1971 Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Roadster

Registration No: AKE 371J
Chassis No: P2R14531
MOT: August 2026

• Initially built to American left-hand drive specification, but repatriated to Britain in 2012
• In current ownership since repatriation, with a believed-genuine 91,000 miles
• Converted to right-hand drive, as well as British specification carburetters and differential
• Due to be driven to the sale from the Scottish Highlands

Triumphantly unveiled at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, the Jaguar E-Type created a furore thanks to its supercar performance, stunning looks and modest price tag. Early racing success at the hands of Graham Hill and Roy Salvadori, amongst others, helped cement the newcomer's reputation. Built as a monocoque with an engine-cradling front sub-frame, the E-type's combination of all-around independent suspension and disc brakes allied to rack-and-pinion steering resulted in excellent roadholding and handling capabilities. The indomitable straight-six XK twin-cam engine supplied abundant power. If the design had an Achilles' heel, it was the recalcitrant Moss gearbox. However, Jaguar was quick to correct this shortcoming with a four-speeder of its own design, part of a continual programme of E-Type development that saw the model metamorphose through three series. Introduced in August, 1968, the Series II cars were distinguishable by their revised bumper and light arrangements. Less noticeable was the increased size of the front air intake that, in conjunction with dual cooling fans, made the Series II better behaved in hot weather and heavy traffic. With its 4,235cc engine developing a quoted 265bhp and 283lb. ft. of torque, it was reputedly capable of nearly 150mph and 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds. Available in open two-seater, Fixed-Head two-seater and Fixed-Head two-plus-two guises, the American market accounted for the vast majority of Series II production. A total of 8,627 open two-seaters made was made.

Beautifully presented in fiery Red, this very late E-Type Series II was among the large proportion of roadsters that was dispatched new in left-hand drive configuration to the United States of America, with the desirable manual gearbox. It appears to have found some appreciative owners over there, for it was in good shape when it was reimported into Britain by E-Type U.K. Ltd. in 2012. Upon its arrival, it was bought by the present owner practically straight away. He promptly embarked upon a programme of work to make it more suitable for British roads. Most visibly, this involved a conversion to right-hand drive, but it also entailed a more complete conversion to home-market specification, with the correct differential and triple-carburetter set-up as originally fitted to domestic E-Types. Further work undertaken in 2013 included the renovation of the brakes and suspension, fitment of a new stainless steel exhaust, and an overhaul of the steering column rack. Altogether, some £4,000 was spent on parts alone bringing this car up to its present standard.

The Jaguar has been used regularly but sparingly in the present ownership, having covered a modest 3,000 miles since 2012. The vendor, however, has absolute confidence in it, as it is to be driven to the sale from the Scottish Highlands. Indeed, he has no grounds for not taking it onto the road; although it is, of course, exempt from testing, it was put through an MOT test in August, 2025, and passed with no advisories. The present mileage reading of just over 91,400 is believed to be genuine. Offered from single British ownership of 14 years’ standing, this E-Type is to be sold with a history file including many invoices, past M.O.T.s, previous ownership history and, of course, the current V5C.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452