1971 Jaguar E-Type V-12 Series III XKE – Original British Racing Green, 5.3L V-12, Factory A/C, Well-Preserved Patina

Critically acclaimed as one of the most beautiful cars ever designed, the 1961 to 1975 Jaguar E-Type is certainly one of the most captivating and desirable cars of its era. Descended from the legendary Le Mans winning D-Type, the E-Type features sensuous and elegant sheetmetal highlighted by a long hood which suggests tremendous power. This 1971 Series III is the final V-12-powered iteration, featuring not only the biggest engine but also more interior space and amenities. Finished in original British Racing Green with a Biscuit leather interior, this well-preserved example retains its original 5.3-liter V-12, three-speed automatic transmission, factory air conditioning, and chrome knock-off wire wheels.

Powertrain

• Original 5.3-liter all-aluminum SOHC Jaguar V-12 engine
• Four Zenith-Stromberg carburetors (fueling three cylinders each)
• Factory rated at 272 horsepower (314 hp SAE gross) at 5,850 RPM
• 304 lb-ft torque (349 lb-ft SAE gross) at 3,600 RPM
• Starts quickly with a puff of light smoke, then settles into smooth idle
• Original Borg-Warner M12 three-speed automatic transmission – shifts smoothly
• Limited-slip rear differential with 3.54:1 final-drive ratio (factory equipment for all 1971 Series III E-Types)
• Exhaust and ignition are the only non-original parts

Exterior & Body

• Original British Racing Green paint – retains moderate gloss, chips noted on leading edge of louvered hood
• Exterior lighting and glass original and in good condition
• All chrome appears bright
• Factory weather seals are leak-free and pliable
• No rust repairs have ever been necessary
• Car has been continuously garaged

Interior & Comfort

• Original Biscuit (tan) leather interior – complete and intact with well-developed patina on seating surfaces
• All carpeted and interior surfaces well preserved
• Headliner backer board is sagging (wool covering still bonded)
• All gauges and switchgear well preserved – function properly and accurately
• Factory air conditioning produces ice cold air
• Factory heat works properly
• Factory radio functions correctly
• Trunk: full-size spare well preserved, original knock-off hammer and jack included

Chassis, Suspension & Brakes

• Fully independent suspension – all original and in good working order
• Front: A-arms and torsion bars
• Rear: lower A-arms with coil springs and anti-roll bar
• No leaks evident from shocks – no cracking evident in suspension bushings
• Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering – functions normally, tracks straight with minimal play
• Power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes – powerful with no unusual behaviors
• Front brake calipers reportedly re-lined with brass some years ago
• Chrome knock-off wire wheels – original and in good condition
• 205/70R15 Goodyear Double Eagle radial tires – appear to have full tread (exact age unknown)

Features & Significance

• Final Series III V-12 E-Type – more interior space and amenities
• Earned a place in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City
• Four-wheel disc brakes, independent suspension, semi-monocoque construction
• Factory air conditioning and factory radio – both functional
• Original knock-off hammer and jack included