2010-07-02 21:19:40 | pauls writes:

Ebay item 7/2/10
cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll
Current bid $14,310 reserve not met, 7 bids 4 days left in auction. 50k miles.

Sellers description:
The bodywork on this car was expertly done when the car was restored some years ago, and does show some signs of use today, but what I'm really seeing is that someone really cared about this car and took incredible care of it. You know that if you build a black car, you need to make it straight, and that's especially difficult on a car full of complex curves like this Jag. The great condition suggests first that the car was very straight to begin with, and second, that the workmanship was very good. As I said, I'm seeing some signs of age on the restoration, and of course the car has been driven a little bit, but the fact that it still looks this good is testament to quality work and excellent care.

Chrome and other trim is good, and looks correct for the age of the restoration. It was all done to a very high standard several years ago, like the paint, and has been very well maintained ever since. The grille is in excellent condition, and out back, the bumpers fit flush to the body. Lenses are good all around except for a small crack in the passenger's side front parking light, but most folks would never notice it. The windshield is unmarked, and dig the triple windshield wipers for wiping that tall expanse of glass! Too cool to watch.

Automatic transmission rebuilt several years ago when the car was restored, it runs extremely well today. It shows none of the fussiness that you might expect a Jaguar with multiple carburetors to exhibit, and I would wager that this car is daily-driver reliable. The two Stromberg carburetors aren't tricky or complicated, and do their job without drawing any attention to themselves, and look good doing it. You'll notice that a Crane aftermarket ignition system has been added for reliability and performance, but everything else is as the factory intended. Clearly the car has been driven and enjoyed, but that also means that it is fully sorted and turn-key ready, too. All the polished aluminum bits, from the cam covers to the intake manifold, have a lovely patina that I think looks so much better than a mirror polished finish. Also notice the dual cooling fans up front, which were designed to cure the overheating issues that some early cars suffered when subjected to American city-style traffic conditions (the aftermarket and any restorer worth his salt have pretty much cured all the E's overheating issues today). 4.2s benefit from a proper alternator, which ensures reliable electricity—no "Lucas, Prince of Darkness" jokes need apply to this black cat.

Jaguar fans will be asking about the front subframes on this car, and I can assure them that they have been restored and are structurally sound in every way. You'll also notice correct Koni shocks at all four corners, giving this E-Type a distinctly sporting feel on the road. The automatic transmission, a Borg Warner 3-speed unit, works properly and is surprisingly quick to shift and it isn't nearly the handicap that most people imagine, and I think I prefer it to some of the downright horrible manual transmissions offered in certain E-Types. The rear suspension has been recently disassembled and detailed, and shows extremely well with dual Konis and coil-overs on each side. Floors are solid, with the original undercoating still intact and undisturbed. The exhaust seems to be a mixture of original and replacement parts, and the system sounds great. There are disc brakes all around, including the famous inboard-mounted rear discs as part of the fully independent rear end. Wheels are, of course, gorgeous chrome wire wheels with knock-off centers wearing 205/70/15 Pirelli P4000 radials.

The interior is a beautiful oasis of tan leather done as only the British can do it. Originally red, the restorer chose tan leather when it was time to restore the car, and the black-on-tan combination is stunning. The seats sport fresh leather covers over the original frames, and the pattern is correct. The carpets are also new, and the Series 1.5 cars switched from aluminum trim inside to more leather and vinyl for a softer, more comfortable feel. The headliner, door panels, and cargo bay feature more new materials in tan, although plastic and vinyl items like the door surrounds have been painted to match and in places reveal the original red color. The dash is very presentable, with bright clear gauges and an excellent pad with no indication of UV damage. The steering wheel is all-original with no cracks or damage, and the spokes and horn button look exactly appropriate in the car. The trunk compartment shows well and features a spare chrome knock-off wheel along with a correct jack and wrench.

And you're in luck here: this Jag has a ton of paperwork, too. Restoration receipts? We have them, including one for more than $21,000 for the paint and bodywork. There are invoices for the mechanical restoration, too. There are also several envelopes full of restoration photo showing many of the components before, during, and after the restoration. And at the AACA Ohio Region Stan Hywet Meet, this car scored 88 out of 100 points in judged competition.