Most of the time, I am not impressed with attempts to make vehicles look old, or rusty, or covered in fake patina. But this – well, this is pretty darn cool. It’s a 1974 Jaguar E-Type Series III coupe, which is a vehicle we typically see treated to a world-class restoration and wiped nightly with a diaper cloth. This is not that sort of build, and the “restomod” treatment works shockingly well. I make no claims as to the quality of the work otherwise, but it’s always fun to see someone try something completely unexpected. Find the E-Type here on Facebook Marketplace for $32,500.
Usually, when someone attempts a project like this, we’re let down by the work underneath – and that’s a part of the build that sends the strongest message about the commitment to quality. In other words, if you’re going to leave the topside looking like it hasn’t been washed in 10 years, the mechanical bits better be exceptional. From what we can see in the listing, it would appear the seller took this path and also paid attention to the interior as well. However, let’s clear something up right away: this isn’t a case of fake patina, as the rough patches reflect the previous owner’s attempt at prepping the body for paint; according to the listing, he simply didn’t finish the cosmetic restoration.
The interior is a wonderful place to spend time in an E-Type, but especially when it has been restored as this one has. The red leather certainly looks high quality, and the fitment appears fairly tight as well. The E-Type instrument panel is one of the best in the business, but we’re accustomed to seeing an automatic in the center console, owing to the car’s reputation for grand touring. Seeing a manual gearbox bolted to a V12 from a later XJS just makes our hearts all kinds of happy, and factoring in the somewhat easier-to-live-with engine swap makes this E-Type even more appealing. The seller notes some minor finish work needed to consider the cockpit “done.”
You owe it yourself to look at the photos of the underside. Wow – what a build! Some of the upgrades beyond the modern engine transplant include “…Wilwood brakes front and rear, fresh rotors, new bushings, control arms, linkages, and extensive detailed paintwork.” The underside looks spectacular, with chassis components that appear clean enough to eat off of. The seller considers that car mostly there with some finish work to both the cosmetic and mechanics that will make it a turnkey driver. We hope that is the case, as this E-Type looks like a great way to drive the doors off a classic British GT car and raise some eyebrows at the local Concours event.
It’s not early April, is it? Grab it before the guy wakes up and smells the coffee.
But you could have a rusty nova for 13 grand. This would be much more interesting and rewarding than that.
My only question is whether the transplant is a later 5.3 or the more desirable 6.0. If I didn’t hate that shade of blue I would be negotiating the purchase with the seller and senior management here at home.
It’s a later model Jag V12 transplant, no LS here!
Such an ugly car.
I have to agree it’s ugly, never liked them
Fortunately you are in the vast minority!
You sure about that? :-)
Ummmmm…doubtful. This is one of the ugliest cars ever produced. I wouldn’t buy this car for any amount of money unless I could guarantee a profit. Unfortunately, not many people are going to want this hideous bodystyle so, even that would be risky, at best.
Strong asking price. Add 3 feet to the wheelbase, huge blower and a wheelie bar… Shazam, real life hot wheels car.
As an I like a Ford in a Ford, etc, I’m liking this build. Kudos to the builder for what appears to be excellent workmanship, and keeping with the Jaguar theme of restomod, here I go again. Daddy Like!
There is no such thing as a 1974 Series III E Type 2+2 coupe. There is a 1974 roadster, but ’73 was the last year for the 2+2.
As long as we’re being technical, there is also no such thing as a “Ser III E-Type 2+2 coupe.” Jaguar made Ser I and II coupes (FHCs), and 2+2s (as well as OTSs, of course), but never made a Ser III coupe. “Ser III 2+2 coupe” is a mash up of two different models and a non-existent beast!
As long as we are being technical, Jaguar’s advertising in the day talked about the 2 seater coupe and the 2+2 Coupe.
Its like a mud covered Corvette . They look really nasty unwashed and not clean. Some cars just don’t fit the rat rod look and this is one of them!
Perhaps the most informative FB Marketplace ad ever. The video shows just how much work went into the underside of this car, and it sounds and looks like it runs and drives nicely.
A true British hotrod.
I would finish putting her together and just drive it. Maybe take it to a Jag meet and see the expressions it would get.
I’ll add my observations. Purists will hate me… The newer updated v12 engine with Bosch EFI is much improved over 4 Zenith v12 carbs. The later v12 facelift XJ cars had the Ford influenced new improved intake runners on ‘92-96 v12 cars. These are much improved and came with 5.3l & 6.0l versions. Lister versions also came with 7.0l v12 rated at over 500HP! Kudos for keeping the car Jaguar. Eagle E types are going for 500kplus Euros! Check out listing in Europe where Es fetch 25-50% more than US auctions…
Not sure what to think ???
Patina or embracment?
Pembarrassment.
I love these cars, I think they have some of the best body lines of any car ever built! I love the fact they stuck with original jag drive train! I would finish out any interior & drivability issues & leave the exterior as is & have fun!
@Outland 41. Absolutely sure!
These cars are hideous…a joke in the US. You can keep them all, over in England, please.
You are one very out of step American. Most of the commenters on this American site are also of the general opinion that the E Type Jaguar is the most beautiful motor car ever designed. I’m not so sure about that, as to each his own, but it sure is one helluva lot more beautiful than a lot of Yank tanks of the same era!
SOLOSOLO: You are absolutely right! While the Series III 2+2 and OTS were not the most beautiful of the E Types, they are still quite nice and nothing to turn one’s nose up to. Berkmeier is entitled to his opinion or bias, but he is way out of line with the mainstream!
The original E-type roadster was truly beautiful. Some of the later iterations were not.