Worth Fixing? 1966 Jaguar E-Type Roadster
Hidden away in this shed and under a heavy layer of dust is what is widely acknowledged to be one of the most beautiful cars ever built. It is a 1966 Jaguar E-Type Roadster, but it has fallen on hard times. Barn Finder Ikey H spotted this classic Brit for us, so thank you for that, Ikey. It is located in Conroe, Texas, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding currently sits at $33,100. The reserve has been met, so hopefully, someone is about to return this once gorgeous car to its former glory.
The Jaguar is finished in Carmen Red, and its first plus point is that it does appear to be complete. From there, things go downhill quite rapidly. Series 1 E-Types are notoriously susceptible to rust in the right conditions, and this one is no exception. The owner makes no secret of the rust problems and actually raises the specter of this being used as a parts car. The photos are inconclusive on this front, so potential buyers might need to inspect the Jag to determine its viability as a project. The rust that you can see below the grille opening in this photo is indicative of what will need to be tackled, while it is similar in the floors. What can be seen of the frame looks promising, but we don’t get a look at the underside of the vehicle. If this is a viable project car, and the bidding would tend to indicate that there are people who believe that it is, this is probably going to be a full frame-off restoration if it is to be done justice.
Initially introduced with a 3.8-liter DOHC 6-cylinder engine, the E-Type received a capacity increase to 4.2-liter in October of 1964. This was a glorious motor that punched out 266hp in its prime. The power found its way to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission. This figure was enough to fire the Jaguar through the ¼ mile in 14.9 seconds. The mechanical condition of this classic is unknown, although it does appear to be complete. If the engine turns freely, it may be able to be coaxed back into life. However, I would probably be budgeting for an engine rebuild as part of the restoration project. I would at least have a specialist subject the engine to a thorough inspection before I did anything. The last thing that the next owner wants is to fire that six back to life and damage it beyond repair. If the E-Type loses its numbers-matching status, this could potentially impact its ultimate value.
The Jag manages to remain consistent because the interior is as desperately in need of restoration as every other vehicle aspect. It appears to be complete, and one of the greatest strengths of tackling an E-Type restoration is that all of the interior trim is readily available. Returning it to its former glory is not going to be cheap. Complete kits generally sell for between $4,000 and $6,000. That’s a significant amount of money when compared to other classics, but it could potentially be money well spent.
The Series 1 Jaguar E-Type Roadster is one of the most prized classics in the market today. They can command some pretty impressive prices, and a lovingly restored one can easily command a six-figure value. This one will require a lot of work to reach those lofty heights, but if the bidding to date is a clear indication, then it seems that there are a few people who believe that it is a classic with potential. Is this one that you would consider tackling, or is it too rich for your blood?
Auctions Ending Soon
2006 Ford Mustang Saleen S281 SCBid Now3 hours$16,000
2002 Subaru Impreza WRXBid Now3 days$333
1975 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertibleBid Now3 days$3,000
1964 Ford F-100 Camper CustomBid Now3 days$2,000
2006 Jeep Wrangler SportBid Now5 days$10,500
Comments
No frame off as no frame. Thus adding to the complexity of restoration. Doesn’t look horrible however. I’ve had worse.
A “perfect” ’62 on BAT ends today and bids have climbed over $200K, so the buyer has some dollars to work with. If you haven’t seen the listing yet and you are an E-type fan, you owe yourself a visit to the photo gallery. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1962-jaguar-xke-roadster-8/
Actually, the car reaching 220k was a flat floor, can’t be compared to this car.
The earlier cars are the most sought after and prices reflect this
Wow, this IS a Barn-find! The owner will have a story to tell after the restoration is complete. Absolutely one of the greats & Series 1 is the one to have. GLWTA and Have fun to the new owner.
The prices on XKEs have gone crazy. Buy at whatever it ends up selling for, throw cash in it to get it restored, and you’ll still be underwater.
What does “welded-louver” refer too?
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1962-jaguar-xke-roadster-8/
Gordo, the welded louver refers to the louvers in the hood, which were units welded into the hood, instead of directly cut out of the metal, if foggy memory serves.
Thanks for the info, I would have thought the louvers were punched into the sheetmetal and it just seemed strange to me to list it as if it were a desirable option, didn’t all E-type jags have louvers in the hood?
