Even in project status, there is no mistaking the lines of a Jaguar XK-E. The great Enzo Ferrari, no slacker at building eye-catching automobiles, claimed the XK-E to be “the most beautiful car ever made“. Today’s 1963 XK-E example is an “inbetweenie” as it is undergoing restoration but the seller wants to move it along before completion. This Jag project is located in Watkinsville, Georgia and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $18,988, reserve not yet met. There is a BIN price option of  $37,000.

There has been an enormous amount of  metal fabrication performed on this XK-E as the seller states, “new floors, inner sills, outer sills, toe kicks, transmission tunnel ( front to back), boot floor, and lower quarters…” While the body appears to be pretty straight, the nose piece looks lumpy and the seller advises that the door skins will probably need to be replaced (reskinned). Most of the trim has been removed, as have the windshield, window glass, and backlight.

The metalwork shows to be extensive and very well facilitated; quality work is evident in many structural areas of this XK-E. Nevertheless, it’s still going to need a significant amount of time and effort to become an operable vehicle.

The 3.8 liter, in-line six-cylinder engine still occupies the engine bay but it is obviously a non-runner. Other than its carburetors, it’s stripped of its running gear. There is no reference made to its internal condition or what it may need in terms of attention – definitely worth further inquiry. The only transmission available in ’63 was a four-speed manual so it’s assumed that’s what’s here.

The interior is where so much of this Jag’s reconstruction is occurring. All of the floors and supports have been replaced, including a single replacement seat back (the other is a usable original). The instrument panel is partially intact though there are some switchgear and gauge vacancies. The steering wheel and column have been removed but they appear to be included with the pile-o-parts that come with the car.

Talk about a jigsaw puzzle! There are a few things here to consider, one is the accuracy and quality of the extensive metalwork, which on the surface, looks good. Next is the engine, there is nothing revealed about its overall condition and potential operation. Finally, it’s the parts menagerie, maybe they’re all present and maybe not; maybe what’s present is usable, and maybe not. And finally, there’s the price, the $37,000 BIN number gives you an idea of the reserve – it’s a pretty stiff tariff for a lot of unknowns. Half completed projects like this turn up all of the time, but anyway that you cut it, it’s like changing horses in the middle of a stream. I’d recommend sticking with your initial steed. Anyone up for this challenge?