft backrest mechanism.

The carpets and footwell coverings also show some signs of age. The boot floor lining is presentable, with some of the side trim showing signs of age.

Dashboard

The dashboard is clean and smartly presented, there are a couple of minor padding fractures near the driver-side windscreen vent.

The facia displays well with a clean set of switches. Apart from the clock, all are said to function as they should. A couple of the dials have light glass wear. and the ashtray has a little patina. The door cards are decent. The headlining will need replacement.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel is in line with the age of the car showing age and wear as pictured.

The gear stick gaiter is in line with the rest of the interior, and the gear knob itself has fractured.

Mechanics

Years of mechanical attention, an engine rebuild in ~2010 and regular use have proved many reliable miles.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine starts up with no hesitation, and the engine sounds even and free of unwanted noises. It idled smoothly with the choke fully applied and the exhaust was free of excessive smoke. The engine is smartly presented, suggesting positive maintenance and upkeep. Jan tells us that the engine was rebuilt in ~2010, at which time the head was converted to run on unleaded fuel too.

The gearbox operates with no reported faults other than a knack for engaging the reverse gear. Jan is happy with the feel of the clutch. Watch the video to see the car in action.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension is in good visual condition, and no significant knocks or thuds were heard from the suspension during our short test drive.

The car brakes evenly, with no unwanted negative feedback, wobbles or judders.

The Drive

Jaguar's flagship coupe was a unique proposition of its era, where its comfort, practicality and spirited driving experience went hand in hand with a modest price when new. The V12's smoothness and refinement complement the plush ride, with a distinctive exhaust note that never fails to evoke emotions.

The V12 engine pulls well, accelerating with linear smoothness. Free of stutters or misfires, the power is delivered with a consistent engine tone. The airy cabin with the vision of the long bonnet is a great place to be, as we made our way through a narrow forest road, the bellowing exhaust and smooth-turbine-like engine cut through the air. The ride is taut and responsive.

The car’s handling is compliant, as Jan controlled the car with little effort and demonstrated its controllability through its smooth clunk-free steering. The engine starts readily when warm, with no smoke. The oil pressure and engine temperature remained consistent, around 50 PSI at around 2500 rpm, with no signs of the fan cutting in during a hot day. We left the engine running as we kept an eye on the gauges and there is nothing negative to report.

Electrics and Other

The car is largely standard, with the exception of the Bluetooth USB head unit, Jan told us everything was working apart from the clock, to his knowledge.

History and Paperwork

Coming to market from ~26 year ownership, this car has seen an engine rebuild in ~2010 with a head conversion to unleaded, is in great mechanical condition with cosmetic improvement opportunity.

First registered in November 1971, the car has a folder with an impressive provenance, with MOT certificates back to 1983 and invoices that date from 1981. There is documentation that suggests it underwent a four-month bare metal restoration in 1984.

Early invoices under Jan's ownership cover brake renovation, wishbone repair, a new windscreen, radiator and heater motor. Invoices over the last 10 years include a new oil pump, calipers, wheel bearings and brake pipes, clutch slave cylinder, rear brake pads, brake master cylinder and a new battery. The engine has also undergone an overhaul with photos available upon request. It comes with an owner handbook, repair operation manual, parts catalogue and a plush Jaguar mascot. The car is also MOT and Road Tax exempt.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
21-05-2018 MOT 28,266
12-05-2017 MOT 27,634
24-03-2016 MOT 26,271
26-07-2014 MOT 26,242
25-07-2013 MOT 25,545
28-06-2012 MOT 24,178
26-05-2009 MOT 22,242
04-06-2008 MOT 15,892
22-05-2007 MOT 1,730 (Inaccurate Reading)
25-05-2006 MOT 114,892
24-03-2005 MOT 11,026
07-02-2004 MOT 5,793
02-12-2002 MOT 4,267
03-10-2001 MOT 4,269
08-09-2000 MOT 2,780
17-08-1999 MOT 98,850
13-03-1998 MOT 97,784
12-09-1985 MOT 94,495
27-01-1984 MOT 88,654
25-01-1983 MOT 82,938
Key Details
  • ModelE-Type 2+2 (Series 3)
  • Transmission4-Speed Manual with O/D
  • Reg. Date01-11-1971
  • CC5,343
  • Mileage~130,324
  • HistorySince 1981
  • ColourGreen
  • Interior ColourBlack
  • Chassis #1550366
  • Engine #754210SA
  • Engine RebuildYes
  • MOT21-05-2018
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes - all clear
  • Former Keepers8
  • Tyre BrandRotalla/Vredestein
  • Tyre Age2011/2009
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~26 years
  • Key FeatureLong-term ownership and well maintained
  • Auction ID2912






Auction Closed

Let us know if you're interested

This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information or let us know if you want to be notified when a similar car comes to market.

I'M INTERESTED
Ask Questions
Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

Comments are closed.

MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

Vehicle Location

Dorking

Delivery Calculator


Thank You


Form Submitted

Your request has been submitted successfully and we'll keep you updated.