2002-12-16 16:51:52 | Roger writes:

Seen on eBay. Ad description:

1968 Jaguar E-Type 2+2. Complete car that does run, excellent donor car for restoration of roadster or coupe. Extensive undercarriage rust prevents this car from being an economically viable candidate for restoration unless purchaser is skilled in sheet metal work and welding. Car is not a driver.

What's good: Car is complete, starts and will move. Borg-Warner automatic transmission seems solid, works in all gears. Engine runs rough at first but smooth when warmed up and has not been tuned up, certain it would run great with tune up. No smoke or noise from engine. Interior: Dash is not cracked, all gauges present though not all work (temp gauge and tach do work). Seats are complete but need reupholstering. All glass intact. Steering wheel wood is cracked and split but all pieces are there and it can be repaired. Bonnet appears to have only very minor rust spots that appear to be easily repairable. Chrome is slightly pitted but will polish up nice. Five wire wheels appear to be in good condition but tires dry rotted.

What's bad: Rust. Lots of it. Sills are totally made of built up bondo as is the rear valance (under spare tire). Undercarriage rusted to point that car is not structurally sound and therefore I have not driven on street, only around parking lot.Small amount of rust in floors. Rear suspension also showing damage from rust. Exhaust system needs to be replaced including manifold (tuned headers that are better performing than original are available for under $300.00).One of the 2 electric cooling fans does not work.

I recently purchased car to restore but sadly found the cost of the rust repair on top of paint, interior etc.to exceed the finished value of the car. Car would part out for more than I paid for it but I don't have time to dismantle it. I have only owned car for a couple of weeks and have listed all I have found that is wrong with it, there may be things that I have not discovered.