My first inclination when I saw the pictures of this Jaguar Mk. 10 was to run away, very quickly and very far. I’ll bet yours was too, even if you like large, leaky, overweight British cars like I do. But then I started looking closer at the pictures. I’ve used this one to illustrate the posting because it highlights the worst part of the car; the left front fender. Yes, that’s rust where prior bodywork has gone bad. And there’s a little of it on the door as well. But what appears to be rust on the rest of the car (see other pictures below) is mostly actually dirt and pine needles. While that front fender will certainly require attention, look at the rocker panels. No rust showing. Interior pics show where rodents have taken over the back seat, but the fronts look serviceable, and someone cared enough at one point to cover the undoubtedly cracked wooden dash top with a custom cover. At a current price here on eBay of only $795, and the sellers entertaining offers below that, you can probably part it out and scrap the remains of the 4,200 pound hulk to get your money back if first impressions are wrong. The car is located in Pleasanton, California if you are interested. Take a closer look at the pictures and let me know what you think. Thanks to Jim S for sending us this find that made me look a little closer!

Would it be an easy project? No. And that front fender is still worrysome. But since it’s a car that isn’t worth that much anyway, maybe blasting the rust away and some body filler wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world. Or just leave it looking exactly as it is and fix the mechanicals–the ultimate “sleeper.” Now I’m sure you folks will call me an optimist, and I certainly wouldn’t suggest taking a chance on this car without an inspection, unless you’re looking for long-shot Vegas type odds. I’d hate to see it scrapped out, but that might be what happens with this one.