2023-08-28 18:50:21 | pauls writes:

Car offered at:

www.hemmings.com/auction/1970-jaguar-xke-washington-dc-856653

Seller's description:

1R42907BW

Odometer 102,632

Engine 4.2-liter DOHC inline-six

Transmission Automatic

Exterior Color Silver

Interior Color Red leather

Seller Private

Auction Type Reserve

The seller of this 1970 Jaguar E-type 2+2 reports buying the car in May 1997, giving it meticulous care and a slew of refurbishments over the years, most recently a repaint in 2022. Notably, he says the mileage displayed on the five-digit odometer reflects a rollover and that true mileage is that plus 100,000. He describes this Jag as in “superb mechanical condition, with many of the components being replaced or repaired.” (The photos section includes a list of the work done since 2000, some of which is detailed below.) The owner says he is selling because he does not wish to maintain a classic car in his retirement.

POWERTRAIN

The 4.2-liter DOHC inline-six in the 1970 Jaguar E-type used two Zenith-Stromberg carburetors and was rated at 246 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 263 lb-ft of peak torque at 3,000 rpm. The seller says this Jag’s engine is original and was never rebuilt. “To start, pull out the choke, press the accelerator a few times, switch on the ignition and turn the key,” he explains. “The car idles with the choke until warm.” The seller says an electronic ignition system was fitted in 2014, and a new high-torque starter motor was installed in 2018. The stainless-steel exhaust dates from 2000. The seller indicates a “small external differential oil patch” but says the engine, transmission, and axle seals do not leak. The Borg-Warner Model 8 three-speed automatic transmission was refurbished in 2008 and operates properly, per the seller. 

EXTERIOR

The seller states that the E-type was refinished in its current silver color in 2022. The glass and windows are in good shape, and the seals are fine with no leaks, he states. The car has “minor surface rust” on the driver’s side and passenger inside floor that was treated in 1998 to prevent spreading. All lighting works as it should.

INTERIOR

The seller reports that the red leather and vinyl seating and trim were refinished in 2014, and new correct moquette carpeting was installed at that time, as well. The interior shows well in the provided photos. The seller reports a small blemish and drop of paint next to the automatic transmission shift stick(shown in photos). The headliner was also refinished in 2014 and is said to be in excellent condition, with a working dome light. A RetroAir air-conditioning system was installed in 2013 and is working properly, as is the heat, he says. He reports upgrades to the heater matrix, fan, and fan motor. The seller also reports a “complete LED light” replacement kit. All gauges function properly, per the seller, who says the speedometer was recently refurbished and that a new oil pressure gauge and sender unit were installed in 2022. A RetroSound AM/FM/Bluetooth/USB stereo works perfectly, the seller says. The Jaguar came factory equipped with a telescoping steering column and rear window defogger, which both work properly.

CHASSIS

The seller says the suspension was last serviced 10-15 years ago and that all components are in good working order. He says the 15-inch chrome wire wheels have “perfect alignment” but show some chrome missing on the spokes. The Toyo Versado Noir radial tires show 2014 DOT manufacturing date codes. Photos show a generally clean underside, which the seller says had been undercoated when new. He adds that minor surface rust was treated to prevent spreading. The power-assisted steering, refurbished in 2003, has an "oil patch" as described by the seller, but "power steering fluid does not constantly leak." The steering wheel “points straight with no play or vagueness,” and the four-wheel disc brakes function as designed.

DOCUMENTATION

The seller states that this vehicle will be sold on a clean Washington, D.C. title in his name. Documentation includes receipts from a previous owner dating back to 1985, plus the seller’s own receipts as digital scans and a spreadsheet starting from his ownership in 1997. He will also include tools, some spare parts, and a car cover. The seller of this 1970 Jaguar E-type Series II 2+2 has documented a long history of care and upgrades for the car, but now says he would rather devote his retirement to other pursuits and send this classic to another caring owner.