The word “iconic” is probably used too readily in the classic world. However, there are cars deserving of that title. Turning our attention to British classics, the two that spring to mind are the MGB and the Jaguar E-Type. When released, the Jaguar broke new ground, offering performance that matched or bettered European exotics but at a fraction of the price. This E-Type is a 1972 V12 2+2 that has been garage-kept its entire life. It isn’t perfect, but with a mere 58,000 miles on the clock and no rust issues, some enthusiasts will find it irresistible. The seller has listed the Jaguar here on Craigslist in Longmont, Colorado. They set their price at $39,950, which looks quite competitive in the current market.

The E-Type caused a sensation when unveiled at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show. The public and motoring press were stunned by its styling and Jaguar’s performance claims. It remained in production until 1974, undergoing evolutionary changes throughout its life. A Series 3 version was released in 1971 which brought significant changes. Our feature car rolled off the Coventry production line in 1972, with the original owner ordering it in a paint shade called Sable. This color was introduced in 1969 and remained available until the very end. The seller is sparing in their details about this classic, but a dry-climate life and spending its downtime in climate-controlled storage appears to have left it rust-free. The exterior, including the hatch opening and rear valance, looks clean. The lack of surface corrosion across various aspects of the vehicle gives cause for quiet confidence. The paint holds an impressive shine for a survivor-grade car, but only an in-person inspection would reveal any minor flaws or defects in the panels or paint. The glass looks excellent, and I can’t spot any significant problems with the trim or beautiful wire wheels.

The evolution of the E-Type wasn’t confined to styling or mechanical upgrades, with the company introducing a 2+2 variant in 1966. The new model added 9″ to the wheelbase of the Fixed-Head Coupe, and while rear space wasn’t copious, it was suitable for children. This Jaguar’s interior is trimmed in Tan leather, and its condition is readily acceptable for a survivor-grade classic. The outer edge of the driver’s seat exhibits slight wear, but it doesn’t appear that there is a danger of holes developing. It has wrinkles, an integral characteristic of aging leather, with the remaining upholstered surface looking equally tidy. The carpet has dirty marks beside the driver’s right foot, but that appears to be the only flaw worth noting. Someone has swapped the original radio for an aftermarket radio/cassette player, which is the only visible addition. Jaguar added air conditioning to the relatively short options list with the Series 2 models, and the new owner will benefit from that feature.

Jaguar introduced the E-Type powered by the beautiful 3.8-liter DOHC six-cylinder powerplant, but the 5.3-liter V12 joined the party with the Series 3 range. It produces 276hp and 304 ft/lbs of torque. This car features that motor, backed by a four-speed manual transmission. The drivetrain combination should allow this beauty to cover the ¼-mile in 15.4 seconds, with the V12 running out of breath as the needle nudges 133mph. However, the E-Type wasn’t merely about straight-line performance, with the car featuring four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes to provide exceptional handling and stopping power. The seller indicates this survivor has 58,000 original miles on the clock, although they don’t mention supporting evidence. It has always been appropriately maintained, and while they state it runs and drives, there is no information on how well it achieves either feat.

I fell head-over-heels in love with the Jaguar E-Type when I saw my first one, but I spent years wondering whether they were a triumph of style over substance. There was much hype about the performance and handling, and the story looked almost too good to be true. My curiosity was satisfied in the 1980s when I slipped behind the wheel to sample one of these classics from the driver’s seat. I wasn’t disappointed, and while I have been privileged to drive some desirable vehicles, the E-Type will forever remain the highlight. This 1972 E-Type 2+2 offers someone the chance to experience the same sensations, and they shouldn’t be disappointed. I wasn’t.