To the great unwashed, the existence of a Jaguar model being so desirable that "nobody would want to touch at all" sounds as farfetched as finding a Beatles album that was too unlistenable for public consumption. But somehow, former fashion designer and current car collector Magnus Walker stumbled upon a 1969 E-type Jaguar 2+2 sedan, which seems to reside at the bottom rung of the upper-crust automotive ladder. Still, he's compelled to see how this classic car handles in 95-degree California heat.
2 + 2 = Not Very Sport
Admittedly, for a Jag, this 2+2 doesn't have the heft of its more aggressive cousins. With a straight-six 4.2-liter motor, it generates 246 hp and about 263 lb. ft. of torque. The ignition brings to life the sound of a purring kitten rather than the expected roar of, well, you know, a jaguar. While reliable but not overwhelming, this Jag also has rear-wheel drive and a three-speed automatic transmission.
In terms of performance, its 0-60 mph result of 7.2 seconds isn't exactly record-setting. Its ability to hit a quarter-mile in 15.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 138 mph isn't exactly on par with other E-types like the Linder Nocker Jaguar that was a terror on the racing circuit in the early '60s or the Jaguars that hit the F1 circuit for five years, beginning in 2000.
Character Car
Despite those stats and an exterior that looks more slouchy than sleek, Walker is still drawn to this 2+2. "It's got a lot of character," he says as he cites one of his favorite features of the vehicle a telescopic steering wheel made possible by adjusting a huge nut at the bottom of the column. He also likes the original leather upholstery.
What concerns Walker is how a car that's more than 50 years old will be able to handle the heat doing a 100-mile round trip between Newbury Park and downtown Los Angeles on Interstate 101. "A little test drive around the block is never as good," says Walker while keeping a close eye on the temperature gauge.
100 Miles Later...
"I have to admit, to be honest, I've enjoyed every moment of it," remarks Walker upon completion of his test drive. "It did not run hot, it did not overheat. That was my main concern."
But despite the specs that don't seem to measure up to other Jags, Walker seems to find some Bohemian affinity for the vehicle. "This would be the car that back in the day, nobody would want to touch at all," he says. "Somehow, that makes me want it even more."
It wouldn't be the priciest addition to Walker's collection; Hemmings has models reselling between $55,000-$85,000.
Sources: Conceptcarz, Hemmings, Magnus Walker