-72 Jaguar E Type 2+2 (for sale)

by Asgeir M. Roald October 31, 2018

History

The Jaguar E-Type, or the Jaguar XK-E for the North American market, is a British sports car that was manufactured by Jaguar Cars Ltd between 1961 and 1975. Its combination of beauty, high performance, and competitive pricing established the model as an icon of the motoring world.

The E-Type's 241 km/h top speed, sub-7-second 100 km/h acceleration, monocoque construction, disc brakes, rack- and pinion steering and independent front and rear suspension distinguished the car and spurred industry-wide changes. The E-Type was based on Jaguar's D-Type racing car, which had won the 24 Hours of Le Mans three consecutive years beginning 1955 and employed what was, for the early 1960s, a novel racing design principle, with a front subframe carrying the engine, front suspension and front bodywork bolted directly to the body tub. No ladderfame chassis, as was common at the time, was needed and as such the first cars weighed only 1315kg

On its release in March 1961 Enzo Ferrari called it "the most beautiful car ever made".

Overview

The E-Type was initially designed and shown to the public as a rear-wheel drive grand tourer (GT) in two-seater coupé form (FHC or Fixed Head Coupé) and as a two-seater convertible "roadster" (OTS or Open Two Seater). A "2+2" four-seater version of the coupé, with a lengthened wheelbase, was released several years later.

Later model updates of the E-Type were officially designated "Series 2" and "Series 3", and over time the earlier cars have come to be referred to as "Series 1." As with other partly hand made cars of the time, changes were incremental and ongoing, which has led to confusion over exactly what a Series 1 car is. This is of more than academic interest, as Series 1 E-Types—and particularly Series 1 roadsters often have values far in excess of Series 2 and 3 models.

Series 3 (1971-75)

The E-Type Series 3 was introduced in 1971, with a new 5.3 liter V12, uprated brakes and standard power steering. Optionally an automatic transmission, wire wheels and air conditioning were available.

The brand new V12 engine was originally developed for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was equipped with four Zenith carburettors. The final engine was claimed to produce 203 kW (272 hp), more torque, and a 0-100 km/h acceleration of less than 7 seconds, but this bhp figure was reduced in later production. The short wheelbase FHC body style was discontinued, with the Series 3 available only as a convertible and 2+2 coupé

The newly used longer wheelbase now offered significantly more room in all directions. The Series 3 is easily identifiable by the large cross-slatted front grille, flared wheel arches, wider tyres, four exhaust tips and a badge on the rear that proclaims it to be a V12.

The current owner purchased the car in 2010, from a person living in a small town just outside Chicago, US. The car had everything that he was looking for:

Series 3 powered by the famous V12 engine, manual transmission
Hardtop
British racing green exterior, and tan interior

The first owner was a dentist, and the second owner was an artist with a car collection. He decided to sell all his cars, and turn the garage into an atelier. The current (third) owner has had the car for 8 years, and following advice by Jørgen Sandberg in Sandberg Auto, done several repairs and upgrades:

Replaced headlight bulbs from H2 to H4.
Fitted an original exhaust system
Installed new retro-looking stereo w/Bluetooth
Refitted original size white stripe tires
Replaced both head gaskets
Installed electronic ignition
Replaced starter motor
Reupholstered front seats
Installed "modern" oil filter bracket
Various maintenance work etc.

The car is listed on finn.no at 600.000.- NOK