Regular readers will know how passionate I am about the Jaguar E-Type, and the thought of opening a barn or garage door to find a Series 1 Roadster lurking in the gloom would be my ultimate automotive dream. That is the story behind this 1963 example, with the seller initially planning a light restoration to recapture some of its youthful good looks. However, changed plans mean they are unable to tackle the build, and they feel it is only fitting for this Roadster to find a new home with someone who can do it justice. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder GIPPY for spotting this amazing find.
It appears the seller knows little about this Jaguar’s history. They discovered it squirreled away in a Californian garage, and it occupied that spot for over forty years. Why it was parked is a mystery, and I’d love to know the story behind that decision. The Opalescent Dark Green paint is well past its best, and there is little doubt that the new owner will treat this beautiful classic to a complete restoration. That might not be a difficult process if this is a dry-climate survivor. Rust is often an issue for the E-Type, with the rockers, floors, and rear valance all prone to problems. However, with the exterior surfaces exhibiting little beyond a few spots of minor surface corrosion, this Jag might be rock-solid. I always advise an in-person inspection before committing to a classic purchase, and this is especially true when we tackle the subject of the seller’s price for this beauty. The windshield looks okay, while the trim and wire wheels appear restorable.
The seller supplies no engine photos in their listing, but if this E-Type is original, the engine bay should house Jaguar’s glorious DOHC 3.8-liter six that produced 266hp and 260 ft/lbs of torque. An automatic transmission option didn’t arrive until much later, so this car should have a four-speed manual. The company made a song and dance about the E-Type’s ability to hit 150mph, but production cars typically fell short by around 4mph. The press test vehicle could achieve the goal, but it was later discovered that the car utilized for that purpose had a few upgraded parts that originally saw service in the D-Type race cars. The lack of photos isn’t the only issue, because there is no information regarding the Roadster’s mechanical health. Revival might be relatively easy if the engine turns freely, but budgeting for a refurbishment would be wise considering the Jaguar’s potential value.
The first thing I noticed with the E-Type’s interior is the custom seatcovers. Somebody obviously thought that replacing the beautiful Green leather was wise, but I couldn’t agree less! It appears there may also be an aftermarket radio, but I can’t spot any other additions. The important news is that the critical components like the dash, wheel, and hardware, are all intact. That makes a retrim a fairly easy process. Easy? Yes. Cheap? No. Kits utilizing the correct materials, colors, and patterns are readily available, but the starting price is typically above $5,000. That is an eye-watering amount, but the figure is justified on a classic of this caliber.
Opening a garage door to confront this 1963 E-Type Roadster would have left me weak at the knees, and the thought of parting with it before experiencing time behind the wheel would have been difficult to take. That is the decision made by the seller, and it can’t have been easy. They listed this Roadster here on Facebook Marketplace in Scotts Valley, California. The seller’s price of $80,000 is not pocket change and will limit the pool of potential buyers. Although values have recently softened, a meticulous restoration will yield a potential value well into six-figure territory. I still believe that the E-Type Roadster is the most beautiful production car in automotive history. It will be fascinating to gauge your opinion and whether you have a stronger candidate for that title.
This would be a good candidate for a sympathetic restoration.
If it’s as clean as it looks there is a good chance it will find a buyer soon. It’s located just over 50 miles north of Laguna Seca and less than 20 miles to the south west of the expensive parts of Silicone Valley.
Without a doubt this is being spread among all sorts of special interest websites and between enthusiasts. There will be people with deep pockets that will be interested and try to make a deal.
It won’t be inexpensive, for a reason. Someone is going to get a really cool car.
Steve R
They should make a Harold and Maude tribute. Don’t forget the fresh LS under the bonnet.
