1974 Jaguar XKE

Description

SUMMARY

• 2-owner car that's believed to have logged only 49,177 miles
• 5.3 liter Jaguar V12
• 4-speed manual transmission
• Modern Sony CD player
• Beige leather interior
• Stainless wire wheels
• Factory power steering
• 4-wheel power disc brakes
• Fern Grey paint / Black cloth top

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Jaguar is responsible for some of the most memorable cars ever produced. From the 1968 E-type to the current F-type, the company continues to define British motoring for enthusiasts across the globe. It's no coincidence that the brand's designs tend to age gracefully. And it's no coincidence that well-preserved Jaguars always find a dedicated group of fans that are ready and willing to pay top dollar for their favorite vintage. If the recent uptick in European cars has piqued your interest, but paying big money for spotless concours fodder simply isn't in the cards, here's your chance to own an incredible E-Type that was built to be driven AND admired!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Few automotive brands can match Jaguar when it comes to consistency in design. From the E-type forward, long wheelbase platforms with elongated noses and short rear overhangs became the company's signature look. This XKE stays true to that formula, with sleek bodylines that have been carefully maintained by two owners for roughly 42 years. In 2005, the first of those owners financed fresh Fern Grey paint. And in 2007, the second of those owners completed just over $22K worth of restoration and sorting. All body panels are remarkably straight and free of any notable flaws. Those panels are topped by fresh black cloth. And, during the car's detailed freshening, new chrome bumpers were complemented with fresh stainless trim.

ENGINE

Hoist the forward-tilting hood and 5.3 liters of Jaguar V12 comes in to view. Loosely based on a design that was destined for Le Mans competition, that smooth mill utilizes an oversquare bore, upgraded SU carburetors and upgraded electronic ignition to churn big horsepower into seamless torque. And as one of the premier powerplants of the '70s and '80s, it features a host of proven technology that perfectly complements traditional Old World silk. According to the car's current owner, the engine has never been removed or fully disassembled. Streetability upgrades include: high-flow air cleaners, fresh motor mounts and an oversized radiator that's complete with three electric pusher fans. In true hot rodding fashion, all emissions control equipment has been disposed of. And nothing, from the car's “JAGUAR” branded cam covers to its pliable hoses and tough gel cell battery, shows any signs of worrisome damage or substantial weathering.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Behind that 12, a factory-issue 4-speed transfers torque to highway-friendly gears. Given this is an exclusive luxury car, amenities such as power steering and power disc brakes have always been standard equipment. That hardware rides a unique independent suspension, which probably looks quite familiar to most street rod guys. Exhaust is stainless, from the car's stock manifolds all the way to its painted tips. All that hardware frames undercoated floors that were made to stave off Mother Nature's worst. And at the corners of those floors, stainless wire wheels twist 205/70R15 Goodyear Regatta whitewalls.

INTERIOR

Behind this Jag's sturdy doors, a luxurious, LED-lit interior has been remarkably preserved. At ground level, premium carpet, which is protected by Jaguar-branded mats, looks like it would be just as appropriate finishing a bedroom floor. Thin bucket seats are fully functional, with fine leather covering that provides welcoming comfort. Between those seats, a conservative console positions a new Coventry gear selector between a retrofitted cupholder, a modern Sony CD player and a polished emergency brake handle. Above that console, a factory-spec dash balances an array of Smiths gauges around a new Kienzle clock. At the sides of that dash, monochromatic door panels anchor traditional chrome handles inside traditional chrome trim. And in front of the driver, a gorgeous steering wheel laps a rebuilt steering column.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

• Vintage marketing materials
• A vintage Operating, Maintenance and Service handbook
• Factory component literature
• Service records
• Component manuals for the car's modern parts
• Some touch-up paint
• A few carpet samples
• A box of spare parts

This vintage XKE is a clean, reliable classic that features plenty of power and excellent road manners. With its unmatched combination of first-class luxury and Old World craftsmanship, you'll feel like an A-list celebrity on even the simplest errand runs. If you're in the market for a great fair-weather driver that excels at virtually everything it does, this dignified Jag is your kind of car!