Series 1 Jaguars are always in demand, as they feature a host of details not found on later cars, and generally, the initial production runs of any iconic model are sure-fire collectibles later on. This one is a project, but at least it is a desirable coupe model with a manual gearbox and the iconic 3.8L inline six still under the hood. The seller notes that it is rusty but doesn’t provide any additional details, and while we can certainly see rust in on the outside, it’s hard to tell just how deep it goes. Bidding is over $10,000 and the reserve remains unmet. Find the Jaguar here on eBay and located in Dunedin, New Zealand.
This is a new seller to eBay, and it seems based on the ad that there’s more interest in getting someone to ask the shop to restore it from the ground up rather than to actually buy it and ship it home. The seller’s name doesn’t reveal any obvious connection to a restoration shop in New Zealand, but it doesn’t matter – is there a chance this E-Type will leave the country? So many of these cars are positioned for export when they appear for sale in the U.S., that I really can’t tell who is buying them at the moment. Another photo in the gallery reveals this is a blue plate California car, so it’d be ironic if it was bought by a U.S. customer.
The seller doesn’t confirm if the engine is numbers matching, but it does appear complete. The listing says there’s 150,000 miles on the clock, but who knows if that’s legit. The Series 1 cars were, in general, less refined and not as comfortable as the later models, but that’s not what owning a collectible E-Type is about. Covered headlights, toggle switches in the cockpit, and more. There are other differences reserved for the earliest of Series 1 cars, but I can’t quite tell if this is one of them. Usually, you can spot the early Series 1 cars by their flat floors and external hood latches; it doesn’t appear to have the latter.
The interior is a mess and offers no clues as to how complete it is. Another photo peering in from the driver’s window shows daylight in the floor below where the passenger’s seat would rest. The blue interior would certainly seem to coordinate with the light blue exterior, so there’s a chance we’re looking at factory colors. The chance at restoring a Series 1 coupe doesn’t come up often, but bidding seems light at the moment for such a car. Has the market cooled on E-Types, or is a rough Series 1 still a project worth taking home, no matter the eventual repair bills?
Beautiful cars, but we did one and said we’d never do it again. This is going to be a challenge. Hopefully someone with deep pockets and resources will bring it back.
Oh, XKE, you were once so proud, look what time, and salt have done to you. Yep, these were somebody’s winter beater after the charm wore off. Such beautiful cars, THE most, by some, and to see one like this is like seeing a childhood movie star today. ( Whatever you do, DON’T look up Tina Louise) Same old thing, Jags have always been the most expensive cars to restore, since money ( oh, there it is) is not an issue, just go to B-J, buy a nice one, and keep this for spares, you’ll need them. And to think I passed on a 1970 roadster in 1973 for $2,895,,,
Yup, you were right. I shouldn’t have looked up Tina Louise …
There are lots of risk involved with this car. The listing doesn’t have detailed pictures or description, the seller suggests they can restore it for a price, yet doesn’t list the name of their shop. On top of that, they have zero feedback.
Steve R
To anyone thinking of taking this on, I recommend reading Bill McKenna’s restoration blog. He started with an infinitely better 1963 XKE FHC, and he never posted a completion installment in spite of displaying an incredible commitment to seeing the project through.
http://www.mckennasgarage.com/xke/index.htm
Whoever let this beauty fall into such an abysmal state should be horsewhipped.
Please don’t open both doors at the same time.
I’d question if that’s a runner or seized up solid since the front exhaust manifold seems to be missing. Judging from the topside rust I’d be scared of what’s under the bottom to say the least.
Rode hard and put up wet. On the beach.
Had a blue 69 in my shop 7 years ago in similar appearance, but, it ran.
While doing small items by his budget, it got to run great.
It had rust, but all under side.
So, he calls and says, gotta sell it.
Says, want to do one last drive, about 20 miles, that’s all.
Get a call, the engine locked up.
I go retrieve him and XKE.
Pulled the plugs, insert camera, a two piece valve in number 5.
Now it sells for less.
So, no, this looks worse. Don’t deliver here, no wanna another.
But, still the most beautiful vehicle I have ever seen. Including all the now look-a-like Vettes, Lambos, Ferraris, and Maserati. Vettes especially, horrible
Flat floors and external hood latches were both gone by 1962.
What lake did they drag THIS out of?
Such a tragedy to see a Jag in such poor shape . I don’t understand how owners of beautiful piece of Jaguar history could let this happen . As a long time enthusiast I always sell my cars better than what I found them . I wonder how many owners contributed to the destruction of this Jag
Good for parts and not that many —
NO SALE at a max bid of $10,800.
The bidders must value the rarity and ultimate value once restored rather than the incredible task of restoring this devastated beauty. Horsewhipped indeed.
Lots of USA sourced English classics have been bought down under and restored. Generally they are converted to right hand drive. How would USA buyers treat a right hand drive car?
We do have a thriving restoration industry down here so restoration off shore is not out of the question.
I may be wrong about this, but I think the same can be said about Great Britain when it comes to almost any classic built in England – lots more value there than here in the U.S, so restorations of ones that are considered dead are revived.
I had a 66 XKE 4.2 4 speed. Bought in ’71’
I think I mentioned it once before, never should have sold it.
Great car, surprised I didn’t kill myself in it…
Thanks, now I’m traumatised for life after you said not to look up Tina Louise! Really weird now.