Jaguar introduced its iconic E-Type as an affordable alternative to European high-performance exotics. History shows that the E-Type has become less affordable with each passing year, with spotless examples typically beyond the reach of mere mortals. This 1970 2+2 might allow someone to slip behind the wheel of an E-Type. It isn’t the cheapest car on the planet, but the seller’s price compares favorably with similar vehicles. It has avoided the plague of rust that often afflicts these cars and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner. The seller has listed the Jag here on Facebook Marketplace in Buckley, Washington. Handing the seller $32,500 could see you drive off into the sunset behind the wheel of this survivor, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this beauty.
Jaguar’s E-Type caused a sensation when unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961. Throughout its production life, it underwent evolutionary changes before the last cars rolled out of the factory in Coventry, England, in 1974. Series 2 E-Types graced showroom floors from 1968, with the original owner ordering this car in 1970. He selected the 2+2 variant, which had joined the range in 1966, and cloaked its exterior in Pale Primrose paint. Jaguar introduced this shade in 1963, and it remained available until 1974. This car has a claim to fame, as its original owner was Walter J. Minton. Mr. Minton was the President of G.P Putnam’s Sons, a driving force in ground-breaking book publishing for many years. Its honor roll of titles includes The Godfather, Lord of The Flies, and The Spy Who Came in From the Cold. He retained the car until passing away in 2019. His son inherited the Jag, selling it to the current owner in 2020. Whether such a history adds to any classic’s potential value is always debatable, but it represents an excellent conversation starter. This E-Type is an unrestored survivor that has avoided the problems that often beset these classics. The included images confirm that rust-prone areas like the floors, rear valance, and hatch opening are all rock-solid. The paint shines pleasantly, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. The trim and beautiful wire wheels are exceptional for a survivor, and there are no glass issues.
In 1970, E-Type buyers didn’t have to decide which engine would power their new purchase. All cars were equipped with the 4.2-liter DOHC six, which produced 240hp and 263 ft/lbs of torque. The 2+2 variant wasn’t the only significant change introduced in 1966. Buyers could forego the four-speed manual transmission in favor of a three-speed automatic, as found in this car. It is fair to say that this mechanical configuration transformed the E-Type from a genuine sports car into a Grand Tourer, with its ability to top 130mph allowing it to devour the miles effortlessly. There is plenty of positive news for potential buyers because this Jag is a turnkey classic. It recently received a new fuel tank, sender, and pump. The original distributor made way for a Petronix system while the water pump, alternator, and brake hoses were replaced. The suspension received a range of new parts, with a minor exhaust leak the only fault for the new owner to tackle. The seller provides this YouTube video of the E-Type in action. It sounds fantastic, with no squeaks, rattles, or odd noises.
This Jaguar’s interior is trimmed in Black, and it is serviceable. The seller performed a partial restoration, and the most glaring fault is the deterioration of the back seat upholstery. There are no splits, so a specialist may be able to revive the seat without needing a replacement cover. This question is worth asking because new covers in the correct color and material retail for around $1,500. The seller confirms the air conditioning is inoperative and the heater fan is noisy. Otherwise, everything works as it should.
The term “affordable” is relatively loose because its relevance depends on a person’s circumstances. The 2+2 variant isn’t the most popular version of Jaguar’s iconic E-Type, and market values reflect this. They typically sell for around 30% less than an equivalent Coupe and a whopping 50% less than a Roadster. Those versions generally are beyond the reach of mere mortals, leaving the 2+2 as the only viable alternative. The seller’s price is realistic, and I believe they will find a buyer. If an E-Type has been on your radar, is this one that you might consider?
I’ve long wondered, did the design of this Jaguar inspire the Wienermobile, or was it the other way around?
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Although this car is impeccable, I really don’t appriciate the styling at all. Windows so big like you’re in a fishbowl. Weird to say Nissan got it right, but they did. These days they never do at all..
About 15 years ago, a neighbour who always lusted after an E-Type finally got one. It was also a ’70 2+2, but in white. His uncle in California had stumbled across it an estate sale, and the deal was done. It had been parked for years, needed restoration, but was complete, and not rusty. My neighbour had it shipped to someone who claimed to be a Jag expert restorer, and promptly paid (alot) in advance. The shop kept billing him more, and he sent them expensive parts, including a full interior. This went on for about two years before he became suspicious and visited the shop. His car had been left outside to the elements, with many parts missing or ruined by weather. The shop was abandoned, with an Eviction notice on the door. His money and parts were gone. He had the car towed to a (legit this time) shop, and began the entire process all over again.The new shop was heavily booked and took about 6 months to begin work (as promised).This time he kept track of progress with regular personal visits. About another 18 months later, it was done. It was quite expensive, but he was pleased with the quality. He went to get the car and drive it home, brimming with excitement. He made it only a few blocks, when one of the front wheels fell off while taking a corner at low speed. The knock-off had apparently not been properly fastened. The body was damaged, and it was towed back. The embarrassed shop owner repaired it a week later, at no charge. My neighbour finally drove it 30 miles home anxiously, worried something else might break or fall off. This was now about 5 years after buying it. There was one other, larger(pun intended) problem that prevented him from enjoying his dream car. My neighbour is a Large guy…. well over 6 ft tall, and of large (3XL) girth. He just did not fit. He sold it a month later. He made me promise to never tell his wife that he lost about $100K on the car.
