Some cars seem destined to remain a staple of the classic scene and market indefinitely, and such is the case with the Jaguar E-Type. It broke new ground for a British sports car upon its release. It offered comparable performance to many similar European models but at a significantly lower sticker price. However, values have climbed to the point where spotless examples are typically beyond the reach of mere mortals. This 1971 Series II Fixed-Head Coupe requires total restoration but appears to have strong bones. It is listed here on Craigslist in Bellingham, Massachusetts. The seller set their price at $27,500, making it one of the more affordable E-Type projects we have recently seen at Barn Finds.
The history of this Jaguar is unclear, but it displays encouraging signs for potential buyers. Its original owner ordered it in Regency Red, a shade that first appeared on the E-Type color palette in 1969 and would remain available until production ended. The car looks tired, which is unsurprising since it has spent years in storage. The appearance suggests someone may have commenced a restoration, but it stalled very early. They removed the bumpers and lights, and while it is impossible to be sure, I think some items may be visible on the edge of one interior shot. The panels sport a few minor bumps and marks, but nothing demands steel replacement. It is a similar story when we turn our attention to the subject of rust. Prone areas like the rockers and rear valance look clean, while a cargo area image shows solid floors. If this classic is rust-free, that is half the battle won. The beautiful wire wheels look like they would polish nicely, and there are no visible glass issues.
We receive no engine photos, but a VIN check confirms the seller’s claim this E-Type features the beautiful 4.2-liter DOHC six. It would have produced 246hp and 263 ft/lbs of torque in its prime, which fed to the road via a four-speed manual transmission. The E-Type wasn’t quite the performance powerhouse it had once been by 1971, but it could still produce a sub-15-second ¼-mile ET and nudge 140mph. Both figures remained respectable, but the days of hitting 150mph were a memory for any E-Type with a six under the hood. This classic doesn’t run, and the indications are that it hasn’t done so for years. The engine turns freely, but hitting the key before a thorough mechanical inspection would be unwise. An engine rebuild would not be cheap, but the price would skyrocket if an impatient approach caused significant damage.
The state of this Jaguar’s interior is unsurprising considering its recent history. The Tan leather upholstery must have looked striking against the Red exterior, but those days are long behind it. A retrim is on the “to-do” list for the new owner, but the parts required to achieve flawless presentation are readily available. Moss Motors seems to be one of the go-to suppliers for complete kits, and a figure of around $5,000 is typical for a kit in the correct materials and colors. An online search may produce less expensive alternatives, but checking product quality before committing to such a costly purchase is best. There are no aftermarket additions, and the interior retains its factory radio.
Many classics suffered during the recent market slump, and the 1971 Jaguar E-Type Series II Fixed-Head Coupe wasn’t immune. Values have plunged by 10%, and it would require a crystal ball to determine whether they have turned the corner. This one is a promising project, although it will undoubtedly need a significant injection of funds to return to its former glory. Is it worth it? An accurate answer will depend on future market developments, but in the current climate, a value of around $80,000 awaits the new owner if they achieve a high-end result. That should make it financially viable, although the situation may improve if values climb again. This restoration requires deep commitment, but would you accept the challenge?
Really well done write up Adam. Looks like a good car. With the colors and six/stick someone can make a show stopper with this one. And possibly not be too upside down.
It’s really hard not to appreciate the beauty of these cars. Very complicated machine but one of the best looking things out there to this day.
Not even one of the more desirable E-Types either. This example will require a lot of time and money to get back to where it belongs… more money than I’d spend. With an obvious history of a hard life, and the ignoble effort it would take to get this example back to ‘respectable’ condition, this is a parts-car.
There is no way this E-type is a “parts car.” A no, or nearly no, rust body and matching numbers engine absolutely guarantee that this car will be restored.
$80k for Series 2 FHC? No way. S2 OTS are just barely cracking that number.
As presented it appears to be a restoration candidate. Manual 2+2’s are rare if not noteworthy. Only an inspection would determine whether or not to rate this one a Buy. The lack of under bonnet and underneath photos call for caution. I’d go look at it if I were in the market.
It’s not a 2+2 though
If restored to a very decent standard it could be worth more than 80 thou. Prices are all over the place, but one that has not had to have large body sections replaced and which is brought up to concours condition can be worth a bundle! Have a look at the Hagerty values for upper-end cars!
looking at that “other” site, there are numerous S2 FHC listings and sales. Most are in the 35-50k range for the last 6 months. There is a sale at 62k and 63k for excellent condition examples but I didn’t see anything higher. Based on the current direction, I’d guess that a restored example would fetch 80k in 3-4 years