2005-03-18 16:52:44 | pauls writes:

Ebay item 3/18/05
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Current bid $11,099.99 (Reserve not met) , 4 bids, 9 days left in auction.

Sellers description:
This particular Jaguar, Serial No.#UD1S 74661 BW (Engine # 10718), was delivered to British Motor Car Distributors, Ltd. Oakland, California on July 11, 1973. Now, 32 years later, the very same gentleman that purchased this special XKE 12 cylinder brand new still owns the Jaguar.

Since its purchase, the original Northern California owner has taken absolutely incredible care of the XKE, and it has remained a valuable part of his collection of fine automobiles. A very unfortunate personal situation necessitates the sale of the E-TYPE at this time. It is the owners hope that the Jaguar will go to an owner that will continue to provide the car with the highest level of care, and enjoy the vehicle as much as he and his now deceased wife did for over 30 years.

To say that this Jaguar was the owners "baby" would be quite an understatement. The car was, of course, always garaged and was never exposed to the elements. For that matter, the Jaguar never left Northern California. Unlike many vehicles of this vintage, this Jaguar has a fully documented history and has always been in the State of California. As a result, the car is totally free from any rust. The car has never been in the rain and was undercoated sealed when new. The undercarrriage is dry, clean, and free from damage.

Included with the XKE are the original delivery documents and owners guides, receipts, registration slips, tools (unused), original spare tire/wheel (never used) and "numbers matching" engine, transmission and other major components. The mileage of 37,605 is completely documented by repair receipts and other documents. While this car is a low mileage example, it has not been stored for extended periods of time, and has always been kept in top running/driving condition. Jaguar specialists in and around the San Francisco Bay area have professionally maintained it. In fact, after the initial servicing by Jaguar in the cars early life, the same specialty Jaguar repair facility has worked on the car for over 20 years!

The Jaguar received a high quality re-paint in its original silver, in 1975 under warranty from Jaguar. The factory paint developed problems resulting in the equivalent of a re-call and the meticulous owner insisted on having the entire automobile re-painted and repainted properly. As a result, the XKE received an extremely high quality re-paint with all of the trim removed using the best materials and workmanship. The paint is in absolutely beautiful condition with no signs of peeling, orange peel or other noticeable flaws/imperfections. At the time the Jaguar was painted there was a very minor dent in the bonnet that was repaired and in not noticable from the outside of the car. A critical examination of the underside of the bonnet shows a very small repaired area all of the way forawrd on the bonnet.

There is subtle pinspriping on the car that was painted by hand at the time the car received the re-paint. It is believed that the car was done with expensive laquer and coats of clear coats applied to ensure a long lasting shine and deep brilliance.

The XKE has always been garaged, and has been driven only a few hundred miles during the course of the past several years. It has, however, always been started and used on a regular basis to ensue that it is in excellent operating condition at all times. The paint an body have the appearance of being only a few years old.

The "bright work" (chrome) on the Jaguar is all original and absolutely magnificent. There is no over spray on any of the trim pieces. The paint is laid very flat, extremely high luster, and free from any peeling, chips, or scratches. There are no door dings, dents or damage. The exterior of the car is beautiful, and any minor flaws are so small that they in no way detract from the overall beauty/appearance of the Jaguar XKE. This car attracts an incredible amount of attention in (and outside!) of our showroom....it is a simply spectacular example.

The chrome trim around the doors, bumpers, side view mirrors, tail light housings, headlight trim and other chrome pieces are free from any pitting, scratching or damage. There is a dime size dent in the front "nerf bar" that is extremely minor and the owner of the Jaguar has a replacement that has not been installed. The dimple is so small that it does not show up on the photos.

The car currently has California "blue" personalized license plates supporting its life in California since new. Additonally, the registration documents date back to the original purchase date to confirm that this car has had only one owner and virtually all of the registration forms for the cars history are in file. The comprehensive file also contains ALL of the original documents that came with the Jaguar including the owners manual. Refer to the "Miscellaneous Category" for details.

