2005-02-25 11:16:04 | pauls writes:

Ebay item 2/25/05
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Current bid $17,600.00 (Reserve not met) , 7 bids, 9 days left in auction. VIN J691R10057. 73k miles.

Sellers description:
1969 Jaguar Series II XKE Roadster
In a very positive sense, this car represents a true California survivor. Over the years, the car has been well cared for and, while it has been used minimally, it has not been stored for extensive periods of time. Every indication is that the car hads been kept in driving condition at all times and used stricktly as a weekend car for the past several years. Perhaps most importantly, the car has also remained in rsut free central California, and has no exposure to the conditions that have caused E-types to develop significant rust that has resulted in the demise of so many cars in the Midwest, East Coast and other parts of the world. For those who are not familiar with the XKE we have provided some brief history of this incredible car followed by a description of this particular cars condition by category.

OVERALL CONDITON
This Jaguar is a "turn key", ready to drive car that can be enjoyed immediately. All of the major mechanical components (engine, transmission, clutch, brakes, steering, etc) function very well and the car drives beautifully. There are no major mechanical needs that we can identify at this time, and the car has recently been serviced including a new fuel pump, oil service, exhaust manifolds, exhaust work and safety inspection.

Cosmetically, the car is very presentable having had a very high quality paint job several years ago that now shows some signs of wear from normal use. However, the car is rust free, very straight and with excellent chrome, trim and rubber. The interior is excellent with no significant damage and largely original with the exception of the addition of an updated radio (AM/FM/CD), an upgraded wooden steering wheel (a significant improvement over the weak original), and a non-original oil pressure gauge.

BODY / PAINT / TRIM
When this car was painted several years ago, the paintwork was done to a very high standard and at considerable expense. We have been told that the paint is lacquer and it has a deep brilliant shine. When the car received the fresh paint it was also hand pinstriped. We have an opinion that the pin striping could be removed (color sanded) should the new owner decide to do so, but can be certain and have not made an effort to remove the stripes.

The condition of the paint remains very good overall but, as with cars that are used, showing flaws consistent with its age. There are some minor cracks in the paint, and a few areas on the car where door dings/scratches have been touched up. This car is not a slow car but, in terms of appearance, a very presentable XKE. However, overall the car is extremely straight and free from any major damage, dents or rust. There is no indication of any damage to the chassis or significant accident damage to any of the panels on the XKE. The car is extremely solid with no rattles and doors, trunk and bonnet fit and lock properly.

The exterior trim is very good and the rubber trim was replaced at the time the car was repainted. There is a small area on the front left "bumperette" where chrome is peeling. However, the bumpers (front and rear), emblems, window trim, headlight trim, tail light trim, etc. are in very good condition and reflect the care that the car has received over the years. Also, it is apparent that the car is a California Car based on the condition of these items on this 35+-year-old Jaguar XKE. Frankly, cars from other parts of the country just do not have this appearance.

INTERIOR
The interior is excellent and has the appearance of being very original with the exception of the items noted above (improved steering wheel, radio and oil pressure gauge). The seats, dash and door panels do not show any signs of wear and even the area behind the back seats is excellent. The seat headrests have been removed from the car (not shown in the photos) but are included with the car. They appear to be original and are over the years they have become slightly "deflated", but can still be used, if the new owner chooses to install them (they simply slide in).

The carpet and side panels do not show any significant wear and are in excellent original condition. There are speakers mounted under the front console. The side door panels are also in very good condition and contain additional speakers. The center console is original and in very good condition as is the shift boot. The shift knob is a wooden knob with a Jaguar logo.

The dash is beautiful and contains all of the original rocker switches and gauges (outside of the one mentioned that actually has a similar appearance to the Smiths gauge). The gauge lenses are not foggy, cracked or damaged. The steering wheel is a thick wooden example that is much more sturdy than the original wheel, making the driving experience more positive. The center logo is a Jaguar and the horn is functional. All of the door locks work; the windows are fully functional and free of cracks and damage.

The rear convertible top boot is canvas and in excellent condition. The top is in good condition with a reasonably clear window showing some signs of wear but certainly usable as is. The top structure is very solid and the top is in very good condition overall, with only one very small area that was inadvertently "pinched" when the top was folded back. It is hardly noticeable.

MECHANICAL CONDITION
The Jaguar runs and drives very well. The car has just (within the past few hundred miles) received a complete oil service, exhaust manifolds, fuel pump, ignition switch, brake master cylinder/bleed and a safety inspection.

The Jaguar starts immediately even after sitting for several weeks. The car runs cool, even in California temperatures and is really a pleasure to drive. The clutch engages without chatter and does not slip. The transmission shifts perfectly and all of the syncros are perfectly functional. There are no unusual engine, rear end or transmission noises.

The Jaguar has excellent brakes (10,000 miles remain on the front pads) that stop the car straight. The emergency brake is properly adjusted and fully functional. The tires on the XKE are older and while they show considerable tread, if the car is to be used on a regular basis, we would recommend a tire change due to the tires being several years old. The wheels are original and in good condition with only minor chrome flaking on one or tow of the wheels. One of the center spinners has been touched up as a result of flaking chrome.

The electrical system was recently inspected to insure the functionality of lights, turn signals, brake lights, and other electrical items. The knock off "wrench", jack and spare are in the trunk and the trunk floor mat is in exclelent condition.

SUMMARY
We believe that this partuicular Jaguar XKE will appeal to the XKE enthusiast who has always wanted an E-type, but due to continually rising prices, has been unable to break into the XKE market. While the Jaguar can certainly be used and enjoyed as is and without additonal expense, it could also be improved/restored to a show level should that be the desire of the new owner. Either way, the car represents an excellent value, and it seems clear that based on the desirability of the Jaguar XKE, that future appreciation of this car is almost guaranteed.

2008-01-15 13:48:10 | Anonymous writes:

Since I bought this car a couple of years ago I have worked through the major systems and refurbished, repaired and improved as I went. It now has a modern alternator with internal regulator, new cool cat fans, rebuilt speedo and new speedo drive, totally rebuilt front end, rebuilt brake system including new hard and soft lines, rotors, calipers, master and vacuum cylinders, etc. The rear end has been dropped and refurbished. New springs and shocks were installed throughout. The car still needs some work to bring the windshield wiper and spray back to full operation. I also plan on adding some heat/sound insulation to the interior this year. When fate decides it is necessary I will drop and rebuild the engine and perhaps replace the transmition with a five speed. For now it is a good example of a nice driver that is a joy to own and drive.