Hello everyone,
My father and I have had a thing for British sports cars for as long as I can remember. But we both agree that cream of the crop is a Series 1 XKE OTS. I have been searching for a very long time for the perfect XKE so that he can finally get his dream car. And I have found a few the the back yards of people who don't know what the car is, but won't part with them for one reason or the other. Ebay is a waste of time because everyone wants a million dollars for a rusted out hull. And other web sites are hit and miss. So that's where you guys come in. I am hoping that your experiences you can help me find my dad's dream car.
We car looking for a Series 1 XKE OTS. Preferably a later one with the 4.2L engine, However the early 3.8L would do. I am hoping for decent drivable non-restored car. Looking to spend under 30K USD. The color is not too important as a good deal on the car is. We don't want a total rust bucket either. I want a fairly solid car. I know these things are around 40 years old so some rust is inevitable.
This is very important to me and the eventual sale/buy is definate. We just haven't the right one yet. If you can help, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

Hoping to find the perfect series 1 xke.

Submitted by ppk49@earthlink.net on Wed, 06/15/2005 - 12:35

The man I bought my 1974 roadster series 3 E Type from in Atlanta is now selling his series 1 primrose yellow E Type roadster and he sold me a very good car and is honest and a great guy.Email him at 350gtlamatcomcast.net.His name is Cyril Lesselier.
Peter.

Submitted by NE52-32043 on Wed, 06/08/2005 - 11:53

Greg,

It's great that you and your dad are sharing the experience and enjoyment of looking for a "dream car." However, what you and he want and what you are willing to pay for it may be inconsistent. Right now, Series 1 cars are in demand, and particularly OTS's. Any Series 1 roadster in decent shape, especially an unmolested one, is going to go for fairly big bucks. One that has already been restored and is in good driving condition will be even more.

The bargain in E-types right now are the Ser. II cars. The Ser. II coupes and roadsters go for a lot less than the Ser. I cars. But IMHO they are every bit as good and in some ways better. $30K is probably on the low side for a good Ser. II roadster in need of TLC, but not out of the question. A fully restored one in excellent driver condition will go for between $45K and $60K or more, depending on how well it was done.

So, my suggestion is "broaden your horizons." Either you need to consider spending more up-front money to get a good car, or plan on looking for a car in need of TLC, and plan on spending the money to do it. Just remember, restoring a car is an expensive proposition. More often you will find value in buying a car that someone else has restored or maintained. Consider yourself lucky that none of the backyard rust buckets have ended up in your garage.

Since you obviously don't know these cars well, a little advise -- when you find one, no matter how good it looks, have it inspected thoroughly by a good Jaguar mechanic; someone who really knows and works on E-types. And be very careful out there. There are some pretty bad cars floating around that have been given a quicky paint job to dress them up, but are poor examples. The passion of the moment may overtake you. You must be sure that the car is worth what you are paying for it and that it will not turn into a money-pit once you get it home.

Best of luck.

Steve Weinstein, JTC-NJ
'70 XKE FHC; '69 XKE OTS

Submitted by xjrjaguar2000@… on Tue, 06/07/2005 - 12:28

Hi Greg,

good luck finding the Series I XKE "dream car". I have access to a frame-off restored early, flat floor BRG OTS w/bonnet latches. It will cost you $100k+ estimated. Perfect in every way-headed to Pebble Beach in August. Let me know if interested. Cliff Mathews

Submitted by xjrjaguar2000@… on Tue, 06/07/2005 - 12:28

Hi Greg,

good luck finding the Series I XKE "dream car". I have access to a frame-off restored early, flat floor BRG OTS w/bonnet latches. It will cost you $100k+ estimated. Perfect in every way-headed to Pebble Beach in August. Let me know if interested. Cliff Mathews

Submitted by xjrjaguar2000@… on Tue, 06/07/2005 - 12:27

Hi Greg,

good luck finding the Series I XKE "dream car". I have access to a frame-off restored early, flat floor BRG OTS w/bonnet latches. It will cost you $100k+ estimated. Perfect in every way-headed to Pebble Beach in August. Let me know if interested. Cliff Mathews

Submitted by xjrjaguar2000@… on Tue, 06/07/2005 - 12:27

Hi Greg,

good luck finding the Series I XKE "dream car". I have access to a frame-off restored early, flat floor BRG OTS w/bonnet latches. It will cost you $100k+ estimated. Perfect in every way-headed to Pebble Beach in August. Let me know if interested. Cliff Mathews