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Regular readers will know how passionate I am about the Jaguar E-Type, and the thought of opening a barn or garage door to find a Series 1 Roadster lurking in the gloom would be my ultimate automotive dream. That is the story behind this 1963 example, with the seller initially planning a light restoration to recapture some of its youthful good looks. However, changed plans mean they are unable to tackle the build, and they feel it is only fitting for this Roadster to find a new home with someone who can do it justice. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder GIPPY for spotting this amazing find.
It appears the seller knows little about this Jaguar’s history. They discovered it squirreled away in a Californian garage, and it occupied that spot for over forty years. Why it was parked is a mystery, and I’d love to know the story behind that decision. The Opalescent Dark Green paint is well past its best, and there is little doubt that the new owner will treat this beautiful classic to a complete restoration. That might not be a difficult process if this is a dry-climate survivor. Rust is often an issue for the E-Type, with the rockers, floors, and rear valance all prone to problems. However, with the exterior surfaces exhibiting little beyond a few spots of minor surface corrosion, this Jag might be rock-solid. I always advise an in-person inspection before committing to a classic purchase, and this is especially true when we tackle the subject of the seller’s price for this beauty. The windshield looks okay, while the trim and wire wheels appear restorable.
The seller supplies no engine photos in their listing, but if this E-Type is original, the engine bay should house Jaguar’s glorious DOHC 3.8-liter six that produced 266hp and 260 ft/lbs of torque. An automatic transmission option didn’t arrive until much later, so this car should have a four-speed manual. The company made a song and dance about the E-Type’s ability to hit 150mph, but production cars typically fell short by around 4mph. The press test vehicle could achieve the goal, but it was later discovered that the car utilized for that purpose had a few upgraded parts that originally saw service in the D-Type race cars. The lack of photos isn’t the only issue, because there is no information regarding the Roadster’s mechanical health. Revival might be relatively easy if the engine turns freely, but budgeting for a refurbishment would be wise considering the Jaguar’s potential value.
The first thing I noticed with the E-Type’s interior is the custom seatcovers. Somebody obviously thought that replacing the beautiful Green leather was wise, but I couldn’t agree less! It appears there may also be an aftermarket radio, but I can’t spot any other additions. The important news is that the critical components like the dash, wheel, and hardware, are all intact. That makes a retrim a fairly easy process. Easy? Yes. Cheap? No. Kits utilizing the correct materials, colors, and patterns are readily available, but the starting price is typically above $5,000. That is an eye-watering amount, but the figure is justified on a classic of this caliber.
Opening a garage door to confront this 1963 E-Type Roadster would have left me weak at the knees, and the thought of parting with it before experiencing time behind the wheel would have been difficult to take. That is the decision made by the seller, and it can’t have been easy. They listed this Roadster here on Facebook Marketplace in Scotts Valley, California. The seller’s price of $80,000 is not pocket change and will limit the pool of potential buyers. Although values have recently softened, a meticulous restoration will yield a potential value well into six-figure territory. I still believe that the E-Type Roadster is the most beautiful production car in automotive history. It will be fascinating to gauge your opinion and whether you have a stronger candidate for that title.
