Regular readers will be aware that I harbor an enormous soft spot for the Jaguar E-Type Roadster. I can’t help but agree with the late great Enzo Ferrari when he described it as the most beautiful car ever created. This 1970 E-Type presents superbly and has recently received plenty of TLC. I have to thank Barn Finder rex m for spotting this gorgeous classic for us. It is located in Colorado and has been listed for sale here on Craigslist. You could be its next proud owner by handing the seller $65,000.
This Jaguar has been in the care of its current owner for forty-four years. For me, that is a significant positive point. Classic cars that remain in long-term ownership are generally treated with care and respect, which is why they have managed to last as long as they have. This one isn’t completely original, with the owner treating it to a repaint in its current British Racing Green around twenty years ago. When it was shiny and new, it wore Willow Green paint. Some purists may not agree with the color change, but I think it improves the vehicle’s overall appearance. The owner admits that the paint isn’t perfect, and it does now wear a few minor imperfections. However, it still shines beautifully and accentuates the sweeping lines of the E-Type. There are a couple of very tiny dents, but these appear insignificant. It may be worth approaching one of those paintless dent removal companies to see if they can do something about those. I would describe the Jag’s overall condition and presentation as an above-average driver-grade car. For those who worry, rust is not an issue with this car. When he treated it to its repaint, the owner replaced the floors. He supplies shots of the underside of the Jag, and it is spotlessly clean. The soft-top is in good order, while the chrome and glass shine as impressively as the paint. The original wire wheels are immaculate, and overall, this Roadster makes a highly favorable first impression.
If the Roadster’s exterior makes a positive impression, the interior continues that theme. The owner says that the interior is largely original, and it remains in excellent condition for its age. The black upholstered surfaces show no evidence of wear or physical damage, while the dash and pad are spotless. There’s no fading on the carpet and no signs of wear on that beautiful wheel. The owner has removed the original radio and slotted a CD player in its place. He has installed speakers behind the seats for this new unit, but the original radio is included in the sale. Otherwise, this interior remains original and unmolested.
Tilting the enormous hood forward reveals the beautiful 4.2-liter DOHC six-cylinder engine that should be producing 266hp. Those rampant ponies find their way to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. The E-Type is a seriously fast car capable of covering the ¼ mile in 15.1 seconds before storming its way to 144mph. This Jag remains numbers-matching, and the owner has spent plenty of money on it in recent times. He has replaced the coolant hoses and belts, the upper and lower ball joints, the front shocks, and the brake master and slave cylinders. There is more to add to that list, but the work has totaled more than $5,500. The only fault that he notes is a slight oil drip from the back of the motor on the passenger side. However, he is investigating this and hopes to rectify the fault before the car sells. Otherwise, it runs and drives perfectly and should provide endless miles of enjoyable motoring for its next lucky owner.
For buyers looking at a 1970 Jaguar E-Type, the Roadster version is undoubtedly the pick of the bunch. As the years rolled on, the E-Type range became heavier and less potent. However, the Roadster remains closest to the purity of the original design brief. Perfect examples can easily command six-figure values, and while this one isn’t perfect, its price looks highly competitive. With that thought in mind, I won’t be surprised if the owner finds a buyer for this classic pretty quickly. Are you tempted to be that person?
It is a beauty, that´s for sure, but the oil drip came with it from the factory.
Gerard Frederick: next time you are up in the Vancouver area, north of the border, I will put my ’69 E Type roadster up on the hoist for you. You won’t find a single drop of oil or any other fluid anywhere, because it is an original car–including original paint– that has been looked after competently, BY THE OWNER’S MANUAL, for the last 53 years. However, once you witness what to you will be the equivalent of Dracula having a crucifix flashed at him, you will then have to eat a large dish of boiled Canadian crow! Are you on, old boy?…
Adam Clarke: just to let you know that 265 horsepower at the crank is what the Series 1 E Type was rated at (works out to 210bhp at the rear wheels). This 1970 puts out about a quarter less due to anti-pollution, but has lower gearing to still give good acceleration. This ’70–from the latter part of that year, has lowered compression, EGR (that big black tube coming out the exhaust manifold that goes over into the inlet manifold), much wider valve clearances, an ash canister, and Zenith-Stromberg carbs that are now non-adjustable/pre-set at the factory. The 1970 E Types found in Britain, continental Europe and elsewhere, don’t have any emissions-robbing devices and they do indeed still put out the original 265 ponies of the Series I.
Our family has owned alot of inline six motors, jag, amc/Mopar, bmw. They all leak oil somewhere, still great torque and balance from any of them. And, almost impossible to kill. Look at any carnival ride or commercial building generator running LPG or gasoline, you’ll likely see a 4 litre inline six performing the task.
The XKEs are on my top 5 design list of great looking cars. Don’t even have to drive it, just stand around and look at it.
I love E types, they’re absolutely beautiful. Now, temper that with the rust and electrical issues I’ve seen and had with British cars, I wouldn’t jump on this one regardless of the price. If it was to be a static display then that’s something else.
These xk motors typically leak: 1) at the rear of the valve covers where the rubber half-moon plugs meet the tappet blocks; and 2) at the oil feed y-pipe fittings. So even if the drip appears at the bottom, I’d start at the top. (Upgraded half-moon plugs and y-pipe washers are readily available, from Moss, etc.). Beautiful Jag … very tempting price!
Hopefully this comes with documentation showing all maintenance was done timely.
What Enzo comment?
He was right.
If an E-type isnt dripping a bit — you are OUT of oil.