History

The Jaguar E-Type, or the XK-E as it was known in the North American market, is lauded by many to be one of the most beautiful cars ever made. With its long nose and short deck, this front mid-engine British sports car made headlines when it debuted in 1961 with a claimed top speed of 150 mph. One of its unique accolades was that it did away with the commonplace ladder frame chassis of the time. Rather, the E-Type used a front subframe for the engine and the front suspension and bodywork bolted directly to a monocoque. From the get go, the E-Type was different, and set a new standard for sports car design. 

While the series 1 introduced the model in 1961, in 1968 the series II debuted, and then later a final Series 3 in late 1971, with production ending in 1974. Like the later Series 1, the Series 2 was powered by a 4.2L I6 DOHC engine and marked some significant changes for the model, with a number of them being either aesthetic or safety-related. The glass headlight covers were removed as a result of NHTSA mandates, the rear bumper now wrapped around the rear end, the front indicators and grille were now larger, the taillights were moved below the bumpers, and two electric fans were added to help with cooling.

On the inside, the ignition switch was relocated to the steering column to accommodate the addition of a steering lock. The toggle switches were replaced with rocker switches, a collapsible steering column was added to absorb impact in the event of an accident, and headrests were fitted to the newly designed seats. Under the hood, the engine got ribbed valve covers, twin two-barrel Stromberg carburetors instead of three SUs, and larger valve clearances. Air conditioning and power steering were also now available as factory options, marking a first for the model.

Much like the Series 1, the Series 2 was also offered as a fixed head coupe (FHC), an open two-seater (OTS) or “roadster”, and a 2+2 fixed head coupe. A total of 18,809 Series II E-Types were produced, comprising 4,855 FHC’s, 8,628 roadsters, and 5,326 2+2 FHC coupes.

This Car

This particular example, Chassis # P2R13984, is a late 1971 Series 2 Roadster. It was built in June 1970 and dispatched in September 1970, finished in Regency Red over a black leather interior. According to the original order on file, this E-Type was optioned with tinted glass, the rare and sought-after factory air conditioning, and an AM/FM power antenna, undercoating and power steering (the “P” in the VIN denoting this option). All totaled, and after a discount the first owner paid $6,880 on March 6th 1971. Its first owner, a Mr. James Brindle, took great care to ensure that this E-Type always ran flawlessly and spared no expense in keeping it roadworthy. Throughout his ownership, which spanned from 1970 to 2011, the car saw numerous service visits at various shops, primarily in South Eastern Pennsylvania. Detailed service history from new shows the vehicle was serviced by the selling dealer, Koch, Inc (AKA Sports Car Forum) of  Columbus, OH. Later it was serviced by The Great Britains of Willow Grove, PA.

The 90s and early 2000s proved to be a trouble-free time for the Jaguar, with the next major visit being a three-month mechanical refurbishment at Ragstops & Roadsters of Perkasie, PA starting in June 2007. At thai time the E-Type was treated to a new headlight switch, battery tray, battery hold down, left exhaust hanger, windshield wiper bezel grommets, brake fluid reservoirs, oil pan gasket, transmission mount, clutch master and slave cylinders, and a rear main seal. In July of that same year, the engine and transmission were removed and disassembled in preparation for cleaning and the replacement of all the seals and the thermostat. All of the fluids were replaced, the timing and carburetors were adjusted to factory specifications, the AC was recharged, and a new heater hose and shift boot were installed. Altogether, the process cost a little over $16,000 and an up-to-date example. In March 2008, it returned to Ragtops & Roadsters for new ball joints and bushings as well as engine mounts. In June 2009, the shop replaced the pads for the right side emergency brake. Later, in May 2011, the E-Type returned to Ragtops & Roadsters for a new fuel tank sump gasket, repaired washer nozzles, manifold coolant hose, and an overall wash, wax, and polish in preparation for sale. 

Then in the fall of 2011, Mr. Brindle parted with his beloved E-Type after more than 40 years of ownership. The second owner continued the tradition of trusting Ragtops & Roadsters to work on the car and commissioned the replacement of the convertible top and a conversion to a 5-speed transmission in December 2011.

During the next couple of years, the E-Type also received another mechanical refurbishment that included numerous seals and gaskets, like new cooling hoses, new door seals, bumper rubbers, a pinion seal and gasket, control arm bushings, cantrail seals, a header seal, a rear cover gasket, cam cover gaskets, a manifold gasket, and new brake hoses. Mechanical and suspension work was also deemed necessary, as Ragtops & Roadsters fitted a new Pertronix distributor along with its respective cap, rotor, and wires, a new washer bottle bracket, a new power steering rack, new subframe mounts, new radius arms, a new clutch, a slave cylinder, a tensioner pulley, a sway bar end link, front shocks, heater pipes, fan motor, wiper blades, and new belts.

The E-Type was also treated to upgraded halogen headlights, a new exhaust, a new right side door mirror, a new Jaguar trunk emblem, new seatbelts, new floor carpet, repaired door locks, and a new air conditioning system. The steering wheel and aluminum parts of the wheel were refinished, while numerous components under the hood were also cleaned, bead-blasted, and restored to their factory condition. Later on, Ragtops & Roadsters also replaced the clutch and brake master cylinders, the brake booster, and rear trailing arms. All of this work took place over the span of about eight years and totalled over $57,700. It essentially left this Jaguar E-Type mechanically restored, while keeping a majority of the original mechanical and aesthetic components, including the paint and interior relatively untouched as to call this a well-preserved and highly original example. 

It is evident from the hundreds of service records and the car’s terrific condition that it was the prized possession of both of its owners, leaving it in a mechanically restored yet cosmetically preserved state. Series 2 E-Types are available on the market, pick a color, and you can own a good car. This however, is a great car, unique and complete in it;s specification, history, care, and originality. A prime candidate to show in the preservation class, but also drive to and from the show with confidence – even if that show is 100’s of miles away.  Upon purchase, the new owner will receive the original books and warranty booklet, original transmission, spare tire, jack, tools, BMIHT Certificate, two sets of keys as well as the detailed history file.

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