Edited on 2009-09-24 13:30:55

I am looking at a car which I may purchase in order to fix it up over the next few years.

I am hoping that you can help me understand what the value of the car is in the current (bad) state that it is. Here are some details:

1974 Jaguear XKE
V12
133,000 orig miles
Automatic Trans
A/C
Green, tan interior
engine is shot, at least one piston
piston parts seen in pan
dent an bond-o on right front, primer color now
two dents in rear behind both wheels
rust seen under interior carpet
Wheels look decent.
cabin soft top shot (new top in box)
Interior seats are usable.
dash is so-so with broken vents.

Any rough idea what this car is worth would be helpful.

Thank You.
Bill

Submitted by woebegone@mind… on Fri, 09/25/2009 - 11:38

Boy.
Looking at the list, and figuring with piston bits in the pan it ain't running.....
You have no idea what the trans is like.
Or the rear end.
Or the front end.
Or the exhaust.
Or the electrics.

Rusty floors?
Dents and bondo?
Seats "usable"?

You are the only one in this discussion who has actually seen the car, but, based upon the description, aren't there too many zeroes in the asking price?

Just a question, not an opinion......

Cost of getting it up and running, last couple of V-12's I know of ended up with Chevy engines.

Submitted by bill@clery.net on Fri, 09/25/2009 - 07:26

Wow, thank you very much for all the good information.

I had a rusted out TR-6, raced motorcycles and my dad restored a 56 Olds ground up. So, I understand the "project" aspect and do expect to tinker on it myself. I don't expect to make a profit on this, I just want to drive the car I have wanted since I was 15.

The price on the car now is $5,000 which I thought was reasonable. But, the current owner (widow of the original owner) is worried she is selling a $40,000 car for only $5,000. I wanted to get some expert opinions on this.

Thank you,
BIll

Submitted by bonnettoboot@e… on Fri, 09/25/2009 - 00:35

Bill; i'll give you a different perspective. When you decide you want A classic car as a hobby the first consideration is WHAT DO I WANT. Once that decision is made then you have to decide what your budget is going to be. If it is something you really want, then forget the "sales value" What is important is starting off with a reasonably sound car. Rust is a big problem, if the car has cancer then it is likely not worth getting but I would still buy it today, sight unseen, for 3 grand! If it is just sheet metal rust, floor pans etc, that is an easy fix. The wiring is very simple and mechanically there is better work space under the series 3 than there is on the sixes. A rebuilt engine can be expensive unless you can do it yourself. But it is possible to find a good used motor. The 12 is not a lot heavier then the six, (alum V's steel) and it is easier to remove because of the extra space and the torsion bar suspension. I have owned virtually every model of classic jag (and many other makes)and if I had to pick only one it would be impossible, it would have to be decided by a lotto type draw. If it were, and it came up V12 E convertible, I would not be unhappy, I love the car! The alum bodied 120 conv hasn't been driven in months, it is great fun but i wouldn't take it on a long road trips, (I hope Bruce Carnahan doesn't come on this site?) The 140 coupe drives much better and in fact drove it this week. The 66 E coupe has been up on the hoist for a few months it drives great but is a little cramped inside (I am 6'1"). Sadly, I do not have a V12 E at the moment. What ever you do, good luck and enjoy the experience.

Submitted by SC38-21185J on Thu, 09/24/2009 - 16:25

Bill: There are few cars more complicated and difficult to restore than a V-12 XKE. The engine alone is a behemoth and very heavy...just imagine 12 of everything. And the car itself is very small for all practcal purposes...you need the hands of a midget/small person to do anything. If you've never restored a car yourself, the XKE would be a bad first-choice. The 6-cylinders aren't quite as bad as the 12, but it is still a complicated car.

Believe me, I understand the attraction to the E-Type. But you might be better off with a more roomy '67 Pontiac GTO or perhaps a Chevelle Malibu or Corvette. Parts are plenty and generally cheaper. But like Michael said, get into a nice Series 1 or 2 driver, and you're more likely to get your money back on it, and, you can start driving it immediately.

Even if restored, a car with 133K miles will never sell near what you think it might be worth.

Submitted by mikesilverman@… on Thu, 09/24/2009 - 15:04

Cars That Matter guidebook says a world-class restoration of your S3 E convertible is worth $58K, for a #1 car.
A #2 car (i.e. regional concours class winner) is only $46K. So Patrick McLoad's estimate shows you'd be lucky to break even at best. For 40K now, you can buy a nice series 1 or 2 driver that you can use.

Mike Silverman
JCCAz
'68 E-Type OTS
1E16003

Submitted by SC38-21185J on Thu, 09/24/2009 - 14:05

I would't pay more than 3 grand, if that. Be ready to sink 15 grand into the engine rebuild alone. Another 12-15 into a paint job; 7 on new interior; ? on new transmission (might as well install a manual); another 15 for the stuff you don't know about just yet (like wiring, brakes, gas tank, radiator, etc, etc, etc.)

Few years? Try minimum of 5.

Walk away. You'll be upside down in the car, unless you are looking for a hobby project and don't mind investing more than it's worth.

P