Celebrity Owner: 1968 Jaguar E-Type

We’re often told that we shouldn’t meet our heroes, because disappointment is often the result. I broke that rule many years ago when I slipped behind the wheel of a Series 1 Jaguar E-Type. I had fallen head over heels with the styling, but feared the driving experience would fall short of my expectations. How wrong I was, because my albeit short period behind the wheel has left an impression that remains crystal clear. This 1968 E-Type has a celebrity ownership history, and is a promising project candidate. It has avoided the worst of the rust issues that often plague these classics, and is numbers-matching. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting one of the most beautiful cars in motoring history listed here on eBay in Merced, California. The seller set their BIN at $45,000 with the option to make an offer.

When it was unveiled in 1961, Enzo Ferrari described the E-Type as the most beautiful car ever made. Jaguar released a Series 2 in 1968, with the Series 3 emerging in 1971. Unofficially, the company also built the Series 1.5, which acted as a “bridge” between the first and second series. This 1968 E-Type is one of those vehicles, and it has a celebrity history. It was once the proud possession of the late Rick Anderson, bass player with the band The Tubes. A founding member, he remained with the band until his passing in 2022. Interestingly, he purchased the car in 2006 in its current condition and retained the car during his final years. His widow has decided that it needs a new home. She admits it underwent a color change at some point from its original Opalescent Maroon, but she holds the Heritage Certificate that will allow the buyer to perform a faithful restoration. She confirms that there is new steel in one rocker and rust in the driver’s floor pan. Otherwise, this E-Type has avoided the rust problems that often plague these classics. The trim appears restorable, and the glass is clear.

Trimmed in Black leather, this Jaguar’s interior is only missing the factory console. However, the carpet is beyond salvation, the dashpad has succumbed to UV exposure, and the driver’s seat has split in one spot. An upholsterer might be able to repair the seat, but the carpet and pad are both destined for the bin. That raises the question of what the buyer might do. The process outlined would be the most cost-effective approach, but a car of this caliber deserves a pristine interior. Kits for a faithful restoration typically sell for at least $5,500, but the long-term investment potential would justify the outlay.

One of the most significant changes to the E-Type with the release of the Series 1.5 hid beneath the hood. Jaguar changed the induction system to meet emission requirements, resulting in lower power and torque. The motor was still the beautiful 4.2-liter DOHC six, but its output in its new form was 246hp, down from the earlier version’s 265hp. Buyers could order a car with a three-speed automatic transmission from 1966, but our featured E-Type boasts the more desirable four-speed manual. The seller states that the Jag runs and drives well, though they believe the brakes should be bled or inspected to perform at their best. Since they have already rebuilt the master cylinder and servo, and replaced the pads, there shouldn’t be any major problems. They have also reconditioned the original radiator, replaced the belts, oil pan, and cam cover gaskets, and rebuilt the fuel pump. It has a few minor needs, but this E-Type is a turnkey proposition.

I typically hold a conservative view of classics with a history of celebrity ownership. Unless the person is inextricably linked with the car, such as Burt Reynolds and a Starlight Black Pontiac Trans Am, I question whether it adds to the car’s value. That isn’t belittling the late Rick Anderson, because anyone who remains an active member of a rock band for thirty years deserves our respect. I simply don’t believe that history increases the car’s value, although it is an interesting talking point. However, with values steadily rising over the years, the E-Type is a sound long-term investment. The seller’s price seems slightly optimistic, but if someone can negotiate a lower figure, they will become the proud owner of an appreciating asset providing an unforgettable motoring experience. That sounds like a winning combination to me.