The Jaguar E-Type is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cars ever made, but you’ll need a big bank balance to afford a pristine example. But, if you’d like to own one without needing to beg your bank for a generous loan you may never be able to pay back, or without resorting to selling organs on the black market, the best bet could be to buy a non-runner like this.
This particular E-Type is a North American example residing in Merrillville, Indiana, and, as a result, is badged as an XK-E. The listing says the car was taken off the road in the late 1990s and purchased by the seller as an incomplete project car in 2024. It’ll require quite a lot of work to return to the roads but we suspect plenty of people out would be willing to take on the challenge.
Read: 11 Hot Classic Cars You Should Buy Before They Get Out Of Reach
When the Jag left the factory, it was finished in a lovely shade of Cream, but the paint is now badly faded and there are now several areas of rust visible. Some repairs are needed to some of the panels to fix various dents and scratches, and the XK-E will need a complete respray to return the bodywork to its former glory. The chrome front and rear bumpers also need some TLC. A set of 15-inch wire wheels is fitted, although any prospective buyer would be wise to have them refurbished and wrapped in fresh rubber.
A look inside the cabin shows that it, too, requires plenty of work. Shag fabric that looks like it’s been ripped off a city bus or train covers the floors, door panels, and transmission tunnel, and needs to be removed. The black vinyl seats also need some work.
Found beneath the Jaguar’s iconic clamshell hood is a 4.2-liter inline-six with triple SU carburetors that delivered 265 hp and 283 lb-ft (383 Nm) of torque when the car was new. There’s no word on when the engine was last running or when it was most recently serviced. It could probably do with a thorough rebuild.
If you’re in the market for a new project car and this E-Type tickles your fancy, head on over to Bring a Trailer to place a bid.
