2004-03-05 00:06:59 | Lofty writes:

Ebay item 3/4/04
cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll
Current bid $15,000, 12 bids, 9 days left in auction. 97k miles on the odo.

Sellers comment:
The XK-E for auction here was born in March of '73, just a few months before the onset of the first oil crisis that ultimately sounded the death knell for these extravagant, V12-powered machines from Coventry. It is one of exactly 2,862 V12 Roadsters produced in 1973. A rare beast, indeed!
Engine compartment is super clean. Most unusually, there are no leaks!

Apart from rarity, a watertight provenance has become a supremely important parameter in measuring a classic car's collectibility and value, and we're happy to report that this fine example is able to fulfill any collector's most stringent requirements. Sold new on 06-04-74 at Brentwood Motors in Santa Monica, she's a fully documented, two owner, California blue-license-plate cat!
All books and records are present, including:

* Operating, Maintenance, and Service Handbook
* Stamped "Passport to Service" Warranty booklet
* Maintenance wall chart
* Wiring diagram
* California Jaguar dealer list (1973)
* Vehicle Safety Regulations consumer information sheet
* Radio instruction and installation manuals
* Original bill of sale to second owner, dated 01-09-81
* Sixty-three chronologically filed documents for repair, maintenance, and parts purchased since 1981

Of these 63 service records totalling $26,497.84, half a dozen date back to the summer of 2003, when the car was awakened from hibernation and re-commissioned by Sports Car Specialties, a reputable British car garage in Lomita, California. A sizable amount, $11,045.01 to be exact, was spent on the following positions:

* Install new clutch assembly, slave and master cylinders, re-surface flywheel
* Install new transmission mount, shift boot, and bushings
* Rebuild brakes front and rear, including calipers and pistons, flexible brake lines, pads
* Rebuild brake power booster, install new brake master cylinder
* Recore radiator, fit all new hoses, thermostats, gaskets, fan switch
* Repair header tank
* Install new heater core and valve
* Fit new fuel pump and fuel lines
* Rebuild all four ZENITH carburettors
* Fit new sparking plugs
* Repair and line gas tank
* R&R rear end, fit four new rear shocks
* Fit new bonnet strut
* Rebuild alternator
* Install new battery

Needless to say, the big cat appears to be in perfect health now! Since this significant work was performed, the Jaguar has been driven a mere 600 miles.

When it came time to install a new hood, the cat's owner chose a nice, black STAYFAST canvas top, guaranteed not to fade. Apart from one small, repaired tear, this top is in excellent condition; the rear window is crystal clear.
Of course, this gracious feline is best viewed topless, to closely admire her glorious, rust free, metallic silver body (factory special order color). Repainted once, a long time ago, the cat's flanks are still glistening, the few--almost unavoidable--imperfections, such as touched-up spots and a couple of chips on the deck lid, do not detract from this Panthera onca californiensis' beauty. Lavishly applied chrome trim is in excellent condition throughout.
The interior presents itself 100% original. Befitting a pampered cat, this XK-E was always properly garaged and stored; there are no sun-induced cracks on the dash, not a single one! Bone stock from the leather-covered, aluminum steering wheel to the SMITHS gauges (they all work), There's absolutely no rust to be found in this critical area and everything is toothbrush clean!
Correct dual exhaust tip neatly fashions the Jaguar's tail. This cat does not smoke, as evidenced by the super clean, stainless steel closing panel. All electricals work, even the backup lights!
The 4-speed manual transmission's gears are quiet; shifting is wonderfully smooth. No overheating, smoke, nor untoward noises spoil the fun. She's an original V12 E-Type, has covered less than 3,250 miles annually, on average, and can be enjoyed "as is" for a long time to come.

2004-03-10 10:26:24 | Steven D. writes:

With 4 days 9 hours left on the auction there have been 37 bids to a price of US $30,108.00

I think the reserve has been reached.