1971 Jaguar XKE Roadster

1971 Jaguar XKE Roadster

The facts about the Jaguar E-type are etched into every car nut's consciousness: it was derived from a racing car; it was designed by an aerodynamics boffin, not a "stylist"; its stiff chassis and supple suspension gave it a smooth ride and great road-holding. Normal people, meanwhile, know the E-type as an icon of 1960s freedom - a performance car with a bird-pulling image. "The greatest crumpet-catcher known to man," as US journalist Henry Manney described it.

For consignment, a curvaceous "crumpet catcher" with a 4.2 liter Inline 6 cylinder engine, sexy leather interior, and an instant converted drop top from top up, and you are Austin Powers all over again...Yeah Baby! This car has undergone a drivetrain pulled out and quality cosmetic restoration with work ongoing from 2001 to 2015. An extensive list is available of every aspect of this process for your viewing pleasure.

ExteriorIn the aforementioned time period this car 's exterior was totally stripped, remediated of any rust that has accumulated on the body work, and resprayed with Old English white paint. It still retains its shine, and the steel panels retain their consistent gaps. Nice thin wrap around bumpers in very good condition adorn the front and rear. A new Armco luggage rack was put on the trunk deck. An Aldridge tan stay fast hood envelope, new tack strips and bonnet dampers and new latches are now on. A side view is candy for the eyes as the line in this car is unmatched. On top a new GAHH blue Stayfast convertible top and rear tack strips covers the 2-passenger compartment. 15-inch wire wheels with Jaguar badged center hubs are wrapped with 205/75R15 (Dated 2015) thin whitewall rubber. No rust, just beautiful lines accentuated by near perfect chromed trimmings.

InteriorStarting out with a new sound and heat barrier then add in biscuit leather and vinyl for the seats and door panels along with Wilton wool carpeting which is covered with protective True Berber mats from Lloyd. A new black padded dash top is on, and all instrumentation in the dash front is very clean and clear. This dash is fronted by a 1 off steering wheel by Mike Lempert. It sports engine turned swirl pattern spokes and the rim is bird's eye maple laminate over black walnut. It is large, 15.5 inches and is reminiscent of the Giunta steering wheels of yore. All new dash harnesses, all powered by a red top Optima battery. Even the AM/FM/radio with Bluetooth connectivity sounds fab!

DrivetrainPulling the bonnet forward we can reveal the entire engine bay and front suspension and have unlimited access to all areas. Neatly inside is a 4.2 liter DOHC inline 6 cylinder mill fed by Stromberg dual carbs. On back is a 4-speed manual transmission which is newly rebuilt for the linkage and has new mounts. The clutch has a new master cylinder and clutch housing oil seal. A 3.54 rear axle, also with new seals, spins the tires. This cat is kept cool by a CoolCat alloy radiator with an electric 8-blade fan and all new hoses. Also, Pertronix Ignitor electronic ignition and flamethrower 40,000 volt coil eliminates any prince of darkness foibles.

UndercarriageLooking good underneath with rust free components, and nice straight steel frame and floor pans. There is some rust beginning on the drivers and passenger side "torque boxes." Independent torsion bar suspension is upfront, and Independent with dual coil overs are on back, as are power disc brakes all around. Exhaust is a new Bell stainless steel system, and it shines like a crazy diamond underneath.

Drive-AbilityI'm a sucker for anything British so of course I had my hand in the air to test drive this beauty, and I was totally satisfied upon my return from the test track. After a full choke start, and half choke warmup, it ran just beautifully, with loads of top end power, nice ride, and good cornering. The I-6 has a sound like no other, and it was definitely a head turner. Nearly like driving a piece of sculpture, a very pleasant overall experience.

One of the most desirable cars when the first version came out in the early 1960's that were based on the late 50's Jaguar race car designs, this car was instantly wildly successful. Unfortunately, the US Government and their constantly changing regulations killed this car, however we are fortunate to have those examples still around like this one, that can be driven and enjoyed. A true rolling example of automotive art.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.