2004-02-22 21:22:19 | Steven D. writes:

Car is currently listed on EBay:

cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll

Description: Jaguar : XKE OTS
1966 Jaguar E type Roadster STUNNING RESTORATION!

Miles: 8300 Doors: 2 doors
Transmission: Manual Interior: Blue
Engine: 6 - Cyl. Year: 1966
VIN Number: W82568 Exterior: Blue - Metallic

Vehicle Description: I remember going to the unveiling of the new E type at Oxford Motors in Sacramento. The year was 1961. I couldn't afford the car (according to my wife) and besides I had a '56 XK140. It's probably a good thing that I waited, because in 1965 the 4.2 was introduced. Not only did this have the larger engine, but it also had a larger clutch, full syncro gear box and no smog controls. Back then, I didn't mind the buckboard bounce of the early series 1's, but now I'm happy for the plushier seats of the 65, 66 & 67 E types. A good friend bought a new 1966 E type, and the truth be told, I lusted after that car! In 1988, I purchased the car, which is the subject of this sale.

Vehicle Condition: This E type had about 42K miles on it, and was starting to develop little temporary problems: what it needed of course was to be driven more. After driving the car awhile, I knew a total restoration was in order. After all, I wanted the most beautiful (and functional) E type on the planet. The jobs I couldn't handle were sent out to shops that had proven Jag restoration histories. The drive train was done by Mike Johnson. He said he would guarantee his work for 100 thousand miles (to me), if I did one thing. Well sure, what's that? All parts going into the car are to be OEM. This seemed like a small concession for the guarantee. I took it. The interior was done by a friend who probably has more " best of shows" at the Oakland Roadster Show than anyone else. He said Sir William used Connelly leather in the Jags only because Connelly also had a man made fabric that matched the Connelly grain. Uck! I told Bill Hirsh to send us two additional hides of the real stuff. The entire car is done in leather, where leather or plastic was called for. It's gorgeous. Speaking of plastic, I have never liked the hardura type stuff used on most of the E type tops (hoods). This car has a dark blue canvas Hartz top that matches the interior, as well as a matching boot. The wife and I have put approximately 8K miles on the car since the restoration was finished in 1995. Most of the miles were with our local Jaguar Club on trips. I think the last concours we attended (June 2003) our score was in the high 9.9’s. One other thing--Sir William should have put an overdrive in the E types, but he didn't. To rectify this oversight, we changed the IRS gear ratio to 3.07(also put 6 inch wide wires rather than the 5.5). What a difference. At 70mph my rpms dropped 800.

2004-06-06 07:22:36 | pauls writes:

Results of above auction: $49,999.00 (Reserve met) after 18 bids.

2010-07-03 00:07:41 | Bryce writes:

Since the sale in 2004, the car has been with its 3rd owner in Oregon. During that time, it has had its rear suspension rebuilt to the correct ratio, cooling fan switch moved to the standard temperature controlled rather than manual, had the Amco bars and luggage rack removed, a smaller steering wheel fitted, and general maintenance including new tires, hoses, belts, shocks, alternator and so on. The car is still in excellent condition as it was in 2004.

The car is now sold to its 4th owner in Michigan. The original owner had the car in Washington DC until 1988, the second owner in Reno until 2004, and the 3rd owner in Oregon until 2010.

2011-01-28 17:15:13 | Bryce writes:

Added data from Jaguar Archives

2011-09-24 08:40:23 | Bryce writes:

Car and owner have now moved to Australia..

2021-11-16 21:17:41 | John Elmgreen writes:

Excellent article about the car and its history by the owner in Australian Jaguar Driver (magazine of the Sydney based Jaguar Drivers' Club of Australia), November 2021.