Running out of energy to undertake a project build is not uncommon, and can often result from advancing age or deteriorating health. It is unclear whether either of those issues has beset the owner of this 1971 Jaguar E-Type Series III 2+2, but it has motivated him to send this classic to a new home, rather than see it languishing in a shed for years. This British gem runs and drives well, with its V12 engine promising excellent performance. The seller has listed the E-Type here on Facebook Marketplace in Oceanside, California. He has recently dropped his price, allowing someone to drive the 2+2 away after handing him $32,500.

Jaguar introduced the E-Type in 1961 as a hard-edged but affordable sports car designed to tackle manufacturers like Ferrari head-on. A 2+2 joined the party in 1966, providing increased interior space and the versatility of four seats. Our feature 2+2 rolled off the Coventry line in 1971, ordered by the first owner in Sable. I admit that isn’t my favorite E-Type shade, but the fact that it remained available for five years suggests that some people liked it. The seller won this classic in an auction, planning a restoration that would have returned it to its former glory. He has run out of energy and is ready to send the Jag to a new home. The paint shows its age, courtesy of swirls and minor chips. However, it is presentable if the buyer opts for preservation. The panels are straight, and an initial assessment of the limited photos seems to suggest that the body has only a few minor rust bubbles that are patchable. The floors also look sound, but there is a worrying sign in this image. It appears that there might be developing rust in the lower firewall, although the poor photo quality makes it hard to determine how bad it might be. Therefore, this is a case where an in-person inspection is warranted. The trim looks generally acceptable for a survivor or driver-grade build, and there are no visible glass issues.

Powering this Jaguar is the legendary 5.3-liter V12 that produces 272hp and 304 ft/lbs of torque. The company developed the E-Type as a sports car, but with this 2+2 featuring the optional three-speed automatic transmission and power steering, it would be fair to consider it closer in concept to a Grand Tourer. It is still a potent car, delivering a ¼-mile ET of 15.1 seconds and a top speed nudging close to 150mph. The seller has worked through a range of tasks to ensure that this E-Type is in excellent mechanical health. A complete fuel system flush, new fluids, a new battery, and a rebuild of the carburetor tops helped its cause, while he will include the components for a total carburetor rebuild. The only identified fault is a pinhole in the fuel tank. Otherwise, this 2+2 runs and drives extremely well, and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.

This E-Type’s interior is unlikely to win the buyer many show trophies, but it is presentable and serviceable. There are visible flaws with a couple of upholstered surfaces and the dashpad, and the carpet has faded. Replacing individual parts might be the best option because I can’t see any problems that justify spending over $5,000 on a complete retrim. This car’s Grand Tourer credentials are cemented by the factory air conditioning, while an aftermarket radio/cassette player appears to be the only addition.

The photos supplied by the seller are limited, but they seem to paint this 1971 Jaguar E-Type in a generally positive light. The question mark hanging over potential rust in the lower firewall would warrant an in-person inspection because any repairs would add cost to its restoration. Values have taken a significant hit during the past year, and the situation shows no signs of improving. Would those factors prompt you to give this 2+2 a wide berth, or would you consider rolling the dice?