Ah, the E-Type Jaguar. Without a doubt, the original E-Type was one of the most beautiful automotive shapes ever. Most folks feel that it got compromised as time went on — this 1967 2+2 version illustrates some of that while still having some gorgeous curves. It’s for sale here on eBay with a buy it now price of $25,500, although the seller is looking for offers below that as well. Princeton, Texas is the current home of the car.
The seller tells us that the car was originally green (you can see the color in some spots) and that the engine was recently rebuilt and has 0 miles on it. However, the engine is just installed for transport so there are some attachments left to do and you’ll probably want to inquire more about the car (or even take a trip to Texas) before bidding. It’s also nice to see some other E-Types in the shop; hopefully, there’s some experience there and you can get some detailed answers from the seller if you are interested.
It’s described as a life-long Oklahoma car with typical jacking dents that you can see in this shot, but no rust is called out. It certainly looks solid from this view as well as this shot of the sill.
Unfortunately, the interior shows a lot of wear, especially considering the 90,492 miles shown. The manual transmission is a plus for me, though, and the air conditioning is pretty rare (all the parts are said to be included although not installed). Some are damaged.
As mentioned in the ad, the engine was rebuilt but not “hooked up”. If that is indeed all that is left to have a driving E-Type, even one that isn’t the most desirable specification, this car may be a bargain. On the other hand, I would not want to have to pull that engine again; my understanding is that is a very difficult job on an E-Type (I’m sure readers can help here; let us know). Would you hold out for an earlier, more expensive car or enjoy some less expensive Jaguar motoring?
The engine and trans drop out the bottom as a unit once the torsion bars are unloaded and the tiebar plate removed. Can even be done without removing the nose,if you have a lift.
Everything is a big job in an e-type. What a *itch to work ok, not for the beginner or faint of heart. Good luck to the new owner.
Cheers
GPC
I had a 64 RHD E Type, not only exrcuciatingly hard to work on (it’s quite low and everything is as inaccessible as possible) it required constant work! No thanks, I’ll stick with Bentley Mark VI and R Types!
And, I believe this Jag has a later (68 or 69/70) nose so may have been crashed hard in the front.
I’m always nervous when a car ad has photos showing same model cars in the background. How many parts have been “swapped around” to the other car, leaving you to bid on basically a parts car. Plus, I’m really really nervous when its a dealer/shop specializing in foreign cars, because nearly all do this rather than buy replacement parts. I wonder if that “rebuilt engine” is original to this car or a slug from another vehicle. I retired from this business after 50 years of British restorations. Still have some MGA parts on the shelf.
Hm. This one reminds me of another — also yellow — 2+2 Series 2 that sold on BF recently. Only a year newer.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1968-jaguar-xke-22-2/
Granted, that one was an automatic. But I don’t think one can get remotely close to that level of condition for only an extra $9k. The Series 1 XKE “bubble” (ok it’s not a bubble) really doesn’t seem to easily extend itself to later series “project” cars. The phrase “Or Best Offer” phrase may well apply… GLWTS.
This car is technically what we called Series 1.5, as it has the open headlights, AND early dashboard, although many say this is not a legit Series designation. A late ’67 (67.5) car, or called Series 1.5, had the uncovered headlights but the Series I interior and long paddle switches. The bonnet is correct if a late ’67 Series 1.5. The eBay listing called it Series 1.25; I’d not heard that before. This series was the rarest of them all, production numbers wise, and I have one of those albeit a roadster, in my barn, really! Same open headlight bonnet, originally BRG.
I haven’t tinkered for a decade and am prepared to be corrected on anything I just said.