Many people believe that the Jaguar E-Type in Roadster form is one of the most beautiful production cars ever built. Its swooping lines and curves ensured that it drew attention upon its unveiling, and good examples continue to command eye-watering prices. This 1963 Roadster is far from pristine, representing a restoration project that appears to have stalled many years ago. However, it is structurally sound, allowing the new owner to recapture its former glory without investing hundreds of hours into cutting and welding. The seller has listed the Roadster here on eBay in Imlay City, Michigan. Bidding currently sits below the reserve at a mere $1,525.

Jaguar caused a sensation when it unveiled its new E-Type in March 1961. Motoring journalists were tripping over each other as they scrambled for the opportunity to slip behind the wheel of a car that was designed to take on the best that European manufacturers like Ferrari could offer. It released an updated Series 2 in 1968, but it is the earlier vehicles that are the most highly sought today. This 1963 Roadster recently emerged from the estate of a bodyman as a stalled restoration project. The late owner had addressed many of the major rust issues that can afflict these classics, replacing the rockers and floors. There are still a few minor areas of penetrating rust and acres of surface corrosion. Therefore, a frame-off process involving stripping everything to bare metal might be the best approach to achieve a high-end result. The seller hints at the presence of a selection of new and used parts, but it is unclear whether these include items like the bumpers or other exterior fittings. They do confirm that there is no glass.

Crucially for potential buyers, this Roadster’s dash is complete and appears to be in pretty respectable condition. There are no signs of the seats, door trims, or most of the remaining upholstered components. That could present some obstacles, as seat frames for early E-Types can be hard to find. However, trim kits in the correct colors and materials are readily available, although these are far from cheap. Potential buyers need to factor at least $6,000 into their restoration budget to return the inside of this Jag to its former glory.

There was a fair amount of “smoke and mirrors” behind the performance claims made by Jaguar when it released the E-Type. It specified a top speed of 150mph from its 3.8-liter DOHC six, and many journalists confirmed this in early road tests. However, Jaguar discovered before release that the car couldn’t quite hit that mark. Therefore, it produced a single special “press” vehicle carrying licence plate “9600 HP.” That car’s engine benefited from a fair selection of D-Type racing components that boosted the engine’s power output. All E-Types from 1963 also featured a four-speed manual transmission, four-wheel disc brakes, and independent suspension. It blessed the vehicle with excellent handling and stopping abilities, features that received universal praise at the time. Sadly, this Roadster is missing its original cylinder block, although the head is intact. The included block is a later 4.2-liter version, meaning the buyer’s hunt for parts will include a replacement if they crave authenticity.

With Series 1 Jaguar E-Type Roadsters continuing to command six-figure prices in the classic market, there could be plenty of room to move on the restoration of this 1963 example if the seller’s reserve is realistic. However, there is one factor to consider when assessing its worth as a project candidate. They admit that this Jag doesn’t have a VIN or ID plate, and potential buyers will need to determine whether this would prove to be an insurmountable obstacle. Otherwise, its fate may rest as a parts candidate. That would be a crying shame, but sometimes such situations are unavoidable. Do you believe that this Roadster will one day find its way back onto our roads?