There aren’t many cars that would be better to find in a barn than a Jaguar E-Type roadster.  Perennially voted as the top sports car of the 1960’s, the E-Type remained an attainably affordable exotic for decades. Over time, the ‘affordable’ part went away, and today they can fetch some very serious cash. But here’s a Series 2 survivor, straight out long-term hibernation located in Wernersville, Pennsylvania (northwest of Philly) and offered here on eBay with a current bid of $20,100 and reserve lifted.

The listing gives precious little details on the car.  The seller simply states “This Jaguar is a true barn find. Very little is known about this automobile. ” While the honesty is commendable, it makes one wonder why such a classic was tucked away for so long in a dirt-floor garage or barn. Regardless, it’s good to see the wire wheels have survived. And with respect to the body, the seller adds “No visible damage.  No visible through and through rust. Photos show surface rust on chrome only.”  That’s also a huge plus if accurate, and the supplied photos seem to bear this out. Interestingly, that statement also makes one wonder if the seller has even seen the car in person, or wrote the ad just from the photos.

The mystery continues under the bonnet.  The seller continues by saying “No knowledge of engine condition”, so whether the 4.2 liter straight six turns over is unknown. The outward condition appears to be about what you’d expect for a 50-year old Jag in long-term storage.  All of the major parts appear present, and the car is fitted with optional power steering and air conditioning.

The cabin appears relatively intact, and the absence of piles of foam and other detritus may indicate the car escaped the ravages of decades of small animals making the car their home. That’s important, as it doesn’t take much for the Lucas electrics to go sideways. Wasn’t Joe Lucas the patent holder for the short circuit? Note the AC vents in the dash. It’s hard to imagine that was a popular option for a convertible in 1969.

With a current bid of $20,100 (and reserve exceeded), this nicely optioned green cat represents exactly the type of find that most of us want to stumble across. Not that a restoration would be cheap or easy; the seller also mentions “Currently does not have a title. Although attainable.” How much time and money would be needed to make it attainable is unknown. Restoring Jags was perhaps best summed up by automotive historian Michael Lynch, who wrote about the E-Type “…it exceeded all expectations upon its debut in 1961. It had unheard of performance for the money, and oh that styling. There was no way of knowing then that it would be one of the great restoration nightmares in history.” Do you agree, or is this more of a dusty dream find?