Yard Find: 1966 Jaguar E-Type
What is it about Jaguar’s classic E-Type that so many of them end up as barn finds? It seems to me that we see more than our fair share of these cars in condition like this one, a 2+2 automatic coupe left languishing among the leaves in front of another unidentified and rotting classic. Despite its unfortunate confines, this is a Series 1 car with the desirable covered headlights and a matching numbers drivetrain up front. Find the Jaguar here on eBay with a $19,500 asking price and the option to submit a best offer.
Details are scarce on this yard find E-Type in New Jersey, but it’s safe to say the storage arrangements haven’t been kind. The shattered rear glass is hardly a good sign, and I suspect water intrusion could be a factor. The car cover tossed on the ground may indicate the cabin was somewhat protected from the elements, but the roof certainly wasn’t – it appears to be caved in. However, collectors are still quite enthusiastic about Series 1 cars, so I don’t see any of those factors as sales killers. No word on if the paint code is original.
I suspect that’s the ground I can see through the floorboards, and it’s hardly a surprise given this is the northeast and a region not immune to snow and rampant dampness. The E-Type appears to be parked atop of a pallet, but that’s done little to save the floors. The automatic is a real bummer, as the E-Type is both more enjoyable to drive and more valuable as a collector’s item with the manual gearbox installed. The interior will likely need as much work as the outside, but spares and recreation parts are fairly plentiful for E-Types across the different generations.
The engine at least appears largely complete, and as mentioned, its numbers-matching condition is a big reason this car will likely be restored. While the headlamps are no longer covered, that’s an easy fix, and perhaps a gearbox swap would make good sense despite the alteration to its factory configuration. Why E-Types keep appearing like this is a mystery to me, other than they’re so pretty that the owners can’t bear to part with them. I’m curious what sort of “best offer” the seller might be willing to take – who wants to find out?
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Comments
What’s the mystery? People can’t afford to fix them, so they sit and collect dust.
Howard, I think you misspelt “rust”.
But dam, nice Hoboken discovery…
Not like it matters, but what is parked in the background? Hmmm.?
It matters to me, I couldn’t tell even blowing up the photo on this device..
64 or 65 Ford Falcon
Yeah, good call…I think there are a few cars in a line beyond the Ford too…
I agree w/the ‘64-65 Falcon. And as for the Jag, such a sad, sad little money-pit.
These were money pits from day one , and you have to wonder what caused it to be parked in the first place- motor ? trans ? horrid Lucas electrics ? rust from being driven in all weather on the east coast ? All of the above ? That and sitting in New England outside for years has rendered this to parts car status IMHO ,and worth no where near $19,500 .
My 66 E ,concourse condition, is a 4 speed ,and not a 2+2,and is about to go up for sale for $110k.If one were to spend the 110k on this sad example,it would still not be to the level of mine,or others on the market.AND , you would still have a
2 + 2 ,automatic,red headed stepchild .No way Jose !
Greetings All,
“Concourse”, not Concours, or is this the one they sold at the Airport.😉👍
AJ,
I’m not aware if ANY E Type leaving the factory with an electric clutch. Laycock made overdrives but they were never fitted to E’s for good reason. HP was near the working limit of the OD and the driveshaft would have to be too short for usefulness.
Ach, just get tae with the “red headed stepchild” pish, eh? We’ve had enough of that. D.
IIRC, the ’66 had the Laycock de normanville electric clutch that never worked right. It only lasted one year. A lot more 66’s had automatic because of it. But come on, $19,500?
I hate to say it. But only because of the probable rust issues.
RAT ROD JAG?
It hurts my brain just to say it.
These are such pretty cars and nothing drives like them when running correctly.
I see a very expensive parts car. As long as the engine turns over.
This car will wind up in the UK and turned into a vintage racer with a stick. That’s not a bad retirement in my books.
May have served some time as a coral reef while Sandy was in town.
I “love” the display of loose nuts and bolts in the lower left of the engine photo. Sheesh. Since when does a car missing headlight covers, rear window, and goodness knows what else qualify as “complete”. I totally understand the derogatory statement on this type of “E”, as 2+2 weren’t sought after, nor were the automatics. The combination of them…no interest to me, even though it is a Series 1. Three of my friends had the convertible, stick shift models and those were fantastic cars. And gorgeous !