1970 Jaguar E Type 2+2

This fine looking E Type possesses the chassis number P1R35961BW. The “P” prefix denotes the fitting of power steering whilst the 35961 confirms it as number 960 of the 1,040 right hand drive Series 2 2+2 cars built (the number range for these cars spanning 35001 to 36041). The “BW” suffix refers to this car’s 3-speed Borg and Warner automatic gearbox.

This E Type left the factory in a brown, “Sable” livery with the DVLA noting its change to “Racing Green” in 1994. This is thought to coincide with a full bodily restoration at that stage. In 2006 the E Type benefitted from some significant engine work including a bottom end rebuild and attention to the timing chains. Although many years ago now, this work is usefully put in context by the Jaguar’s extremely light use in recent years. At the time of the bodily restoration, the 2+2 had covered around 55,500 miles. The 2006 engine work was undertaken at approximately 60,000 miles. On the day of our shoot the Smiths odometer was reading 61,288 miles. Prior to its current ownership the E Type had been in dry storage for a number of years.

To date the E type has been in the stewardship of 8 registered keepers. This may initially sound high, but is fairly reasonable for a 54 year old thoroughbred. This equates to an average period of tenure of nearly seven years. With the current owner, Jaguar enthusiast and collector,  now slimming down his collection this fine example comes reluctantly to market.

Our car is presented in an eye-catching Racing Green colourway. This example effectively showcases the signature features of the E Type’s second iteration. The big, oval grill. The splayed double chromed tail pipes designed to avoid the rear number plate, and the forward set un-faired headlamps – they are all here. For those in any doubt as to what they are following, there is a big chrome “E Type Jaguar 4.2” emblem affixed to the elegantly sloping boot lid.

This example’s paintwork retains some room for further improvement upon close inspection. From a few meters a nice lustrous shine is evident and welcome. As you approach the E Type, however, a number of imperfections become obvious. The paintwork’s condition has been accurately captured in our photographic package. This reveals areas of under paint blistering at various points around the car, some surface corrosion to the brightwork and a couple of areas of more persistent looking sub-paint bubbling. This is thought to result from the car’s extended period in dry storage. However, this storage has also reportedly resulted in bodywork free from significant corrosion.

The 15-inch cross-spoked chromed wire wheels appear to be in good condition all round with no significant areas of imperfection noted. The Jaguar inscribed twin eared spinners are equally well presented. The tyres appear to retain plenty of tread, but their age can’t reliably be confirmed. Rubber white-wall inserts are fitted.

Right from launch Jaguar boss, Sir William Lyons, was carping on about the lack of space in the E Type’s cabin. It was no surprise, then, that a longer 2+2 version appeared in 1966 whilst the car was still in Series 1 form. This was carried through to the Series 2 with the configuration adding around 9 inches to the wheelbase and two extra, if occasional, perches to the cabin.

This example is known to retain its original fixtures and fittings in the factory cinnamon hued leather. The vertically box pleated front seats now featured adjustable headrests, another sop to the NHTSA. The perforated upholstery substrate looks most of its 54 years in places (the driver’s seat and centre arm rest particularly) but considerably younger in others. No rips, tears or holes are noted, however.

The rest of the E Type interior is an analogue delight, and all the better for it in our opinion. No less than 10 clearly labelled (and less likely to mortally injure you according to the NHTSA) rocker switches are arranged across the centre panel and seven, white on black Smiths gauges keep you appraised of the car’s mechanical status. A charming, wood-rimmed, alloy framed Mota-Lita style steering wheel is also present.

The door cards are finished in brown leather and feature horizontally arranged, chromed trim strips and door furniture. The high and wide inner sill panels are trimmed in brown to match the rest of the interior. The tan carpets appear to be in fine fettle throughout and the floors under these look reassuringly solid and original. A sit in, let alone a drive of an E Type of this period will likely provide an object lesson in the “theatre” of motoring that seems somehow seem to elude this car’s modern successors.

The E Type’s 4.2L XK engine was a colossus of a unit having been produced in different capacities since 1949. It was not only around 50kgs lighter than the yet to come, thunder stealing V12 but was also considerably easier to maintain. This is why those in the know consider the 4.2L XK engine as the apogee of E Type mechanical development.

Lifting the curvaceous clam-shell bonnet reveals the XK engine with the signature Series 2 “ribbed” cam covers. The row of triple SU carburettors mounted to the offside and their associated inlet paraphernalia dominate the area. In keeping with the rest of the car there is potential here for some aesthetic improvement. Following its extended period of hibernation, the current owner had a new water pump fitted, and the fuel system flushed. He now reports that the Jaguar runs as it should.

The underside of the car looks pretty good for its age with no undue damage, leaks or corrosion noted or reported. The spare wheel aperture and fuel tank look to be in great shape. An original jack and two period tool rolls are included.

There is a generous level of provenance providing paperwork included with the car. Our photographic package includes over 80 images of documents and paperwork from across the car’s history. Foremost these include the current V5 registration document in the name of the current owner. This confirms the car’s status as an Historic Vehicle and its associated VED zero rating and MoT exemption in the UK.

The remainder of the archive fills a box file to the brim. Highlights include many invoices for work undertaken as well as parts procured. There is some period correspondence, an original owner’s manual and a collection of photographs documenting work undertaken at the mid-1990’s restoration.

In many ways, the Series 2 cars live in the shadow of the feted first generation cars and their purity of concept. Similar to the way Cromer seems to play second fiddle to Southwold, for instance. Wringing out that analogy a bit more, there is much enjoyment to be had, however, from choosing the less obvious, less popular option and realising it is just as good but somehow more enjoyable for its relative obscurity.

This example has much going for it. In numerical terms this configuration is surprisingly scarce, being one of 1,040 originally and inevitably just a fraction of that number, now. It’s 4.2L automatic specification thought to make it the most useable version of the rarefied species. Of course, it’s not a concours car and doesn’t pretend to be. Given that, though, it is likely to offer unbeatable value for money for an E Type and give the new keeper the opportunity to add further value. An enticing ownership proposition, we’re sure you’ll agree. 

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £30,000 - £35,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Coventry, West Midlands. To arrange an appointment to view this vehicle please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.