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Dual-Quad V12: No Reserve 1971 Jaguar E-Type

By the time the Series III Jaguar E-Type was released in 1971, it had become a softer and more refined Grand Tourer. However, the inclusion of a V12 under the hood meant that it was a vehicle that could still hit 150mph on the open road. This 1971 example is a restoration project that has stalled. A lot of the heavy lifting appears to have been done, meaning that the buyer is free to add the finishing touches. Located in Union Bridge, Maryland, you will find the Jaguar listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $15,500 off the back of some spirited action. The reserve has been met, so the car is now set to head to a new home.

The Jag wears a tired coat of Regency Red, and this appears to be its original color. The panels look relatively straight, with only a few minor marks and blemishes for the buyer to tackle. The big question with these classics always revolves around rust issues. The E-Type could be shockingly prone to this, and this one is no exception. The owner admits that there is some present, but that it is minimal. He doesn’t specify where this is, but he does say that the driver’s floor has been replaced. If the rest of the floors are sound and the area around the hatch is clean, this could be a bit of a winner. Helping this classic’s cause on that front is the fact that it has been kept in climate-controlled storage for the entire time that the seller has owned it. All of the trim is present, and its condition would be acceptable for a driver-quality car. If the buyer is seeking a high-end restoration, some chrome pieces might need replacing due to minor physical damage. The glass all looks good, and the wire wheels shine nicely.

The engine bay of the E-Type reveals something that is not unusual.  The owner has chosen to ditch the original carburetors and intake in favor of a dual-quad setup. Tuning the originals could be difficult, and they could be temperamental when atmospheric conditions change. This replacement system would be much more “set and forget” for owners who don’t want to undertake a lot of weekend tinkering. It could also mean that the glorious 5,343cc V12 pumps out more than its original 272hp. If this is the case, it should also be able to trump the 15.1-second ¼-mile ET that it was capable of when new. If this new induction system is not to the buyer’s taste, all of the original hardware is included in the sale. The owner says that the motor starts and runs well and that the 3-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. He admits that the brakes need attention, but the new master cylinder included in the sale should address that problem.

A lot of the interior has been stripped out of the Jaguar, but that isn’t bad news. It is 90% complete, and the owner has replaced many of the pieces that had deteriorated beyond salvation. It sounds like the buyer will still have a shopping list of parts to find, but that shouldn’t pose a problem. Interior trim is easy to source, and depending on what is required, some of these items can be pretty affordable. Interestingly, all of the gauges are said to work correctly. This includes the clock, which can be troublesome on these classics.

This 1971 Jaguar E-Type is a classic that looks like it would respond well to a bit of TLC. It has been modified, but the option is available for the buyer to return it to its original specifications. It is a fact of life that the Series III cars don’t command the same sorts of values you see with earlier examples. That doesn’t mean that they are a poor investment because values have continued to increase consistently, especially through a tough 2020. The Coupe also won’t command the same sorts of prices as the Roadster, but finding them selling for more than $80,000 is not unusual. Pristine examples can even head into six-figure territory. If this one sells for somewhere around its current bid level, it might be a pretty reasonable sort of a buy. It’s certainly something to think about.

Comments

  1. Avatar gaspumpchas

    I nominate this Jag for worst pics of the year so far, Is that a hole in the hood, er, Bonnet?? Never saw a dual quad setup before on one of these, wonder if it actually works?? You would need to look at it and see of its palatable. BTW, who would want a jag with a slush o matic? Good luck and stay safe.
    Cheers
    GPC

    Like 3
    • Avatar Tom Bell

      In full agreement with gaspump’s comment on presence of an automatic. A Jag with autotrans is the ultimate oxymoron.

      Like 3
      • Avatar Stephen

        Agree. The automatic in this car is an ender.

        Like 2
      • Avatar Michael

        It’s like buying a 70 inch High Definition Black and White television.

