1970 Jaguar XKE Roadster

From the old skit by Eddie Lawerence courtesy the Dr. Demento Radio show… a skit with Santa asking a little boy, “What do you want for Christmas Little Boy?” to which He replies "I want a automobile,”  “What kind of automobile, tin sedan?” “I want a Jagwah.” “you're too young to drive a Jagwah…” “I want a Jag!”

For consignment, shades of Austin Powers in the form of this very recognizable British Automobile, the XKE Jaguar.  Owned by our consignor, a retired school teacher, who had the car in her possession for 50 years, during which time it has had 2 resprays and been through 3 tops, one due to a horse chewing through it!  Consignor states she hauled her skis and even hauled horse feed in the trunk so maybe she should re-consider that!  Also a complete engine rebuild during this ownership, and a new Jag correct interior is now inside.  Selling due to a recent hip replacement and sadly is too difficult to get in and out, which this writer can relate as its a tight fit behind that big wheel but worth it.

Exterior
Jaguar motors nailed it when they penned this design which utilizes a long long bulbous bonnet, curvaceous fenders which wrap chrome wire knockoff wheels, and a curved to a pinched boot, framed by a chrome wrap around bumper.  These bumpers are pre large rubber government mandated crash pads so they look great.  Paint on this car is good and as noted it is the second respray of Pale Primrose Yellow.   No rust or dulling just some minor road rash and chipping but otherwise the paint is stunning and shiny.  Chrome and badging as well as trim is all gleaming and nary any faults.  Convertible top is spotless, and presents in black canvas with a  clear plastic window.  A black tonneau cover wraps up the top nicely when it is in the down position.  Chromed 15 inch wire wheels with knockoff hubs are seen on all 4 corners and these are wrapped in 185/70RH15's from the 9th week of 2019.  No more Avons!!

Interior
Yards of black leather cover the bomber style with headrests bucket seats, door panels, and dash top, and it's all very nice.  The dash is peppered with numerous Smiths gauges, and a full lineup of toggle switches.  An original wood steering wheel fronts the dash, which  has an aftermarket Realistic AM/FM/Cassette radio.  Black carpet in very nice condition is covering the floor and small rear stowage area.  The trunk is nearly perfect and covered in gray felting, no damage here.

Drivetrain
A flip forward of the bonnet reveals the rebuilt 4.2 liter DOHC Inline 6 cylinder, and the original dual Su carbs.  The original 4-speed manual  transmission is attached. The rear axle is a 3.54 version.  A nice and clean well maintained recently rebuilt mill and with a patina engine bay looking all good.

Undercarriage
All clean and shiny underneath, reworked and very clean independent torsion bar front suspension, and independent coil overs for the back.  Disc brakes now reside on all 4 corners.  No structural problems, and a very sturdy and clean frame.  

Drive-Ability
As expected because it has been maintained and as a result of this and the rebuild, along with 50 years of careful maintenance, this car starts and runs flawlessly, has a nice throaty exhaust sound, and all the controls worked.  A wonderful driver and fantastic handling for this king of the British sports car lineup, and British Leyland's finest creation.  The only frown that crept up during my drive was a bit of a slipping clutch when lugging the engine in the higher gears.

A beautiful example with a great backstory indeed, all wrapped up in Primrose Yellow and black leather which all retain their original luster.  A nicely aged engine bay, great suspension, and solid brakes.  A nice find if you are in the market for some shag-a-licious Jaguar iconic British design prior to the rubber bumper era.  I want a Jagwah!

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.