Post-war British sports cars developed a reputation for providing an engaging driving experience, but most proved sadly lacking in the power department. Jaguar rewrote the rules with its E-Type, producing a sports car capable of hitting 150mph. The E-Type underwent numerous evolutionary changes during fourteen years of production, the most notable being the introduction of a 2+2 derivative in 1966. This Jag rolled off the line in 1967, and while it wears its original paint, it is crying out for restoration. The listing also mentions some features that make it a mystery machine. It is listed here on Craigslist in Cookeville, Tennessee. The seller set their price at $24,950, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this British classic.
There’s a bit to unpack with this E-Type, especially considering the asking price and the car’s potential value. It wears what is claimed to be its original Willow Green paint. If that is correct, that raises the first mystery with this car. My resources indicate Jaguar didn’t introduce Willow Green until 1968, so it may require investigation to uncover the truth. A repaint will form part of this restoration, but rust repairs will be the buyer’s first priority. Over the past decade, we’ve seen a few E-Type projects, and severe rust problems have consumed many. This car is a surprise packet because what is visible in the lower rear quarter panels appears to be the worst of the issues. There are spots in the hood and rockers requiring attention, but the rear valance, hatch opening, and floors are rock-solid. There is evidence of prior accident damage on the driver’s side front corner, but it appears this is purely cosmetic. The trim and wheels require restoration, but the glass looks fine.
As the Jaguar E-Type evolved, it lost some of its performance edge, but it could still hold its own in elite company in 1967. Tilting the hood forward reveals the 4.2-liter DOHC six that sends 266hp through a four-speed manual transmission to the rear wheels. While 150mph was no longer within reach, it could storm the ¼-mile in 14.8 seconds before winding its way to 131mph. The seller says that while this gem is numbers-matching, its engine is stuck. It may not take much work to get it turning, but the buyer would be wise to factor a rebuild into their restoration budget. Reading the listing reveals the second of three mysteries with the E-Type. The seller says the car features power steering. Jaguar did offer that option, but not until 1968. It makes me wonder whether someone retrofitted the system to reduce physical effort behind the wheel.
Apart from the absence of the factory radio, this Jag’s interior appears complete. Time has taken its toll, and a full restoration will be on the agenda. Kits are available in the correct materials and colors but are eye-wateringly expensive. The buyer needs to brace for a bill of more than $5,000, which will return the inside of this car to a factory-fresh state. The interior also reveals the last mystery with this classic. The seller claims it features air conditioning, and it has the correct vents to support the claim. However, this is another option the company didn’t offer until 1968, further adding to the detective work potential buyers may need to undertake.
Although it adds a layer of practicality to the traditional British sports car, the Jaguar E-Type 2+2 is not as highly coveted as its two-seat siblings. However, a meticulous restoration of this car could see it command a value of over $70,000. The process is unlikely to be cheap, but this car’s strongest suit is the lack of significant rust, which can push restoration costs through the roof. It would look stunning once restored, and my experience tells me it would provide one of the most enjoyable driving experiences you will find in the classic world. This car throws a potential curve ball with its paint shade and optional extras, and those deserve further investigation. Are those thoughts and the relatively modest asking price for a vehicle of this caliber enough to convince you to pursue it further?
Looked at all the pictures and the only thing I see that doesn’t need work is the ignition coil. Going in price for a 2 plus 2 that needs everything but a new coil is way too high for the cost to restore it.
That is a nice looking coil! You’re right.
Maybe someone with a roached 67, switched numbers to a donor 68?
Different body shell on a 68 with the big front markers and tail lamps, rears under the bumpers. Not unusual to have some of the bits before they were officially released, such as the willow green. On the plus side it’s a manual wire wheel car, but it’ll take $100k+ to make a $70k car unless you do everything yourself.
Put the thing on the lift – it is right there! There is plenty of rust on this crate that can’t be seen, despite the assertion of rock solid floors. Maybe the engine is stuck as rock solid as the floors are. I just don’t see as much potential with this as others, because I think it needs way more than may be readily apparent.
