Historics at Brooklands / Brooklands Museum 4th March 2017 Cars - 04/03/2017 / 1971 Jaguar E-Type Series II Roadster / Lot 179

Launched at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, the Jaguar E-Type 3.8-Litre was nothing short of a revelation. With its heady blend of supercar performance, breathtaking styling and low price tag, the newcomer left rivals reeling and customers clamoring. Early sports car racing success at the hands of Graham Hill and Roy Salvadori, amongst others, helped cement its reputation. In 1968 and due largely to US regulations, the E-Type underwent several design changes and improvements. The new Series II Jaguar E-Type can be identified by its open headlights without glass covers, a wrap-around rear bumper, re-positioned larger front indicators, tail lights below the bumpers, better cooling aided by an enlarged 'mouth' with twin electric fans, and up-rated brakes. The engine is easily identified visually by the change from smooth polished cam covers to a more industrial 'ribbed' appearance. The interior and dashboard were also re-designed, with rocker switches being substituted for toggle switches. Head restraints, a collapsible steering column and an all synchromesh gearbox improved safety and comfort for the occupants. Originally registered on New Year's day 1971 and accompanied by a Jaguar Heritage certificate this beautifully presented Series II roadster offered in Piano black with tan leather interior and correct black mohair roof was initially purchased by its enthusiastic owner to tour Europe early last year. Despite the plans to tour, when the car arrived from the USA in 2015 the decision was made to spend a little more time on the restoration of this example therefore the vendor used his SIII E-Type V12  instead. The touring parties loss was the SII's gain enabling the car to have a raft of mechanical and cosmetic work which included a left to right conversion, replacing  Stromburg carburettors with triple SU carburettors and detailing the engine bay. All of this carried out by E-Type specialists Automo of Taplow, Berkshire. We are now told the E-Type is purring and drives extremely well. In a stunning colour combination that certainly attracts attention, with unmarked chrome work including immaculate chrome wire wheels and a beautifully detailed engine bay this is a very collectable and realistically priced roadster.