2006-08-25 11:16:23 | pauls writes:

Ebay item 8/25/06
cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jaguar-E-Type-Series-1-1962-Jaguar-XKE-Rare-California-c ...
Current bid $18,500, 8 bids, 1 day left in auction. The VIN on this car is J62885406.

Sellers description:
ffered for auction is perhaps one of the worlds most beautiful and easily recognized sportscars of all time. The 1962 Jaguar XKE E-Type Flat-Floor. This is a Rare original California car, as attested by the secondary code plate!! This black on black 2 door coupe has led a pampered and sheltered life, and has not been driven in 10 years. I am offering this car on behalf of a gentleman friend of mine who has owned this precious beauty since 1978, but no longer has the ability to care for it properly. If I were a fan of English cars, she would be mine in an instant!

The positives:
The body on this car is perfect! Hood fitment at the cowl is always at issue with most Jags of this type. Not this one! Seam fit is perfect! Wheelwell flanges are a good as the day they were formed. Doors fit like new! There has never been any sheetmetal work performed on this automobile to the owners knowledge, and NONE is required, (but for a couple of holes in the floorboards at the foot area and one in the truck due to a plugged drain hole under the spare)
- All chrome is in fine shape, glass all good
- Original wire rims and knock-offs are all good, but for a mounting mishap that bent the spare tyre rim.
- 4 speed manual gearbox is perfect!
- Factory original radiator shows no leaking whatsoever.
-Aluminum dash panel, consol cover and dash leather are perfect, as is original shifter boot.
-Beautiful steering wheel.

The challenges:
-The lacquer is showing its age. It was reapplied prior to 1978, and has cracked and peeled in a few spots, but still shines as only lacquer can.
-The 3.8 litre, triple SU carbed engine does run, but is a little tired. Low oil pressure at idle would indicate engine overhaul is due, but holds pressure well under city driving conditions.
-The carburators will probably need attention.
-The two bucket seats are not original to the car, and are unidentified. They do appear to be of correct vintage however, and do appear stock to the untrained eye.
- As with any car left in storage for a long period, seals and gaskets start getting hard and brittle.
- The rear differential did have a faint ring at hiway speeds when sent to final storage but has never been a problem and is oil tight.
-The original air cleaner / breather has been lost and now sports aftermarket filters.
-The brake system should be verified, as front calipers have seized, but are free to move vehicle.
-Original radio does not function .
-Windscreen washer problem is noted.
-Chrome trim around rear window is missing.

This is indeed a rare opportunity to own a classic automobile of unequalled styling and engineering, all at an affordable price. Particularly if you are somewhat mechanically skilled.