If you are like me, you have a short list of classics you would park in your garage if money and space were no object. For me, a Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Roadster would make the list, alongside a ’66 Mustang GT Fastback and a couple of others. Unfortunately, it isn’t an ideal world, meaning someone else could become the new owner of this 1965 Roadster. It presents well for a driver-grade vehicle, and reversing its few changes could form part of a sympathetic restoration. The Roadster is listed here on eBay in Bensenville, Illinois. Frantic bidding has pushed the price to $58,389, although it remains below the reserve.
One of the challenges of writing for Barn Finds is being impartial when a personal favorite crosses our desks. That is the one I face with this Jaguar because I have always viewed the Series 1 Roadster as the most beautiful car ever built. Designer Malcolm Sayer hit the right note with the appearance, from the long hood to its bulging flanks. The Fixed-Head Coupe isn’t quite as elegant, making it easy to accept that its design came after the elements of the Roadster were essentially locked in. This car has a known history, but it isn’t totally original. The seller and the Jaguar Heritage Certificate confirm its original owner ordered it in Opalescent Dark Blue. This shade was available from launch until 1964, but the Heritage Certificate confirms this was a Special Order. Therefore, it is a shame that a subsequent owner performed a color change to its current Cream. It presents well, but I wouldn’t classify it as a genuine survivor due to the color change. Reversing it could form part of a cosmetic restoration, and the inherent value of these classics makes that strategy worth considering. The panels are straight, and the wide selection of underside shots confirms this car is as structurally sound as the day it left the factory. The chrome is in good order, and there are no glass issues.
The backstory of this Roadster is fascinating, highlighting a person who wanted their purchase to stand apart from the crowd. He was a Wisconsin doctor, and deciding to team the Opalescent Dark Blue paint with a Red leather interior would have turned heads. However, more people would have been fascinated by his decision to order the car in right-hand drive configuration. Left-hand drive examples were readily available, but he selected this path as a “nod” to the car’s heritage. The interior presentation is acceptable for a survivor, and whether the new owner considers a partial or complete restoration will depend on their desire for originality. The leather isn’t ripped or torn, remaining soft and supple. The driver’s door armrest is damaged, but the remaining trim is in keeping with an unrestored vehicle of this vintage. There are no dash or pad problems, the wheel looks excellent, and I can’t spot any aftermarket additions. One interesting aspect of this interior is that despite this car being a Special Order vehicle, the original owner chose to forego the luxury of a factory radio.
Potential buyers may be disappointed by this Jaguar’s cosmetic changes, but they will welcome the news this is a numbers-matching classic. Its engine bay houses the glorious 4.2-liter DOHC six-cylinder engine that sends 266hp and 283 ft/lbs of torque to the independent rear end via a four-speed manual transmission. “Four” seems to be the magic number with the E-Type because the transmission features that number of ratios. That’s how many corners of the car feature independent suspension and how many also benefit from disc brakes. Jaguar’s target with the E-Type was Ferrari, with the company envisaging a car that would top 150mph at a fraction of the price of those from Maranello. That speed was verified during press media testing. However, history shows it was a “smoke and mirrors” exercise using a vehicle featuring a handbuilt engine loaded with internal components from the company’s D-Type LeMans race car! This Roadster should cover the ¼-mile in 14.9 seconds on the way to 147mph. The seller indicates this Jag is in sound mechanical health, having been appropriately maintained by genuinely passionate enthusiasts. It has a claimed 39,000 miles on the clock, and while verifying evidence isn’t mentioned, the known ownership history means it might exist.
Some cars hit the market and remain largely unnoticed. Others generate intense interest, producing frantic bidding action. This 1965 Jaguar E-Type Roadster falls into the second category, receiving ninety-one bids in four days. This auction is drawing to its conclusion, but recent sales results suggest the bidding should nudge $85,000 before threatening the reserve. The work required to return this classic to its original form will probably prevent it from hitting six-figures, but the market has recently been unpredictable. Therefore, I won’t rule it out. What do you think the sale price will be?
Beautiful, there is a very fortunate individual out there that will enjoy this engineering marvel.
I don’t get the allure of these things. To me the proportions are way off. I can see how it’s probably fun to drive but I couldn’t open the garage every day and look at this homely car.
Have you seen one in person?
Many, many times.
RKS, I’m with you on this car, not one of my favorites.
However, I DO love the Jag XJ-S models, especially the 4-headlight versions (prior to 1991 I believe). V-12 smoothness, Pirelli tires, add a rear roll bar and you’re in cruising heaven!
I have been pondering your statement, and am very curious: precisely what “proportions” are “off?”
This very well could be a 6 digits sale, even with the economy reigning in somewhat by consumers. Lovingly kept is apparent-but then this has always been considered one of the most appreciated designs in history.
With that, and Insofar as the radio delete: who needs it? The inherent sound of the engine is really the classic acoustic that resonates in a drivers soul.
In my fantasy 3-car garage:
Series 1 XKE Coupe
C2 Coupe, split-Wondow a bonus
slab-side 289 Cobra
I would think anyone who can afford the price of admission can also shell out for a respray, although the E-Type does look very nice in white….
Perhaps someone with more knowledge than I have can tell me why the front subframes are red? That seems odd on a blue car. Perhaps the car was stripped down for some reason?
In any case, I’m a fan, even if E-Types are always been too pricey for me.
My thought exactly. The E-type “picture frame” is body color. And red is obviously not the factory blue or the current white. It is very difficult to do a completely invisible color change on these, especially when you get under the bonnet, without a total, body-off repaint. So, either white is (at least) the second color change, or the engine photo is the owner’s other E-type.
Despite what others may think, this is one of, if not, the most beautiful auto in the history of autos. Definitely one pretty kitty.
I think it is one of the most gorgeous autos ever made, regardless of price.
No doubt we all can tell a “the one that got away” story.
Mine was a ’63 XKE 3.8 coupe that I sold for almost nothing due to extreme financial stress at the time.
I have a question. Why are the frame rails burgundy?
Beautiful S1 Jag…great find, Adam!
The frame rails were painted the same color as the the body color from the factory …..the car’s original color was red.
Caveat Emptor!
👍🤓
Black plates starting with “U” came out in 1967. So maybe it spent 2 years in WI before moving to LA?
Sadly, these cars a tight squeeze for someone 6′ 2″.
I disagree.
I have owned 2 XKEs. I am 6’2″ and had no problem fitting in either.
I saw the identical car in a junkyard yesterday ( like I said in the previous barnfinds jaguar story). I have pictures of it if anyone wants to see. It looks to be complete.
there is nothing more expensive than a cheap Jaguar, Porsche, Ferrari etc.
I learned the hard way in trying to restore a ’68 series 1.5. I was $30k upside down before selling it to the next guy.
Ended at $91,100. Reserve Not Met.