If you’re looking for a project that won’t take a huge amount of time to turn into something very special, then here’s one with a massive amount of potential – one that has already had a massive amount of work done to it and is, without a doubt, one of the all-time classic icons.
The Jaguar E-Type enjoyed a 12-year production run, evolving from a delicate six-cylinder sports coupé into a comfortable (yet no less lively) grand tourer in the form of the last V12 2+2 models.
This one is one of the very last examples – a 1973 2+2 Coupé in Primrose Yellow, equipped with Jaguar’s wonderful 5.3-litre V12 engine.
It was imported from California by the vendor’s husband in 2016 and he is recorded as the only UK keeper. It had spent the most recent part of its life before coming to the UK in Beverly Hills and has survived in remarkably solid and straight condition.
Its one UK owner bought it with every intention of completing a high-standard restoration and he has invested a lot of money in the car – over £7,300 on a comprehensive engine rebuild and a transmission overhaul in addition. The car has also had a lot of work done to the front suspension and is mechanically pretty much there.
Sadly, health problems mean he is now unable to complete the project and the Jaguar is now for sale, in need of finishing but a long, long way advanced from being a restoration project – most of the work still required is cosmetic and will transform the E-Type’s appearance. It will make an absolutely stunning car once finished.
Some plastic trim in need of refitting/replacement
Original three-spoke steering wheel
Inside, the E-Type is in fair overall condition with its original beige leather seats in generally good order. The door cards are in good fettle, as is the rear load bay and spare wheel hatch, where a full-size spare wheel is concealed.
The fascia sports a vast bank of toggle switches, while there’s a smart three-spoke sports steering wheel and a central leather armrest on the console.
Work still to do includes refitting the centre console properly around the transmission tunnel, reinstalling the radio, fitting new carpets and replacing the headlining. It’s largely complete, though, and will be deliver a rewarding experience to whoever brings it back to scratch.
Chrome-effect sports wheels and trim already restored
At first glance, the E-Type looks pretty scruffy. But delve beneath the surface and you’ll find it’s much more than the apparent sum of its parts.
For starters, it’s a California car, and the state is traditionally kind to British metal thanks to its largely arid climate. As a result, the paint might not be great, but structurally the Jaguar is in fine condition with no signs of any rot or corrosion.
The vendor has started some body prep on the car previously and you can see where it has been rubbed down and tidied up – there’s filler in some of the areas where dents were previously, and with a bit more preparation the car will be ready for a full respray. Whether you keep it in its original – rather charming – Primrose Yellow or go for a more traditional colour is entirely up to you. It’s a blank canvas.
The wheels and much of the car’s trim have already been restored.
Jaguar’s mighty V12 is an impressive engine and this one should be in great order, having had over £7,300 spent on comprehensive reconditioning work. Other than being driven in and out of the garage, it hasn’t really been used since, so whoever buys the E-Type will be getting a car that has essentially got a newly reconditioned engine.
The car has also had almost £900 spent on a full automatic transmission overhaul, again with next to no use since completion.
The car has also clearly had quite a bit of work to the brakes and front suspension in recent times, which can be seen in the photos.
This is a great opportunity for someone to take a fundamentally solid and mechanically excellent V12 E-Type and bring it up to a new level – it’s a solid and decent car that is rare in being much, much better than it looks. The mechanical work is all done, the body and floors are solid, the panels don’t need much other than preparing properly and it’s all complete other than a few bits of interior trim, which are available from Jaguar specialists.
Bringing it back to its former glory will be far easier than with most projects – a lot of the hard work is done and dusted, leaving only the really satisfying cosmetic work to complete.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
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1973 Jaguar E-Type V12
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