This 1972 Jaguar XKE V12 has been mildly customized with a fabricated dash, plexi cut-down windshield, a bonnet backdated to the covered-headlight look, and metallic British Racing Green paint with hand-painted pinstripes. The car is said to retain its matching numbers engine, paired with an automatic gearbox. It’s listed here on eBay, currently bid to $36,250 with no reserve in play. At least two bidders are interested in this handsome speedster – and that’s all it takes to make an auction. This Jag is represented by Zombie Motors in Eugene, Oregon, where it was resurrected after being discovered in an airplane hangar nearby. Apparently it was restored to its present condition in the 1990s, then barely driven.
Jaguar first began developing its V12 in the 1950s for use in its race cars. The engine remained on the drawing board, fitted only to the XK13 in 1966, which unfortunately never visited the track. A simpler version of the engine found a new role during the era of emissions controls, when some manufacturers increased displacement to counteract regulatory strangulation. The 60°, 5.3-liter SOHC V12 here breathes through four side-draft carburetors and makes about 242 hp. The XKE V12 was often ordered with an automatic transmission, as found in this example; curiously, a clutch pedal is also installed – perhaps in anticipation of a swap. Both engine and transmission were reportedly rebuilt, along with the suspension. The underside is clean as a whistle. The wiring harness was replaced, but with less than professional acuity. This Jag starts easily and runs well.
The flat-plane instrument panel and hulking tunnel dominate the interior. In contrast, the gearshift’s slender spire seems incongruent. The builder located the primary gauges above the tunnel, with a Datcon hour meter placed between them. The plethora of switches and warning lights were likely the source of some angst as the wire harness was constructed – which might explain its less-than-professional appearance. The door panels are custom items as well. I’m not entirely won over by the kaleidoscope of colors on display, but if the driving experience is wonderful, the colors can be changed later. One thing that probably isn’t worth trying to change: this car has no top, and no provision for a top – so enjoy the weather whatever it may be!
Side exhaust pipes borrow from the Corvette and the Cobra; the wire wheels are singularly British. The XKE V12 sat on Jaguar’s longer 2+2 chassis, and it gained several pounds over its older siblings. But it’s still an XKE – and this example, with its backdated front end and slight flare to the fenders, is a handsome car indeed. What do you think – would this mildly customized XKE be welcome in your garage?
Although the car looks good, (IMO) the exhaust looks crudely done and is detrimental to the overall appearance. GLWTA!! :-)
Agreed. I like the bonnet, I like the glass, and I really like the paint but the exhaust doesn’t measure up to the rest of the car. Also, the description of the wiring harness is scary.
But is the homemade wiring harness any worse than factory issue? That’s a joke if you’re playing the “at home” version of “Barn Finds”.
I’m sure there are better side pipes/or go back to original exhaust. The stripes are better suited to a ’50s lead sled. Whitewalls create an optical illusion regarding the height of the car given chopped windshield/side glass. Maybe black or dark tobacco brown interior with black car. Anyway, nice find but enough “Karening” for the day.
“But is the homemade wiring harness any worse than factory issue? That’s a joke if you’re playing the “at home” version of “Barn Finds”. Legit point.
Wire wheels were very common in Italy, also :) I recall Alfa, Lancia, Ferrari with Borani wires.
Did you know that Borrani started out as the Italian distributor for Rudge-Whitworth Wire Wheels of England? While I believe that Rudge-W. are no longer in business, Borrani to this day still keeps the Rudge-Whitworth “hand” emblem as its logo.
had a caddy with wire wheels ,when cleaning them marked made in england
Interesting tidbit, thanks!
Wires were a factory option. That exhaust pipe is garbage. I don’t know about that dash mod; I don’t see the point of that or the lurid red carpet. I guess it was going to get a 5 speed and ran out of money. That, and swap the carbs for SU’s or one of the readily available in the UK fuel injection systems. This car has potential, once the electrics get sorted.
And please get rid of the pinstripes… reminds me of something a teen would put on his car…
Well, I prefer the 4.2L six and manual transmission. but variety is the spice of life.
No top. How and when would this car be used? I have a mental image of the owner using lighted rolled $100 bills to ignite his cigarettes.
It’s a California car, it probably can be used 10 months out of the year.
“This Jag is represented by Zombie Motors in Eugene, Oregon, where it was resurrected after being discovered in an airplane hangar nearby.”
Not sure when Oregon became part of California… seriously, I’m from Oregon and it rains 10 months out of the year.
Don’t do a ‘D type’ on a ‘E type”!
Things that need to go:
side pipes
red carpet
pinstripes
white walls
Automatic tranny
Otherwise fine
Reminds me of the movie Convoy where rubber duck told the cop that the girl in the XKE was topless I personally think the price is high considering there is no top and no way to install one and the windshield material scratches easily
The thing about selling a customized car is you’re trying to sell your own personal taste. Should have left it original.
SOLD for $38,250.
I would call that a sensible price. If I could hide a second Jaguar I would have bought it for that.
I wouldn’t trust that plexiglass windshield as far as I could throw it. And the exhaust? What a butcher job. No thank you, at any price. If you spent any time working on these things, you learned that the electrical system was powered by Lucas, the prince of darkness.