The engine number matches with a 2+2 Series 1 as well as the body number which would put this as a 67’ Series 1. This car was just about at the end of the run before what is known as Series 1.5 started production in 68’. This is supported by the earlier center dash switches as well as the triple SU carb setup on the 4.2 engine. In 68’ Jaguar switched to dual Zenith-Stromberg carburetors as well as rocker switches on the center dash. Also, when you look at the center dash it has the light switch whereas in 68’ a clock was placed there. Additionally, I’m wondering if the seller is confusing the steering rack as power steering as the body number doesn’t start with a “P” which would denote it as being fitted with power steering. Also, Jaguar did offer Willow Green in 1967.
Agreed. Definitely a Ser I, ’67. I had a Triumph TR 250, which were a one-year only model in ’68, but first sold in ’69 so was titled as a ’69. British cars that didn’t sell during the model year were simply presented as the next year model by dealers. California tried to remedy this by adding the model year t the VIN No. on E-Types.
I never liked this style… ruined the looks of a normally classy looking car
I have restored quite a few of these. Never liked the looks of the ‘bubble top’! However! Beautiful and smooth to look at and drive. Especially if over 6’2″” and 235 pounds. Sooo….now..I love these!
Original paint and original rust also! But that coil looks nice!
I wonder if they would sell the coil just by itself?
“Lack of significant rust”??? I’d say it has more than it’s share of significant rust. You could almost stick your head through that left rear quarter to look for some significant rust. Sorry, but it’s probably pretty compromised by hidden rust. These things rust from the inside out.
Knew this kid up in NY who had a 69 Boss 302 who cut all the rust out (wasn’t really that bad) and advertised it as “no rust”. He said “can you find any rust on it? There! No rust!”
I think he went into journalism! Lol
I think he should have become a politician.
Wrong Bonette on it 67 had glass covered head lights
Depends on the chassis number, it’s right in that transition period
I love the guy that said it’ll cost you 70k unless you do it yourself…time and talent is money my good man!
I think he said it’d cost 100k… Just from what I see in the pics – IF I do it all myself, I’d have about 3k for metal (MR panels + have you seen the exchange rate to the pound lately?) in the body, another 600 in paint, interior kit 12k, rebuild the engine 3k, freshen trans plus disk/PP 1k, suspension 600, misc stuff like tires, wheels, etc – another 4k – so lets just round high to $25k in parts/supplies. That has no labor factored into it. Right now “that other place” in the last year had a half dozen cars (S1 2+2) sell in the range of $24k for a scruffy driver to $65k for a really nice car (high sale). I’m gonna guess this needs to be down about 12-15k realistically.
Ok 25 large plus the 75-85 k to fix , so just donate $20 grand to your favorite charity and go buy an MGB🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Hideous color (they made a similar shade of blue that was just as bad) on an undesirable model. Take all the parts out of it that could be used to restore a two place car and crush the rest.
The ugly blue was called light blue, how original! These shades don’t belong on a sports car, they belong on the walls of a nursing home. 2+2’s are a bastardization of a great design for the sake of profit. They have more in common with an AMC Marlin than a real E-Type and are best forgotten, not restored.
I guess we are going to just disagree. As the proud owner of a 69 2+2 since July 21, 1975, don’t knock it till you try it. I don’t give a rats a$$ about a FHC because I can’t fit in one. Plus in an OTS my eye level is right in line with the top of the windshield frame. But in my 2+2 everything fits great. Yeah it might not be as clean-lined as you think a FHC or sexy as an OTS, but its still an E Type (and better balanced than a FHC). And I’m willing to bet you don’t have one anyway….
@JagManBill I’ve owned two brand new E-types, a 1965 coupe and a 1967 Roadster. When 2+2’s came out, it made me want to puke.
The Willow Green is fine, although I and most of you I am sure have seen far worse, this car pretty much needs everything.