The rubber trim is also excellent. The detailed photographs provide an accurate idea of the high quality of both the trim and paint/body condition. This Jaguar is truly a fantastic example, and its condition is reflects the care that the car was given by its fanatical long-term owner. It also has that "California car" appearance that is only seen on vehicles that have "lived" in a rust free state for their entire lives.

INTERIOR
The interior on the Jaguar, consistent with the exterior, is in amazing original condition. The Jaguar remains 100% stock inside and includes all of the original and working Smiths gauges (the clock is the original but does not appear to keep time), switches, knobs and controls. It would be difficult to imagine that there is a more complete, original and beautiful interior on a 32-year-old XKE.

The other parts of the interior are equally excellent. The radio is a period Pioneer AM/FM Cassette that works very well. No aftermarket speakers have been installed in the kick panels or door panels. While the radio is fully functional, personally, we enjoy listening to the incredible exhaust note of the Jaguar 12 cylinder over any radio music, but for those who are looking for tunes, the Jaguar is equipped with a usable sound system including a cassette player, typical of the era.

The Jaguar seats are, of course, finished in high quality, original black leather. The carpeting, dash, seats, door panels, and all other interior items are 100% original and in excellent and undamaged condition. The seats show the usual patina of fine British leather, but they are not torn, ripped or damaged and are truly as nice as you will find in an E-type that has seen any miles. The seat backs are not broken/worn, as is true with so many E type Jaguars that we have seen over the years. The entire interior has the appearance of a vehicle that is only several years old, not that of a collectible vehicle that is over 32 years of age.

The dash is 100% original and in excellent condition. The dash is totally free from any cracks, wear or problems. The engine monitoring gauges are all original and functional, and the lenses are clear, not cracked, or damaged. The reading on the odometer is 37,585 and is 100% original and documented by repair and maintenance records over the past 30+ years.

The rear seating area is, again, in absolutely beautiful, original, unmolested condition. The leather on the rear seats is all original, and in excellent condition. The seat belts, both front and rear, are original and still have the original Jaguar logos on the clasps. They are free from fraying or damage.

The headliner is also like new having been replaced several years ago with factory like material, including the sun visors. The interior lights come on when the doors are opened. The windows roll up freely and there is no broken or scratched glass. The tint on the windows (done many years ago) has probably contributed to the excellent condition of the interior. The tint could be removed if the new owner chooses to do so. The doors fit and seal very well, and have new rubber seals.

The interior trim on the vehicle is also excellent and all of the door latches and locks are fully functional. Even items like the rear view mirror, side view mirror, turn signal stalk, headlight stalk, etc. are original and in excellent condition. All of the interior chrome is excellent.

The car is equipped with factory air conditioning, and the vents can still be seen in the photographs. As a result of the climate in Northern California, it has not been used over the years; so, at this time the system is not functional. However, the components are in place and, while we cannot guarantee its condition, it is not working simply out of lack of use, not problems with the A/C system that were not repaired/addressed.

MECHANICAL CONDITION
A review of the extensive owners file of maintenance records and documents tells the true story of this Jaguars history. The extensive file not only contains receipts dating back to the early years of the car, when it was service by the local Jaguar dealer (Oakland British), but also a consistent history of repairs in later years by one, local Jaguar expert. The car has been serviced by this specialty facility for the past 25 years!!

This Jaguar has been extremely well maintained, and it has received everything that it has needed to keep it in the best possible condition. This XKE has the original 12 Cylinder engine and the optional automatic transmission. The combination makes for a one of the best touring vehicles ever produced. The 12 Cylinder jaguar is capable of cruising comfortably at high speeds, all day long. This particular car has impressive performance statistics, including the published top speed of in excess of 150 MPH.

