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1968 Jaguar E-Type Garage Find

If an E-Type is on your bucket list then this project might be of interest to you. The seller claims that they inquired it with the intent of restoring it, but they never got around to it. They are smart enough to know that it’s time to cut this one loose and let someone else attempt the job. The car is located in Chapin, South Carolina and is listed here on eBay for $39k or best offer.

In 1968, Jaguar started to transition to their updated Series 2 car. So this car benefits from the early body style, but the new crash standards killed off the cool headlight covers and dash toggle switches. Those small details will fad away once you slide over the huge door sill and look down that long hood!

Some would assume that the later V12 is the engine to have. More cylinders must be better, right? Nope. The inline-six is the one you want. It was smooth, powerful, and less complicated. I can attest it was better just for the sheer fact that there’s more room to work on things. The seller claims that this engine ran when the car was parked and that they have kept oil in the cylinders.

The body needs some works, but it’s not a total rust bucket like some of the E-Types we have featured. Still, the price might be a little optimistic for a car with so many unknowns. You might be able to get the engine running and just go through the brakes to have a driver, or it might take a whole lot more. The seller is willing the hear offers though so what do you think it will end up going for?

Comments

  1. Avatar irocrobb

    They never got around to it. More like they found out how much it is going to cost. Just seems like crazy money to me

    Like 6
  2. Avatar 86_Vette_Convertible

    love the appearance of the E types, both coupe and convertibles. Basic problem though I have with British cars (having owned one, British car that is) is the electrical gremlins and rust issues that seem to permeate through them.

    Like 2
  3. Avatar Eric_10cars Member

    I believe that this is generally thought of as the Series 1 1/2. The Series 2 had a larger chrome brow over the headlights and the larger US spec taillights under the bumper. The mouth was slightly larger on the 2s, I believe. The price for this one is about $15K too high for one in need of restoration. You can get a reasonably nice convertible for $39K, although they’re typically between $40K-50K.

    Like 4
    • Avatar Oddimotive Cason Member

      Yes, most 68s are Series 1.5, with some characteristics of Series 1 and some from Series 2. The original style turn signals and tail lights are a huge plus versus a Series 2.

      I learned to drive a manual trans on a 68 OTS and dad had a 63 FHC before that – back when these were affordable. I may be biased, but I like these tweeners, though they can benefit from a carb swap back to the triple SUs. Of course, that’s a decision the future owner of this car will get to after a LOT of other work.

      Like 1
  4. Avatar Arizona Mike

    Acquired…

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Nevadahalfrack Member

    Ah, the British electrics..many people are unaware that LUCAS was actually an ACRONYM: Loose Unsoldered Connections And Splices…
    Beautiful machine even today, but unfortunately built to cheap standards.

    Like 2
  6. Avatar mainlymuscle

    As the owner of a 66,and a 69, I am pretty cognizant of the market,Eric is pretty close ; 25 grand for one needing this much work.You’d still be better buying the best you can afford,finance the extra $25k,and get a beauty E type for 50,but where’s the fun in that ?We don’t come to sites like this ,if we don’t understand ,and appreciate the challenge in restoring or building vs buying.

    Like 6
    • Avatar H5mind

      As I watch the years sail by a little faster all the time, I realize my next classic car will have two critical characteristics: 1) It will be a daily driver, and 2) It will not require rust repair.

      Like 7
      • Avatar Rich

        Amen to that H5Mind! Previous car was a basket case I revived. Was rewarding to bring her back from the dead, but my next one will be the best example I can afford. Lesson learned.

        Like 1
  7. Avatar Graham

    Four years ago, I stumbled upon a ’68 S.1.5 Coupe like this in dark blue with dark blue interior with aircon, with no rust that I have been able to find and a documented 30k miles traveled. The seller just wanted to get what he had into the car, so I paid him the $29k US he asked, feeling a little guilty, but not that much! Mostly original paint and a decent original interior, and most importantly a good drive-train that starts up easily when asked to.

    I showed her to a friend who is a collector car appraiser, and he asked me I would like to double my money. I gracefully declined since I finally owned what I dreamed of as a child. I obviously really lucked out, but I would want to see way more about this Jag since they can easily be rot boxes if they haven’t been looked after like mine obviously was, given that she was sold new on the east coast.

    Like 1
  8. Avatar Bob in Bexley Member

    Reservoirs with no caps, a detached brake master cylinder, junk ratchet & a blue funnel. All for $39K.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar ccrvtt

    An E-type is a holy grail car for some of us. But in my case it’s only going to be a fantasy. It always comes down to what else you could get for the money. I will daily drive my Corvette for as long as I can walk, but I am secretly planning to acquire a beat up MGB or TR6 sometime in the future and have it as my project.

    This presupposes that I win the lottery and my wife develops temporary amnesia.

    Like 1
  10. Avatar T Mel

    The lower body (everything below the greenhouse) is a beautiful work of art, but the greenhouse on the hardtop is very out of proportion (too vertically abrupt on the front/sides, and too tall for it’s size and placement on the vehicle-too far rearward appearing), but the ragtop has to be one of the most beautiful cars ever designed. I would have raked the windshield much more, side windows too, and lowered the roof…a lot. Just my opinion as an artist and trained designer. I know most jag buffs disagree…I’m guessing because they have never really thought about it? And/or because Enzo claimed to love it the way it is, so he must know, right?

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Alan

    Being a coupe, I would say his price is not unrealistic. Just sold a project 2+2 with motor out in the mid 20s. Wait this is a 2+2. Maybe I sold cheap.

    Like 0

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