        Like 2
    • Avatar james malone Member

      I may be the one dissenter here, but these late model Jags weren’t the nimble cats of days gone by. A different car for a different purpose. I’m not anti 4 speed, being an owner past and present, but this (in convertible form) would be perfect for long cruises down the coast or up the mountains, and plenty of torque so no need to be busy with the gears while enjoying the view. Different feel, different experience, but I totally get it. Lucky for me most people don’t agree, which keeps the price down. If anyone knows of a nice one available in drop top form, I would consider trading a very nice numbers matching Stage 1, and yes, it is a 4 speed. :)

      Like 0
    • Avatar JS

      Isin ‘t this an XJ40 head times two?

      Like 0
  2. Avatar Mark-A

    Don’t know if anyone has been watching this, https://youtu.be/mypfMUGVtrg

    he’s hoping to have the same set up in a US vehicle just to have something different looking/sounding different when at Cars & Coffee or similar

    Like 2
    • Avatar Jim Z Member

      Regarding that video….having worked on a lot of V12 Jags, I’m a little skeptical on this project getting completed. “Building a set of exh manifolds”, he makes it sound matter-of-fact. I think by the time all the ignition and carburation gets installed along with associated linkages and wiring, he’d wish he’d gone with the late-model FI setup which was really bulletproof. But…I could be wrong….

      Like 1
  3. Avatar sir_mike

    Didn’t know that the original carb setup could be changed for dual carbs.You learn something new on this site everyday.

    Like 5
  4. Avatar CJinSD

    What the carburetors giveth, the automatic transmission taketh away.

    Like 13
  5. Avatar Mark Member

    Pretty ugly under and on the hood. This is what the baby of Frankenstein and Bridgette Bardot would look like. Of course, that is my opinion and there is someone out there that loves the look. This makes the car world so interesting.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Russ

    The original carburetor setup was a piece of cake to tune if you knew how to do it. You simply disconnect the linkage connecting the carburetors, tune them individually, reconnect the linkage and away you go!
    I was a Jag mechanic from 1973 thru 1979

    Like 3
  7. Avatar Kurt Member

    I know that these cars can be converted to a sbc bolted to the original trans. Would the reverse be true, that you could put a GM four speed manual in place of the automatic?

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Skid

    To the author, you said, “The engine bay of the E-Type reveals something that is not unusual.” Not unusual? Did you mean “very” unusual. I’ve been involved with E-types for a lot of years and never seen a dual quad set-up. I actually like it. As I’m not a purist. And as far as the automatic, not my cup of tea, but when they came out with the 2+2 in ’66 and in a lot of the S3 cars, the auto became more prevalent.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar JukeOfEarl

    I looked at the video of the V12 in the Chevy.

    Years ago, some magazine, Car and Driver?, put one of the Pontiac OHC 6s into a Jag. I always wondered if somewhere there was a Pontiac with a Jag 6?

    Like 0
    • Avatar JagManBill

      I’ve got a Mk2 with the OHC6 Pontiac. Well..had… I found the numbers matching original engine and ditched the Chief for the original. Performance was ok, but sounded “punie”

      Autos in a S2 and S3 E are far more prevalent that you’d think. BUT… if I want an automatic behind a V12, I’ll drive my XJS.

      That carb setup – nasty – no room for an air cleaner assy so you have to run open tops. Unless you poke a hole in the bonnet. Haven’t seen it done to an E but I have on an S. They put a flat-top Pro scoop on it. FUGLY!!

      Like 0
  10. Avatar Bill McCoskey Member

    There was somebody with the name of Kelly Berg offering these dual quad conversion manifolds on ebay about 10 years ago, for $1,500 per manifold set only, then you need the 500cfm carbs as well. I suspect you could put the Weber carbs on for about the same price.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar JS

    The original SHP to the rear wheels was good for maybe 110 mph USA. In my experience, driving my bosse’s car. A dead duck due the the EPA.

    Like 0

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