2022-06-07 10:20:50 | pauls writes:

Car offered at:

www.carandclassic.com/auctions/1971-jaguar-e-type-convertible-8xGro4_aaid=a5ce63ed-6419-48b8-adb6-8692f74daf04&bsft_eid=cbdb8721-3d24-4603-8f5 ...

Note the VIN on this car has been documented in various ways; S written as 3 and B written as 8. It would appear from compilation of the documents this car was originally a 2+2. It would be worth an investigation by a buyer.

Seller's description:

1971 Jaguar E-Type Convertible

Colour Red

Odometer 79,691 Miles

Engine size 5343

Town Benfleet

Location Essex, United Kingdom

• Numbers matching car

• Highly original

• A true and beautiful classic

The History and Paperwork

• Leaving the factory in 1971, this E-Type is a rather early series 3 with the amazing fishtail exhaust

• The early parts of this car’s life is a bit hard to plot, with the earliest invoice dating from 1985 where the car had a new windscreen fitted. At this point in its life, it was residing in Kent

• An invoice from October of 1985 is very useful in proving that the mileage of this car is genuine. This invoice states that in the winter of ’85 it had 72,000 miles, meaning that in the near 30 years that have since passed it has covered little to no mileage annually

• In 1988 the car undergoes a small bit of rust repair focusing mainly on the N/S/F wing

• The trail then goes cold again until the early 2000’s where she is still within the same ownership and residing in Reigate, Surrey

• A detailed letter dated 12/11/2003 goes some way in explaining why there isn’t much paperwork from 1988-2003

• It would appear that although the car was run regularly it didn’t take kindly to sitting in the garage and developed a couple of faults

• The owner at this time had gone through a small recommissioning in their garage, but they would send it to a proper specialist for further diagnoses.

• So, the car is sent off to the garage where it receives a re-con gearbox, 2 new rear discs and pads, 4 caliper pistons, 4 top arm bushes, 1 set of front pads, a re-con alternator, an MOT, and some antifreeze. All in this cost the owner £2,800 but at least they were able to enjoy their car again

• In November 2004 a new steering rack is fitted after this it appears to be put up for sale

• So in 2005, the previous owner sends K.J.C Bell (a well-respected figure in the Jaguar community) to inspect the car and report on what they found.

• This report from 2005 has been photographed in its entirety should a prospective buyer be interested to read it

• This owner would end up purchasing the car and would go on to enjoy it until 2021 when the current owner acquires it

• The current owner has spent a large sum of money recently putting this car onto the proper wire wheel set up, including the spare tyre, all five tyres are shod in new Blockley tyres. These tyres look vintage but are made with modern compounds and to modern safety standards

• Along with the invoices, there are a lot of old MOT certificates with the oldest one dating from 1979

• Thanks to the age of the car, it is now MOT exempt.

• As you would expect the current V5 is present so a change of ownership will be nice and swift.

The Interior

 • Original interior fitted

 • All the Smiths dials work as they should 

 • Great piece of classic design 

To match such a beautiful exterior, the interior has been sculpted and proportioned well. 

With the large Smiths tachometer, speedometer, and a bank of toggle switches that control the heater functions. It must also be noted, that when the car is running it shows strong oil pressure (there is a photo to show this).

As the seats are still trimmed in the original leather, they do show signs of their age, with some cracks in the material. These marks however do not take away from the pure joy of sitting in an E-Type, looking through the small windscreen over the long sweeping bonnet it is unlike any other classic sports car. 

With this being the convertible, or roadster, version it has a retractable fabric roof section. The interior condition of this roof is in good condition, a few stains on the underside are present but there aren’t any nasty rips or tears to this hood. The frame itself looks in good condition too, operating as it should.

Have no doubts, as soon as you slide into the interior of the E-Type you know that you are in something special. 

The sense of occasion the E-Type delivers is like no other classic out there today. It’s one of those things you have to experience at least once in your life.

The Exterior 

 • New wire wheels fitted

 • A proper looking classic sports

 • The fabric roof is in very good condition

Ask anyone for a list of the best-looking cars to ever grace our roads and the E-Type would always make the list. 

Throughout its life, the E-Type went through a few minor changes, but the final swansong for the E-Type would be the Series III. With its distinctive looks tweaked for a more modern age the Series III would be the end of the line for the much-loved sports car. 

The exterior of this E-Type is in good condition, there are a few marks that are present, one rather small visible patch of corrosion in front of the O/S/R wheel, and the bumpers show some signs of pitting. But, with these small areas addressed we can get back to the truly stunning looks of a ’70s icon. 

As this is the convertible version you have the benefit of two cars rolled into one. Should you wish to use your E-Type on a grey day you can drive around looking classy with the roof up. 

With the roof erected it shares the same sleek and flowing lines of the fixed head coupe, but with the roof retracted it is transformed into a true stunner, able to turn heads from miles away.

The underside of the car appears to be in good visual condition as well, it is probable that this car has not seen a drop of rain in many decades. 

Overall, the exterior could do with a little tart-up in a few areas, but this does not detract from the pure beauty of a proper ’70s icon. 

The Mechanics 

 • Original V12 still fitted 

 • The gearbox shifts as it should 

 • Perfect drivers’ car for the summer and beyond

Unlike the Series I and II the Series III came equipped with a new and fire-breathing V12 with an acclaimed power output of 272hp. 

Along with the new engine, there were uprated brakes, standard power steering, and a smoother automatic gearbox. The wheelbase was also extended providing more room in all ways.

This E-Type has been looked after well throughout its lifetime, with lots of work being completed to make sure that she is always in tip-top condition. The overhaul work completed in the early 00s has meant that you are able to jump in a drive away hassle-free on the day of collection. 

Whatever you intend to do with this car it will reward you every step of the way, with lovely driving characteristics, and the automatic gearbox it should be a comfortable cruiser.