Early cars had the welded louvers and flat floors. In later cars, dished floors and stamped louvers were used. Dished floors appeared after the first 500 were made; welded louvers apparently continued a bit longer. All cars with these would likely be registered as 1961 or 1962 models, As to rust, the most critical component is the monocoque structure which comprises nearly the entire car from the firewall rearwards. A subframe of square tubular steel carried the engine, transmission, front suspension, and bonnet. Another subframe carried the independent rear suspension, differential, axles, and inboard rear brakes.
The hood louvers were panels that were brazed into the bonnet on early cars. Very rare to see them as later car were done directly into the bonnets.
Let the restoration leave me underwater! I would drive the hell out of it, anyway! Get what you love and enjoy it!
Just as a note, this is a 66, by 68 the floors were already compromised. But since it’s a complete car it’s well worth doing. I don’t have enough years left to tackle one ! Temptation is strong !
I know a guy in Michigan that would probably love this project.. he has the shop at home to do this car right ! If I had that $$$ I’d be buying this car and taking it to him. And you can bet if be driving to the car shows strong the country afterwards.
I had a 67 XKE back in the late 70s. I traded a Yamaha TX 750 and $1k for it. An awesome car to drive!
Restoration costs $130,000 at least.
It is amazing how much something that doesn’t work, is rusting out and will take $100,000 to fix can still demand big $$$$$.
Wish I had one of these from the beginning and also wish I bought Amazon stock at its IPO.
So, with a sub fifteen second quarter mile time, these early E-Types were basically muscle cars, that handled, and braked.
Worth fixing?? George Carlin once noted a sentence that would never be spoken as “Hey, hand me that piano!”. A question that would never be asked would be “Worth fixing?” with regard to a Jaguar like this one.
The one that got away for me was a ’67 in almost perfect condition in 1981 for $3,750. My credit union representative didn’t believe such an old car was worth that kind of money.
The world has gone mad… this is a 15K car. Real Restoration cost will approach 175K. Rust Rust Rust the frame and floors are likely Gone! Just crazy.
My last Jag was an early ’64 RHD FHC. After a full rotisserie restoration it looked, drove and performed like new! Which is to say it was always breaking down, something was failing or falling off. And I knew these cars from new, having worked in a Jaguar dealer’s parts department “back in the day.” I should have known better.
pre 66 because switches would have been rockers by then
Hey Scott, I believe the change to rockers was in 68 on the series 1.5 cars. But I have a ‘67 XKE FHC that was stripped for parts, but elements of the dash were left, and it has toggles.
I bought a rust-free ’67 coupe that was otherwise in similarly desperate shape. It was running, sort of, on two cylinders, but everything inside and out was needed. Cost $9,250 in ’96. I did the restoration myself, except for the paint (I did the bodywork), over many years. I think I had about $45-50k in it by the time it was done. Incredible car. Black on black. Drove beautifully and brought out smiles wherever she went. I shouldn’t have, but I sold it a few years ago for $75k.
Buy this car, buy yourself a welder, and get after it. You will enjoy years of “garage therapy” followed by years of top-down motoring pleasure!
tompdx, you are absolutely right ! For the more budget minded mechanical guy. And have a great cruiser to enjoy !
45000 p[ounds will get you a new bodyshell
Buy for $33k restoration for 100k sell for 200k. Best use of your funds in these economic times !!
I had a ’66’ XKE 4.2 – 4 speed convertible. I bought in ’72’.
It had a bad convertible top, and no brakes, gas leak at the fuel pump at the tank.
Drove it home and did the front brakes then looked underneath and saw the cage for the rear end and all that would have to come apart – and decided to drive it with the front brakes only for the rest of the summer. Then, the same summer took it to a top shop and got a new top installed.
Two years later I sold it to help my brother get out of a messy debt he and his wife got themselves into.
I never should have sold that car.
Familiar song…
matt
I enjoy this site because of the diversity. The buyers who want the cheapest “find” with the potential for the highest ROI. The buyers who are looking for a proud-to-display and drive vehicle and the cost be damned. And all those in between. What I don’t enjoy are the folks who denigrate any offering that doesn’t meet their “standards” – whatever they may be – and by doing so put down the eventual buyer of the vehicle. Tastes vary. Finances vary. Marital situations and garage space variations are widespread. “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all”. Pointing out flaws is one thing, expressing opinions on asking prices is certainly O.K. Editorializing on either with regard to purchasers is not at all kind.
Well said!