2008-05-28 10:26:39 | pauls writes:

Ebay item 5/28/08
cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jaguar-E-Type-Jaguar-XKE-E-SIII-Convertible-OTS-1973_W0Q ...
Current bid $10,000, 2 bids, 6 days left in auction. 68k miles.

Sellers description:
1973 Jaguar SIII Convertible w/hardtop. First, the story of my possession of this vehicle: About six years ago I purchased this car in the condition you see from a respected Jaguar/British parts company located in upstate New York. The seller told me he got this vehicle out of an estate in the same condition. I have a clear, transferable registration receipt from the state of New York, and that is it. By the way, the registration reads that the vehicle is a '72 but the it has the '73 air vents and front bumpers. I have no other paperwork. I'm assuming this is sufficient for a New York vintage vehicle; if this is not sufficient paperwork wherever you live then read no further.

BODY
The body on this car is what I'd describe as being in very good condition. I always hesitate to describe any old car as rust-free but this one comes really close. The body is very straight and panel fit is better than when it left Coventry. The car was originally red. It looks to me as if someone did bodywork, sprayed a coat of red primer in anticipation of a final paint job--then for whatever reason never got around to it. The photos speak for themselves: The floorpan is totally solid as is the trunk area. There is no discernible accident damage anywhere on the vehicle. I ran a weak refrigerator magnet all over the car and the only areas I detected a little filler was on the front of the bonnet, the passenger side door, and the rocker area below the firewall on the passenger side (the backside of the bonnet and door is smooth solid steel). In these localized areas it is a skim coat of filler. The trunk lid has 4 holes where at one time a luggage rack existed. Also, the front under-bonnet scoop is missing. The body is VERY straight. In summation, it is more than a great candidate as it is right now for an excellent 'driver' car. Sand down the primer and put on a shiny coat of Regency Red and be on your way.

MECHANICS
Mechanically this Jag is complete. The engine number matches the VIN tag on the firewall. The engine bay is typically grubby, but nothing at all is missing, aside from the air pump. By the way the engine does turn, I had it running a few years back.

All other mechanical systems are there: brake system, driveline, etc. The exhaust system is gone. There are Konis on the back and Girlings in the front.

TRIM
The brightwork is mostly complete and in only OK condition (typical early 70's British Leyland quality or lack thereof). I would imagine some of it will buff out nicely and other pieces should be rechromed. Some things thing I know missing are the fender beading strips that go behind the headlight "eyebrows." The grille and surrounding trim is in pretty sorry shape but the sidemarker lights (all 4) are in great condition, including the lenses. The taillight lenses and housings are good while the front indicator lenses are cracked. The A-pillar top caps are broken.

INTERIOR
Obviously the interior will have to be redone. The door panels are AWOL as are a few on the idiot lights in the dash. No radio, seat belts, and carpeting present. The seat frames are functional. Again, the floors are rock-solid. You guys who know SIIIs know that the AC has a habit of leaking onto the passenger side floor, getting water under the soundproofing and creating all sorts of nasty problems. The convertible top mechanism is in great working condition and complete but not attached.

HARDTOP: The hardtop pictured does come with the car. It is complete with all brightwork present. The chrome needs a good buffing but the good thing is no pitting. The headliner is actually all there still attached to the roof. A good cleaning would more than suffice for a "driver." The rear plexiglass is dusty but not hazed and the rubber is still pliable.

ETCETERA: No toolkit, no keys to be found. I'm sure I've overlooked some missing items but to be sure there is nothing missing off this car that cannot be replaced by calling a parts supplier.

FINALLY:
Here is a relatively rare opportunity for someone to obtain a great project and finish it exactly the way he/she wants to. I'm selling simply because I do not have the time to undertake it.