Two lessons: 1) Always thoroughly investigate and qualify any shop before leaving your car with them, and keep track of progress. 2) As an old tailor friend used to jokingly say “Never mind the quality, feel the fit!”, or “Never mind the fit, feel the quality!”
The car for sale here looks like a very reasonable prospect. This car has relatively few needs that shouldn’t be prohibitively expensive to repair. Buying a cheaper 2+2 that needs a lot of work is a bad idea.
Not to state the obvious, but that is a sad story.
I too have yearned for an XKE, and the 2+2 never turned me off, but was my 3rd choice of the body style and my bank accounts 1st choice. I had the opportunity about 3 years ago to buy a 50K original rust free from a friend’s late brothers estate. I drove 7 hours to see it with cash in hand, examined it from top to bottom, no rust all original, got in it to drive it and couldn’t shut the door without the window open to make room. I also couldn’t drive it with shoes on as my size 13’s covered 2 of the 3 pedals at a time. I drove it in socks, about 1 mile in total, (the brakes were very weak) came back handed him the keys back and had to admit my 5’10” 245lb body did not fit. I was heart broken. that was a looong 7 hour trip back and to this day i regret not buying it just to sit in the garage and stare at it. (i did lose 50 lbs and now wonder I i could fit and if I got some narrow, Italian leather driving shoes, hmmmm.)
at that price its not a bad deal. I’d be interested but its an automatic. As for you sillys who talk down about the 2+2, guys like me at 6’4 are thankful they exist. Elsewise, I had a friend who has a 64 FHC. I tried driving it…once. SO uncomfortable. But my 2+2 was a pure joy with 6″ of add’l leg room. Besides…if you want an E Type these days your FHC will cost you double this price of a an OTS will cost you quadruple so the 2+2 is really the entry point to an affordable E
Always thought these were butt ugly and still do
Bill, please elucidate the characteristics of the car that you designed, built, manufactured, and marketed. You must be a demi-god.
Michael, the man is offering an opinion. You need not be Bob Dylan to say “I care not for Beyonce’s new country album”.
Ok. You’re wrong, but ok.
This would be the perfect entry E. I have owned a 61 RHD (in the Navy at the time), a 69 Roadster, and a 74 Coupe. I could work on all of them, they were a hell of a lot of fun to drive, and I actually came out ahead when I sold them. Rust is the killer of these and your checkbook. I had to do some moderate body repair on the 61 but the mechanicals were fairly straightforward, except for replacing the Clutch.
The 2+2 is not my favorite style but it is someone’s.
The 2+2 was redesigned slightly, I believe for the 1968 or 69 model year – the windshield got more of a rake- around 3 – 4 inches further out at the bottom, which helped with the streamlining some. I never thought I’d get an E-Type, because at 6ft 1″, the coupes were not comfortable. I had a chance encounter with a 2+2 however, and fit like a glove – don’t even think the seat was all the way back. So I went on a mission, and found this car. I’ve had people tell me it made there day, just to stand next to it – nobody has ever asked why (or if) it has a back seat (though I do keep it folded) and although the coupes are great – I’d have needed leg-shortening surgery and bigger bank account to make one work – I can honestly say, I’ve never once wished I had the Coupe, and I’ll miss this car when she sells.
Allan: just to let you know–in case you were not aware–your E Type is missing the chrome surroundings for the taillamps. The Series III does not have them because they enlarged the body for a bigger boot and more fuel tank room, but the six cylinder cars all have them.
I have a ’69 roadster the same colour as yours and love it! Good luck with your sale.
Thank you! I actually wasn’t aware of that. I do have an extra set of tail lamps and housings, I wonder if they have the trim? I never really bothered to look since the lights on the car worked and looked fine.
I went for several Corvettes, being a morion from the 70’s.
Still, I have always thought that the XKE’s were the most beautiful cars, including the +2′;s .
If this buyer is happy, then I am happy for him.
wish it was a stick not an auto.
Allan: something else. If your ’70’s engine number ends in –9 you actually have a bit more power than you think, because someone removed the crossover pipe. On a ’70 it takes hot exhaust smoke from the front and back exhaust manifolds and warms the air/fuel emulsion before combustion. While this is good for meeting emission numbers, it is bad for performance. With that pipe removed and everything tuned properly, you should have 255 ponies at the crank. With the pipe the engines were rated at 245 bhp for a ’70.
It does indeed end in a 9, and is a 9:1 compression engine. I have both white and pink copies of the original sales invoice – says so right on the form. I removed the crossover – but it goes with the car.
sold.