1970 Jaguar E-Type 2+2

Description

If you've been watching E-Type prices skyrocket and wondered how you'd ever be able to put one of these purring cats from Coventry into your garage, look no farther than the Series II 2+2s. Practical, usable, and still gorgeous after nearly 50 years, this '70 E-type will give you all the Jaguar fun without the big price tag.

Given most Jaguar's propensity to rust in the most demonic ways possible, it's always a smart idea to buy a U.S-spec example without all the evident trouble areas. This one has obviously spent its entire life someplace where snowfall almost never happens, and all the critical areas like the foot boxes, floors, and cowl structure are all solid, and even though the body amount area could be addressed at some point in the future, this is one solid Jag. The brown finish is unusual on an E-Type, but combined with the lovely two-tone leather interior, it's a classic combination that looks as right as a single mat in an oak barrel. The massive forward-tilting hood fits as it should, with good panel alignment on the doors and rear hatch as well. The finish is far from perfect and shows its age, but it's obvious that someone loved this Jag, and no matter what the color, it will always be the center of attention. The factory chrome is still bright and presentable (take a look at that awesome wrap-around rear bumper), and the rare vinyl top around the sunroof adds even more maturity and sophistication to this elegant British gentleman.

The 2+2 body style was a late addition to the roster, aimed at making the Jag more practical for American tastes, and it works. While the back seat is best reserved for children or some of your smaller friends, storage space is cavernous, and there are few long-distance touring cars better than this big cat, so pack it up and head for the coast. The seats are nicely stitched with a handsome patina on the leather that reminds you of your favorite jacket, and the carpets appear fairly recent. A professional detail is needed to restore some former glory, and once that is completed the cabin will be fit for the Queen. The instrument panel and gauges seem to be original, and it's clear that some TLC went into ensuring that things look proper and clean. The slender shifter for the smooth-shifting automatic is uniquely Jaguar, and Series II perks include powerful A/C with R134a refrigerant and an AM/FM stereo.

The 4.2-liter inline-six was designed to make more torque for American enthusiasts, and it's a total success in that regard. Most enthusiasts agree that the Series II cars are the ones to own if you like to drive, as the fatter torque curve makes this car genuinely fast and with two responsive carbs, it runs great. The engine bay is a bit dirty, but you could clean it up and take it up a notch, and there's plenty of evidence of recent work, including a newer alternator. These cars have an undeserved reputation for being unreliable, but this one runs and drives very well and doesn't seem fussy in the least, so you should enjoy it every chance you get. The automatic transmission shifts cleanly, the suspension nails Jaguar's combination of comfort and sporting, and the 4-wheel disc brakes are confidence-inspiring, even 49 years later. Gorgeous chrome wire wheels complete this Union Jack and carry 215/70/15 blackwall radials.

E-Types will never get cheaper, and the best Series II cars will not be this affordable for much longer. Don't hesitate, call today!