This XKE performs very well, shifts smoothly and does not exhibit any drivability problems. The transmission and clutch have been rebuilt, as have the brakes and a host of other items, as required. While the repair/maintenance file is too extensive to document for the past 32 years, the following represents a summary of repair items/dates and will provide the prospective buyer with a feel for the extensive care that the Jaguar has received over the years. As important as the specific items being repaired, we believe that any lengthy repair/maintenance history documents the owners' interest in ensuring that the car is never neglected, or in a state of disrepair.

MAINTENANCE / REPAIR HISTORY (Most Recent First)

Note: Vehicle used very minimally between 2003 - Present due to the illness of the owners wife .

* 36,982 Mi. Replace radiator fan switch / gasket. Inspect brakes (50% remaining front and rear)

* 36,052 mi. - Clean carburetor, Factory Jaguar service - oil, filter, lube. Replace fuel-sending unit.

* 36,093 mi. - New water pump and belts

* 35,802 mi. - Oil / filter/ lube service

* 34,981 mi. - Smog -passed

* 7/7/99 - Replace Headliner

* 35,372 mi. - Oil / filter / minor service & ALL new hoses & clamps. New heater valve. Transmission service. New exhaust pipe shield.

* 35,371 mi. - Smog check - passed no problem

* 35,274 mi. - Replace fuel pump with high performance version upgrades/replacement trim

* 35,110 - Oil / filter / service

* 35,071 - Change differential gear oil / gaskets

* 35,013 mi. - Remove & replace leaking surge tank

* 35,000 mi. - New 60 month battery

* 35,000 mi. - New chrome exhaust tips

* 34,930 mi. - Oil / filter / lube service

* 34,633 mi. - Smog -passed

* 34,535 mi. - Drain fuel tank and replace fuel. New belts & Aeroquip fuel hose ends, fuel filter.

* 33,426 mi. - Replacement exhaust system

* 34,000~ mi. - Fit Lucas alternator, balance wheels/tires

* 32,071 mi. - Replace transmission motor mounts

* 31,736 mi. - Smog -passed

* Miles not shown (10/83) - Upper and lower ball joints & front shocks. New hood shock

* 30,554 mi. - R & R alternator, R & R heater tank, new anti-freeze

* 29,160 mi. - New water pump, all fluid levels checked/filled

* 25,847 mi. - Recharge A/C unit and address oil leaks

* 25,441 mi. - Change U joint, oil and service, new front brake pads, install muffler, check all hoses/belts

* 21,000 mi. - Complete belt replacement

* 19,982 mi. - Align wheels, tighten drive shaft/bolts

* 6,995 mi. - 12,000-mile service (Oakland British Motors)

* 4,537 mi. - 9,000-mile service (Oakland British Jaguar)

* 7/11/73 - Jaguar Purchased New - British Motor Car Distributors, Ltd. Oakland, California - Original" Passport to Service" brochure & metal Identification Plate included

In addition to the above, there are many small receipts/repairs that were not listed. Cleary, the car was extremely well maintained and received care for even the most minor issues. All of the records are included with the Jaguar to provide additional specific details on the repairs and maintenance of this special XKE.

All of the lights, turn signals, bright lights, and brake lights are functional. The XKE is delivered with an independent safety/mechanical inspection supporting that the Jaguar has no major mechanical issues.

The tires show excellent tread although they are older, white lettered "Firestone HPR" style radials. The tire size has been upgraded to 255/55/15." The spare and original tools are located in the trunk which is very tidy and free from any rust, moisture or damage.

* For California buyers, the Jaguar is registered until February 2006, so no license fees will be due at the time of purchase. The car has not been on "Non-Op" but has always been actually licensed and title for road use.

* Of course, the Jaguar carries a clear, California title that can be used in any state / worldwide.

* The XKE has the original spare, jack and tools.

* We are usually asked if certain cars could be driven a long distance. Personally, we would not hesitate to drive this particular car to New York.