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1971 Jaguar E-Type 4-Speed Project

Mum’s the word on the details surrounding this 1971 Jaguar E-Type coupe 2+2 that has clearly not been driven in some time. The seller is interested in a variety of potential trades for parts desirable to a Jaguar enthusiast, from an early 3.8L engine to “any racing items” for an XKE. Put it together and you likely have someone that knows these cars fairly well and recognizes that a complete car is a potential bargaining chip into a conversation for some parts he needs for another E-Type that he’s not letting go of anytime soon. To check out the one that’s up for grabs, head on over to the listing here on craigslist where it has a $15K asking price.

Now, it’s too bad more information isn’t offered, because this appears to be a wholly decent project car, and a cheap entry point into E-Type ownership if you can live with the fact that it’s not the most desirable model out there. The interior is seemingly complete and it sports the preferred manual transmission. Sure, the leather is a bit tired but you can certainly live with that while the mechanical bits are sorted out. Door panels look decent too, and the original details, like the steering wheel and shift knob, speak to a car that hasn’t been altered much from stock condition. Of course, the floors on E-Types are always weak spots, and no mention is made of any rust repairs.

The Jaguar is located in Denver, which may signify no rust repairs were ever needed. The dry climate out that ways tends to preserve vehicles that aren’t used in the snow, and an E-Type is hardly an ideal winter beater. The engine bay looks mostly complete with no major components removed, and the inner bodywork all looks largely straight and rust-free. No word on whether the engine still turns over or spins by hand, but for $15K, I’d sure hope it does. The paint may even be the original color based on what we can see on the firewall, but it’s hard to tell for sure what the exterior paint scheme even is based on the photographs.

This picture seems to show what looks like most of a leather re-trim kit for the interior, which would also yield a swap to black seating surfaces and door panels, along with what looks like carpeting in the upper right corner of the photo. No mention is made of these extra parts, but this is the type of purchase you typically make when you’re ready to commit to a project all the way and begin addressing the cosmetic flaws. The seller mentions he’d also swap the E-Type for a rear differential or a set of Webers, but I’m guessing there’s a “plus cash” component to that offer to barter. Looks like a decent project – got anything to trade? Thanks to Barn Finds reader Chuck F. for the find.

Comments

  1. Avatar chgrec Member

    Is it just me or based on the spare parts photo, does it look like the original plan was to convert this 2+2 to a convertible?

    (No shame in that as I would be willing to go this route….my garage already has an old vw bus project wrapping up In it or I’d be on this one!)

    Like 3
    • Avatar Paolo

      chgrec, that’s what I thought when I saw the top frame.

      I’ve gotten over my prejudice against the 2+2. It’s still a Jaguar E-Type and as long as it is a stick shift I’m just fine with it.

      Converting it to a roadster? It depends on the condition of what you are starting with.That might be fine for some people but for me, “Why bother?” That’s a lot of work and expense and time spent NOT enjoying the E-type you already have.

      Like 3
      • Avatar chgrec Member

        I get that completely….I had a 69 2+2 E-type back in the 80’s and I loved it even with its hump. Still drove like a jag!

        As for the conversion, the time & work is all part of the fun!

        Like 0
  2. Avatar TimM

    I’ve never worked on an old E-type Jag!! They are a super cool body style for sure!! Still looks to be quite a bit of work though!!

    Like 0
  3. Avatar Turbo

    I know the owner and this is actually a Fiero based kit car. Don’t walk away…RUN!

    Like 1
    • Avatar JagManBill

      Turbo…really? This is a legit 2+2. It also includes the “offered back in the 80’s” conversion kit to make your 2+2 a long-door Roadster. Thats not a interior re-trim kit, thats all the parts (inc the new soft top and frame) to complete the transformation. Problem is, the actual process to do this is not for the faint of heart. Your cutting off the top, half the rear quarters and then welding in all the braces and supports along with the new rear deck.
      With the 2+2’s FINALLY getting some respect from the market, cutting the roof off one to build an OTS probably still isn’t a financially viable option. It is when you compare what a Series 2 2+2 is worth vs a S2 OTS, but a “conversion” is never going to worth what an orignal is.
      Oh…I also know the owner – and he is a stand-up guy with a penchant for exotic racing machines – mostly British.

      Like 0
  4. Avatar Spud

    Convert it to a hearse! Just like Harold did :-)

    Like 1
  5. Avatar JoeNYWF64

    I was behind 1 of these a few weeks back – in the daylight it is very difficult to see the tiny tailites when brake pedal is depressed. Perhaps change to LED bulbs?

    Like 1
  6. Avatar ccrvtt

    It’s refreshing to see a reasonable asking price and the offer of possible barter items from a knowledgeable seller. A serious buyer seems likely to get the pertinent information regarding the condition of the drivetrain and floors from the current owner before negotiations begin.

    I agree with Paolo that it’s still an E-type but the profile view is so ungainly when compared to the perfect proportions of the 2-seater. And I’d be leery of installing LEDs for fear of raising the ire of the Lord of Darkness.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Bob Roller

      Ah yes,Lord Lucas the father of darkness..One day I got a call and the question was “Do you guys know anything about Lucas electricals”?I told him we were the battered and bruised veterans of about 100.000 blown fuses and MAYBE we can help you.

      Like 0
  7. bobhess bobhess Member

    I’ve said this before but after doing a complete rebuild/restoration on a customer car it’s the most complicated, difficult car we’ve ever done. Did two ’55 Healeys and even those two were easier to work on than the Jags. Does look solid enough to make restoring worthwhile. Agree on the comparison between the basic car and the 2+2 but we should be running out of barn find XKEs pretty soon don’t you think?

    Like 1
    • Avatar Bob Roller

      I worked in a specialty garage for what I called Euroklunkers and the Jags were the troublesome ones.Get one thing repaired and then another popped up.I am amazed that they are still being made and maybe now they can be at least be used to go to the grocery store.I would not want to contend with this car and IF it can made to run it should be dumped at once.We remade a V12 Jag sedan that had been “worked on”by a shop that had no idea as to what the car really was and we kept a very acccurate book on all we did to it and gave the owner a good running car and a bill for nearly $4000.He was a local doctor and called us later and said he was afraid of it because every thing was still working.

      Like 4
  8. Avatar RichardinMaine

    Had a 67 2+2, with a new engine, the trips, and the manual. Was my DD, in my late 20’s. A great highway stormer, it wasn’t the OTS I really wanted, but after briefly having a coupe, didn’t mind the extra foot in the wheelbase or the headroom. And everything worked. Running them keeps them happy.
    This is a good buildable car for a reasonable price. Roadsters that are a collection of rust and parts go for triple that and more.

    Like 2
  9. Avatar Kenn

    Not sure I understand, Turbo. A kit car with a Jag engine? And Jag instrument panel and steering wheel? It’s one hell of a kit if all that’s true.

    Like 0

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