Description
1971 E Type Jaguar series 2 1/ 2 OTS Convertible Left Hand Drive.
Vin Number: 2R13621
Registration number: MRD895J
A matching numbers car.
A very unusual "Last of Production" car. In 1971 the V12 E type was about to be launched. Brochures were rpinited & publicity started by North American dealers early in 1971 but cars were not to appear until several months later. With the dealers screaming for cars a final production run of 9 series 2 E types were made by Jaguars Special Vehicles Department designated to sit in North American dealership windows until the V12's finally started arriving.
Uniquely these 9 cars were fitted with the 4 tail pipe exhaust system about to appear on the new V12's and also the Jaguar Badge to the sides of the bonnet as found on the V12's. These 9 cars were equipped with the triple carb set up which when combined with the freer flowing exhaust makes this one of the fastest standard E types I have ever driven. This is believed to be the only survivor of the 9 last cars produced. Out of the nine cars three were produced with clip on tonneau covers from the factory. When researching this car with Jaguar historians they were utterly amazed to learn not only of the cars existance but also that one of the three factory clip on tonneau covers had survived in virtually perfect condition. The original hood cover also comes with the car. The car will be featuring in a forthcoming book on the marque.
2R13621 was invoiced by British Leyland Motors Inc of New York on 29th April 1971 to one John Siegmund of New York. He purchased the car as a weekend car & took it with him to Jupiter Island Florida where it remained with him for over 40 years. During this time he put a mere 35, 000 miles on the car which was of course always garage kept. In 2012 it came over to the UK & was UK registered. Since then the elderly, almost octogenarian owner who is now selling the car due to serious health issues increased the mileage total to 41, 701 miles at time of photography. The mileage is verified by a stamped Jaguar service record & bills from the current ownership.
Changes to US safety and emissions legislation prompted the revised Series 2 of 1968. The headlight fairings were deleted and enlarged side and rear lights adopted, while a thickened front bumper centre section bridged a larger radiator intake. Interior changes included a collapsible steering column, and rocker switches in place of the earlier toggles.
Aside from a respray in the late 1990s to a very high standard the car is extremely original & well preserved being totally rot free underneath. To drive it is to appreciate how good a properly set up original E type can be. The engine starts instantly & is utterly crisp in a way you only find in Jaguar Twin Cam units. It is as mentioned before an extremely fast car outperforming all other E types I have driven.
The car wants for nothing & is in simply wonderful original condition & ready to be extensively driven.
