A long-term ownership history is always attractive for enthusiasts seeking a classic to park in their garage. This 1970 Jaguar E-Type ticks that box because the seller has been its custodian for forty-five years. It has avoided the rust issues that often plague these classics and is a turnkey proposition that received some recent TLC. The Jag is listed here on Craigslist in Escondido, California. The seller hasn’t set a price but will consider trades of an equal or lesser value. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this British beauty.

While the factory options list for the Jaguar E-Type was always limited, buyers faced no such restrictions regarding paint colors. The palette featured an impressive thirty-six regular shades during the car’s production cycle, although there was scope for Special Order colors. Pale Primrose joined the range in 1963 and remained available until the last cars rolled off the line. It is the shade gracing this Jaguar’s panels, but whether the vehicle has undergone restoration or repairs is unclear. Its presentation is acceptable for a driver-grade classic, with a nice shine and no evidence of significant cosmetic issues. Rust can be a problem with the E-Type, but this dry-climate beauty has avoided those issues. It is as solid as the day it was built, which is a blessing considering how expensive repairs can be. The trim is in good order for its age, and the glass is crystal clear.

The supplied photos in this listing are limited, but the text paints a positive picture of this car’s mechanical health. The engine bay houses the beautiful 4.2-liter DOHC six that sends 245hp and 263 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Jaguar developed the E-Type as a total package, with the four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes guaranteeing it handles and stops as impressively as it accelerates. The ¼-mile journey should take 15 seconds while keeping the right foot down will reward the driver with a top speed of 134mph. The seller indicates that not only is this Jag numbers-matching, but it is also in excellent mechanical health. It recently received a complete service, a new fuel tank, fuel pump, spark plugs, and tires. It runs and drives perfectly, allowing the new owner to fly in and drive it home.

The poor interior images make it challenging to make a definitive call on the condition. However, piecing together the available information seems to confirm the Black-trimmed interior is excellent. The seats and door trims show no evidence of damage or distress, and the carpet is new. The factory radio is intact, and there are no signs of aftermarket additions. High-quality reproduction parts are available to address potential shortcomings, but I don’t believe they are required with this Jag.

The Jaguar E-Type remains a staple of the classic scene, although the 1970 model has suffered the same fate of many as values declined in 2023. However, the situation appears to be stabilizing, meaning the New Year may bring a change of fortune. That could make now the ideal time to park one in your garage because the suggestion that values will climb could make this car an investment winner. Recent sales suggest a value of around $60,000 is realistic, and with the seller preferring trades for a pre-1975 classic car or truck, that leaves scope for many possibilities. They don’t mention a cash price, but contacting them about the subject might be worthwhile if you don’t own a suitable trade. You never know, but today could be your lucky day.