Being a British car guy from the Northeast, I am always fascinated by cars like this showing up after 40+ years tucked away in a Cali garage. What is the story? Did someone pass away? Did the owner get bored? What part of the garage and where did the car find it’s long nap only to be awaken and find everyone wanting its bones? The closest I every got to having one was in the 70’s when they were project cars in the $1500 range and most were looked upon as ‘albatrosses’ because of the costs and detail to get them right as drivers. I am more partial to driver cars. They are not the same car today. Those that have the funds will undertake the project and make a substantial investment to bring the car back to its original glory. As with all British cars, they were very temperamental. For me, they are ONE of the most beautiful productions cars ever made. I have other cars that are right up there but here I do agree with the author on his point. Also the XK 100’s are right there for me along with a couple different Ferraris and the Lotus Elan +2 for its styling. On the lesser marque cars, I give the MGB-GT (not an MGB) honorable mention. I am partial to that car it was my first driver and my current project……thanks for reading this far, it’s just my two cents!!
Do a 100-point restoration and you won’t drive it. You’ll trailer it to shows. Even with a car as sought-after as this one, I’d want to get out and drive it, without getting obsessive about every little pebble in the road.
@Karen. I couldn’t agree with you more. In spite of their value, they are still cars and they were made to driven, not just looked at!
These, and early Porsches, I think, look better to me with lots of wear and tear, and parked in a driveway – meaning someone is enjoying it as intended.
I watch both car sites; Bring a Trailer and Barn Finds. I find there are more ‘driver like’ comments on Barn Finds where as Bring a Trailer is geared to the full restoration, investment style auctions. They are definitely geared to different clienteles. I do all my own car work (paint included) which is hobby (and somewhat investment for me). I like to rebuild a car back to looking good and driver quality, while not worrying about paint chips or underside damage. When I am ready to sell a car and move on, I still make my investment back on time and labor and then I move to the next project! That’s what I enjoy……….
I had the chance to pull a couple of etypes from long term storage….one had been in the basement of a house for over 40 years. Took several hours to “free” it. The other was actually in a storage locker in very nice shape. The owners had moved several times and continued to haul around the etype. It had not been started in over 30 years… Everyone seems to have a different story, but in both cases the etypes were running in a few days of wrenching.
I’m currently having a 70 E-Type restored by a well known shop in the northeast, the buyer of this ‘63 should plan on putting another 60-80k into it for a solid driver quality restoration (not concourse, that would be another 30k at least). My E-Type has been in my family since 1976 and was brought to the shop in the same condition as this ‘63. I’m 50k in right now with another 20k to finish up the restoration.
The seats are a Big red flag shouting “cheap non-original owner “ to me. I’m spitballing here but I think something BIG broke and it went to storage. Lack of under bonnet and under car photos another warning. Rodents have had decades to work their magic. Doesn’t mention anything about mechanical conditions. That price is at least 20 grand too much, unless by some miracle the block isn’t frozen.
PS: All 3.8’s are manual cars. The automatic appeared when the 4.2 2+2 came along.
A nice car and possibly a good candidate for restoration. But, not at $80K. The market for these cars is declining as buyers age-out or die. More cars don’t sell because reserve doesn’t reflect the market. $80K + $80K restoration. Not a $160K car in today’s market.
From limited pictures it looks rough, dash looks like it has been modified and with no engine or drivetrain pictures it is definitely a buyer beware candidate. Someone with lots of money will probably think $80K is a bargain and in a few years it will be back on Barn Finds disassembled at $160K . . . claiming it was once owned by either James Bond or Walter Mitty.
Nice potential here with deep pockets.
Nice potential here. Dash looks original.
So it could only reach a top speed of 146 mph instead of 150? That’s a deal breaker right there.( a little sarcasm never hurt anyone). Seriously, the Jag E-type in this form is one of the most beautiful cars ever made. Forget the later ones with the big bumpers or the 2+2. this is the one to have.
Maybe original . . . from the pictures it looks like a bright metal, I don’t remember them being metal . . . perhaps wood veneer has come off or ???
Very rough looking for $80K . . . another California dreamer :-)
Shane Rowe has it spot on. I have done many EJag restos. Only 2 ways to do this one, keeping in mind Series 1 is the most desirable. Do mechanicals and electrics and maybe the interior? And drive it. The restoration cosmetically ? Too much money. The last roadster interior with top in SoCal was $12K. This car in my opinion $50K absolute max$$
Too expensive in this condition and without knowing mechanical condition or mileage. Go to one of the auctions and find one ready to drive and enjoy for a bit more.