1971 Jaguar E-Type OTS

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VIN: 2R14502

I am extremely honored to have the opportunity to present this 1971 Jaguar E-Type OTS (or roadster, if you don't yet speak Jaguar). Finished in the beautiful combination of Regency Red exterior over Biscuit interior, this "Series II" E-Type, with its 4.2 liter inline 6 cylinder engine and some tasteful modern upgrades, is a lovely example of an fully restored E-Type that can be driven and enjoyed, and is quite possibly one of the last 6-cylinder E-Types ever built.

The car was sold new in San Antonio, TX to its first owner in 1971. The second owner bought the car in 1974, and imported it to his home in Mexico. In 1980, this owner put the car into storage in his enclosed garage, where it resided until the third (and current) owner purchased the car in 2001. At this time, the car was utterly complete, original, and undamaged, with 12,000 miles on the odometer, but needed cosmetic and mechanical restoration due to age. The owner first commissioned a full restoration of the body and interior by a specialist, which took place in 2006-2007. The body was stripped to bare metal and fully repainted, and the interior was completely replaced including the soft top.

Once the cosmetic restoration was complete, the car was shipped to Paul Mellenger at LoneStar Vintage Restoration in Houston, TX, a renowned Jaguar E-Type expert, for a full mechanical restoration. The engine was completely rebuilt at this time, and some mechanical upgrades were performed in order to allow the car to be reliably driven in modern traffic and warm climates. The original Zenith carburetors were replaced with Webers, a 5-speed gearbox with a lightened flywheel was installed, the electrical system was completely overhauled along with a Bosch 90 amp alternator, and the cooling system was upgraded with an aluminum radiator. The car originally came from the factory with A/C; however, this system was upgraded with a modern R134 rotary compressor and new hoses. Finally, the suspension was refurbished with new bushings and Spax adjustable shock absorbers.

In total, over $70,000 was spent on the cosmetic and mechanical restoration. The car now shows 17,200 original miles, and is in beautiful condition. I have personally driven this car, and it feels and drives as a Series II E-Type should. The straight-6 engine makes a wonderful growl, the steering is accurate, the suspension is tight, and the brakes work well. All electrical components are functional, and the air conditioning blows cold, as should be expected with the upgraded A/C system. Both the soft top and the original factory hard top are present, as well as the tonneau cover for the soft top.

Jaguar E-Types have appreciated dramatically in the recent past, but the Series II has not moved in value as quickly as the earlier Series I and I 1/2 cars. In reality, the Series II cars are arguably nicer to drive and somewhat more reliable than the earlier cars, and should not be overlooked by an astute collector who desires a car that not only can be an important part of a collection, with the potential for value appreciation, but one that can also be driven regularly as well. Pre-purchase inspections are welcomed and encouraged, and I look forward to discussing this fine motorcar with you. Please contact Michael Foertsch at michael@mbrandonmotorcars.com or 832-617-0494.