2025-12-20 11:47:11 | pauls writes:

Car offered at:

www.tradeclassics.com/auctions/jaguar/1971-jaguar-e-type-s3-22/

Seller's description:

1971 Jaguar E-Type 2+2

~26 Year Ownership | Well Maintained | Engine Rebuilt

Mileage~130,324 on clock

Transmission Manual with Overdrive

Engine5.3L

Location Dorking

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2025-12-22 15:09:26 | DOC writes:

NEVER paint a metallic car with the doors or bonnet or trunk lid off...

will never match

see this 70% of the time

shame