1971 Jaguar E-Type Series III 2+2 FHC

Highlights

Modified by Jaguar Works, then overseen by legendary engineer Lofty England
Special order 'Sea Green' and copious additional equipment specified by the first owner
Comprehensive history file with detailed records and invoices
Modified by Eagle Racing in 2004 with significant upgrades totalling £24,000
Subject to significant mechanical work during current ownership (since 2015)
Matching numbers and factory manual gearbox
Used by the vendor on several European trips to Italy, Spain and France where it proved an excellent long-distance tourer

The Appeal

Upon launch in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type triggered a kind of arms race between sports car manufacturers. Everyone from Ferrari to Facel Vega was keen to challenge the big cat's supremacy. So, in a cruel twist of fate, the E-Type was in danger of becoming a victim of its own success. But the big wigs at Browns Lane knew the E-Type would have to evolve, and for its last iteration, it morphed into a world-beating V12-engined grand tourer.

During this period especially, Jaguar regularly attracted owners with a penchant for engineering and this 1971 Series III 2+2 went to one such person. Its first owner was a serial Jaguar buyer, T. Leggit, and he requested Jaguar Works carry out a comprehensive series of upgrades to make it the best-driving E-Type money could buy.

Overseen by Jaguar legend Lofty England, the car gained a 'blueprinted' engine with SU carbs and modified front suspension. In the cabin, he requested a roll cage, an engine hour meter and a three-position brake light switch. To make his car stand out, Mr Leggit ordered special 'Sea Green' paintwork, had Cibie headlights fitted and treated to the car to Zeibart corrosion protection.

Such was his fastidiousness, Mr Leggit reported no fewer than 26 comments at the car's first service, including "excessive wind noise over 130 mph"! He would keep the car until 1985, and it has since had seven more registered keepers. A previous owner submitted the car to Eagle Racing in 2004 for modifications, including uprated radiator cooling, electronic fuel pump, uprated steering rack and pump, Goodridge hoses, ventilated rear discs, adjustable shock absorbers, and halogen headlights. The bill totalled around £24,000.

The vendor acquired the car in 2015 and has since had the engine and gearbox removed to carry out numerous upgrades and improvement work, detailed under 'The Mechanics' below.

The car has all original panels (except the bonnet) and is in very good, usable condition. All of the work carried out from new is recorded in detail, with invoices in two large box files including notes to Lofty England. It remains matching numbers, confirmed by the JDHT certificate. With its unique colour, extensive modifications, and detailed history, this Jaguar V12 E-Type is a remarkable example worthy of any collection.

History and Paperwork

Originally supplied to Mr T. Leggit, who kept the car until 1985
Large body of paperwork showing all work carried out from new, complete with invoices and communications to and from the Jaguar works
Detailed records in two large box files, including notes to Lofty England
History, condition, and driving characteristics documented in remarkable detail
Modified by Eagle Racing in 2004 with a total bill of £24,000
Purchased by the current owner in 2015
Matching numbers
JDHT certificate
V5C present
Original British Leyland book pack
24,000 miles indicated
Driven on several European trips to Italy, Spain, and France during present ownership

The Condition

Original bodywork in very good condition thanks to initial Ziebart treatment
Only the bonnet has been replaced; some shrinkage marks to the paint on the bonnet caused by engine heat
Unique sea green colour chosen by the first owner
Lightly patinated paintwork with a few small bubbles, blisters and scratches apparent upon close inspection
Lightly aged chromework
Additional modifications by Eagle Racing in 2004, including halogen headlights
New inertia seat belts fitted by the current owner
Highly original interior sporting age-commensurate patina
Original tools, jack, and numerous spares included

Seldom does one encounter an E-Type in such a striking colour combination and the fact it's original makes this one very special indeed. As the '2+2' model, there's a higher roof line to make it a proper four-seater and therefore a fantastic choice for long-distance Continental touring.

As the photographs show, the paintwork has accrued some age-commensurate wear with small areas of bubbling and the odd scratch, but we feel this enhances the car's usability far more than it detracts from its appearance. The interior too is suitably 'worn-in' but appears free from excessive wear or any obvious damage. We understand the various cabin electrics to be in good working order, along with the instrumentation.

The Mechanics

5.3-litre (5,343cc) V12 with SU carburettors
Engine 'blueprinted' from new and correctly maintained since then according to the vendor
Four-speed manual gearbox
Factory modified front suspension
Differential recently rebuilt
Alloy front callipers and ventilated disc brakes all-round
Suspension to Eagle Racing Sports Specification
Additional modifications by Eagle Racing in 2004, including an uprated radiator cooling, electronic fuel pump, uprated steering rack and pump, Goodridge hoses, ventilated rear discs, and adjustable shock absorbers
Recent work by the current owner includes an alloy radiator, 12-branch stainless steel manifolds and sports exhaust, lightweight alternator, modified brakes for front/rear balance adjustment, and a rebuilt differential
Clutch, timing chain, and tensioner inspected and all reportedly found to be in good condition

Besides its enviable original specifications, this E-type has since undergone a great deal of mechanical improvement. Its trip to Eagle Racing in 2004 resulted in. £24,000 bill for further upgrades while the current owner has continued the program of improvement work as detailed above.

The vendor has completed several long-distance trips around Europe and has found the Jaguar to be a joy to drive. The V12 sounds immense, thanks to the new exhaust system, and we're assured that the car has performed beautifully over great distances. We trust the next (lucky) custodian will continue to use and improve this E-Type in the manner to which it has been accustomed.

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