Sleeping Brown Cat: 1973 Jaguar XKE 2+2
This Jaguar is listed on eBay in Anderson, Indiana. Bidding is currently over $17,000 and the auction ends tomorrow, Wednesday. On the plus side, it is an XK, only has 36,000 miles and is complete and original. On the more practical side, it was parked 30 years ago because the water pump and front transmission seals are leaking, it is a Series 3 2+2 with an automatic transmission and a V12, and well, it’s a fat brown Jaguar. Josh wrote about a similar Jaguar last May here on Barn Finds. This one still has the engine in place and has an even less desirable automatic transmission, but otherwise, the circumstances appear similar. There’s little I can add to what Josh said and your comments were certainly interesting and still apply. So, I’ll go with “What Josh said”.
The interior looks pretty nice. A good conditioning and cleaning could make things very nice.
Things look complete here, but scary. Where does one begin? Time has not been kind but rodents don’t seem to have joined the party. And then, of course, there’s the electrical system.
Here you can see an example of where the paint needs help. The winning bidder appears very serious about winning this Jag, but with all the work this car needs $17,000 seems like a lot of money to invest in this project. Will $20,000 be enough money to restore this XK to driver status? For $40,000 there are always driver quality examples like this one listed on eBay. The current high bidder seems serious. He has purchased a lot of Jaguar, Triumph and Mercedes parts and cars on eBay and has perfect feedback. Perhaps he has a restoration shop. Hopefully, this old Jag will be back on the road soon. It’s a less desirable version of a car many of us would love to own, but perhaps the only way any of us could afford to own an XK.
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Comments
I could have bought this car’s twin, except in excellent running and driving condition and super low miles, 4 years ago for 4 grand…I said, “nope, it’s gotta have a stick…” what a fool I am….
Don’t beat your self up, the world is full of shoulda, coulda, woulda, stories.My Grandparents once owned 100 acres of land on lake Muskoka, with a 1000 ft frontage. They sold it years ago, before the value of Muskoka waterfront went out of reach for the average person. It would be worth millions today.
Love these cars but the 2+2’s have always looked wrong to me. The proportions just do not work at all. For that reason I am out.
The roof line on the 2+2’s is wrong, imo. Reminds me of a pregnant something, just don’t know what.
Well, if you like V12s and can afford to maintain this cat, jump on it.
Actually it is NOT an XK, but rather and XKE or E-Type.
The XK dsignation would be reserved for an XK120, XK140, or XK150 which is an entirely different car.
Still, this is a lot of car for $17K.
Chas
…and on the downside, it’s a V12, an automatic and has the ugly bodyshell.
The older (coupé) hardtop is very well proportioned; far better-looking than the convertible to my eyes, and then there’s low-drag and lightweight variants…
3.6, manual with overdrive please. But only if I can’t have a D-type!
Sorry Derek, the E-type never came with an overdrive, unfortunately…fortunately the auto box is easily rectified.
The 2+2 seems to be much better proportioned in the v12 with the flared fenders, to my eyes
If they couldn’t afford to fix two issues thirty years ago that we know about, what else could be going on with it? I love these things in any form, but it’s pretty crusty under that hood.
This is a giveaway even it is a 2+2 and doesn’t run. I have 2 E types (62 OTS and 69 Coupe) and know the true value of these cars. The car looks very solid with an excellent interior. If it sells for about 20K, someone will get a fantastic deal. Check Ebay for current prices.
It’s a 2+2,automatic,V12, and sitting a long time. Plan on entire brake system, engine gaskets and seals, same for transmission.rear differential,new tires, suspension bushings, shocks,battery,and other miscellaneous items. Where is the good deal? Plus paint, interior, etc. It just doesn’t check off the boxes for me. Then there is the color.
Curious to confirm identity of the vehicle beside this E Type in your photo.
Late 1950’s 300 SL Mercedes Benz…..? or possibly but unlikley to be a (topless !) 541 series Jensen ? Any ideas anybody ? Just curious ……
The price is decent as long as you you can coax the V-12 back to life without a total teardown.
The 2+2 is a deal breaker for me.
I’d rather get a low mile XK8 or XKR.