Sitting Since ’88: 1971 Jaguar XKE Roadster
When the Jaguar XKE Series 2 was introduced in 1968, the requirement to comply with ever-tightening global emissions laws resulted in the car’s 4.2-liter engine losing around 19hp. However, in Roadster form, the weight of the vehicle had dropped by some 20lbs, partially offsetting the power loss. This Series 2 XKE is a car that could be driven largely as is, but I suspect that the next owner is going to want to perform at least some work on the car before it takes to the road again. Located in Wylie, Texas, you will find the XKE listed for sale here on eBay.
The owner of the XKE provides plenty of clear photos of the car, including plenty of shots taken underneath. The body of the XKE looks relatively straight, and there isn’t a lot of rust to contend with. The floors and frame look solid, but there’s something under there that just doesn’t ring true. In several of the photos, it almost looks like the Jaguar may have suffered some form of damage to the underside of the vehicle that may have been repaired, but it is a bit hard to be sure. The paint is pretty baked in a few places, which is not too surprising given the fact that the car has spent its life in Texas. The Texas sun has also taken a heavy toll on the soft-top, and this will require replacement. The paint on the hood is also looking pretty bad, and once again, it almost looks like there has been some form of accident repair performed on the sheet metal.
Under the hood is the 4.2-liter DOHC 6-cylinder engine, and it is backed by a manual transmission. To comply with emission laws, the triple carburetors that adorned the engine of the early Series 1 cars were given the flick in favor of twin SU carburetors. This particular XKE is also fitted with both air conditioning and power steering. With the use of an external gas can, the engine in this car runs, and it actually sounds quite healthy. The owner supplies this YouTube video of the engine running to confirm this. The car has been sitting unused since 1988, so there is going to be some work to do before it could be considered a driver. One of the priority jobs is going to be to rebuild the carburetors. The video shows the engine running, but also shows a significant quantity of fuel leaking out of the carburetors. It’s a case of fixing this before your XKE is the victim of an unplanned automotive cremation.
The interior of the XKE is an area that took me a bit by surprise. Given the impact that the Texas sun has had on the paint and soft-top, I really expected things to be quite baked in there. Instead, the interior appears to be original and unmolested, and the dash, trim, and the tan leather upholstery all look to be in quite good condition. I would be inclined to get a reputable upholsterer to condition the leather, as the heat may have sent it a bit dry and hard, and it would be cheaper to do this than to leave it and risk the leather cracking or splitting. One of the changes that was made to the dash of the later XKEs that I’m not a fan of is the replacement of the toggle switches with rocker switches. I know that it was a government mandated change, but it really took something away from the character of the interior.
The owner of the XKE claims that it has been sitting since 1988 and that it has covered a genuine 57,000 miles. He doesn’t indicate whether he has any documentary evidence to back the mileage claim. If the car has been sitting for that long, then the claim is plausible, but I’d still like to see some form of evidence. The XKE will need some work before it hits the road again, But at least we know that the engine runs and that the car appears to be free of major rust issues. The owner has set a BIN price of $49,800 for the XKE. It will be interesting to see what your thoughts are on this one.
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About Adam ClarkeI was born in Sydney, Australia, but have spent most of my life living in the island state of Tasmania. The only thing south of us is Antarctica! A lot of people have a deep passion for all things automotive. My wife would tell you that mine is less of a passion and more of an obsession. Most children have an imaginary friend. I had an imaginary car! Throughout my life I have had the privilege of driving more than my fair share of amazing cars. I have also driven a number of dogs...and some of them had fleas! I want to be able to share my passion of all things automotive with as many people as possible. I hope that you enjoy my posts.
Comments
I could have bought this exact car in the fall of 1973 for $2895,,,I’ve always regretted not buying it.
Great cars and missed opportunities are the curse of those who have motor oil running through their veins!
PS Also those who parted with a beloved motor friend for whatever reason.
I did buy a 1970 XKE, spur of the moment deal. Loved the car, got a lot of looks, young people asking what it was & older asking if I knew James Bond, but it was a piece of crap, and for less than $3000, what do you expect. Mine was the solid yellow and the color was just right for this thing. Hard to find parts and anyone to work on. I finally sold after messing with it for about a year, but I came out good with a nice profit.
Why don’t you just say it – my friend has another car to flip ? Kinda like our own Gull Wing Motors right in the back yard.
Yep, as soon as I saw Wylie, TX, I knew who the seller was.
Kind of makes me disgusted that he is my namesake (first name only).
Those are Stromberg carbs. One way to get a realistic flame job.
Adam, changes to the Series 2 E-Type were primarily a result of US lighting and bumper legislation, hence why the rear bumper is higher than on the Series 1. This is also why the Jag’s headlights were ‘uncovered’, as were those on the VW Type 1, Fiat 850 Spider, etc.
Lovely. Great colour combo too.
Chaparral creator, Jim Hall of Midland, Texas, may have owned this XKE. He lives at his Winter home here in Indian Wells, Calif. Would be interesting.
Can’t believe he’d own one…..instead of a Bowtie product…even in West Texas…hope he’ll be at the racer reunion this year.
Does anyone else realize that this is Dennis Collins car like the guy thats all ways on Gas Monkey Garage. It would be cool to buy it just to say you bought something from him
I think he should get a punch in the mouth every time he says “holy grail car”.
I hope whoever drops $50K on this springs for a pre-purchase inspection. The body looks odd, as if there’s either a lot of paint or worse- body filler. Would be good to know which.
you do know that the name XKE is incorrect… its an E Series, XK
Who cares?
I do. See below.
You do, Tommy. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have yapped.
It’s actually an “E-Type”
Does anyone know anything about what appears to be a drivers side front frame rail? It looks like it took a hit and was poorly repaired. However on the passenger side there doesn’t appear to be a frame rail, cover, or whatever it is. The underside of this car appears to have lived a tough life.
What underside photos? Did the “respectable” seller / dealer / flipper remove them? How can you post photos of a car between a lift and leave out the underside shots out?
I think you are looking at a flimsy section of aluminum under pan. Having the passenger side one missing is not unusual. Most of the under pan sections are missing. The actual frame (“picture frame”) is the body color frame that is visible in some photos. Forward of the engine is the radiator support, which looks pretty beat up – also quite common. The unknowing often think it is part of the frame and use it as a jacking point, which results in the radiator putting dents in the hood – ouch!
Is it just me? I just get 12 shots of the top of the car. Nothing underneath. I’m curious as to the damage mentioned, but the ebay listing doesn’t show it.
In the Ebay listing look on the part that describes the car then click on where it says read more and it will open up to more info & many more pictures.
Thanks. Now I see. Although I’m not familiar enough with what the bottom of an E-Type looks like to see what the problem is! I just know that these can be fiendishly expensive to repair underneath.