1972 Jaguar E-Type

Convertible

5.3 Liter V12

Manual

UC1S20593

Clear

I purchased this Series III XKE in 2010 because it had low mileage, a straight rust-free body, good chrome and was practically all original. The previous owners reported that the engine had been rebuilt, but had lately developed a rattling noise. I purchased the car with the intention of having the engine problem repaired and re-finishing the car to a high standard. However, I will be moving later this year to a new home without any extra garage space so I am selling my XKE and several other cars in preparation for the move. I have taken a lot more pictures of the car than eBay will display. These can be viewed at http://s843.photobucket.com/albums/zz360/steveprt/1972%20Jaguar%20XKE/. Please take the time to examine all of the pictures of this car. I have also included a detailed description of the condition of the car below. History: This car's previous owners, who lived in Florida, purchased the car in 1979 and sold it to me in 2010. They reported the following to me before I purchased the car:The 30,460 miles are original miles.The original engine was rebuilt in 1995 (about 25,000 mles) by North Coast Exotics in Cleveland, OH.The rebuilt engine developed a rattling noise in 2009, but starts and seems to run fine.The car has mainly original paint (more below).The Opus ignition module was replaced with a ReOpus unit.The original SU fuel pump is still installed, but has been bypassed to a Purolator solid state pump.The brake system was completely rebuilt around 2006, except the master cylinder. As part of this process, the IRS was dropped and all of the rear brake components were replaced. Also, all of the lines were replaced with stainless.The shocks and lower trailing arms were replaced at the same time of the brake rebuild. Body, Paint and Trim: I have carefully inspected practically every inch of the body with my paint/body guy and we have found no evidence of body repairs or rust except the following: We found that the fender to rocker seam that extends from the right rear wheel arch to door jamb, where the Jaguar factory originally applied lead filler, had been cleaned, refilled and repainted. The painter had attempted to buff in the overspray from this spot painting operation, but the overspray is evident. The same seam on the left side of the car has some paint bubbling and no evidence that it was ever treated like the right side seam. Other than that the paint appears to be original with several scratches, stone chips and faded areas. There is a shallow dimple near the front of the hood that I have tried to show in the Photobucket Album. There is no rust in the sheet metal that I can detect. There are a couple of spots on the body where the paint has worn off and the surface rust was removed and the area treated with a rust converter. Even typical problem areas such as the battery tray, rockers and spare tire well drain are not rusted. Pictures of these areas may be seen in the Photobucket album. The chrome trim is in good condition overall with a few pieces showing very light pitting. Some of the rubber trim gaskets have cracked and all of them are showing their age. Convertible Top and Tonneau: The convertible top and tonneau cover are in good functional condition. They are both faded and worn in spots and in fact may be original to the car. The plastic window in the top has some hazing/yellowing but you can see through it well enough. Interior: The seats and vinyl trim appear to be the original black leather that has creased with age and the black finish is worn in spots. There are no rips or tears in the material. The rest of the vinyl trim on the door panels, lower door jambs, rear bulkhead pad, etc. appears to be in very good original condition. The dashpad also appears to be in good original condition with no cracks or tears. The dash panel is in good condition as are all of the gauge dials and bezels. Chassis Electrical: All of the lights work and the lenses are in good condition. All of the switches work. All of the gauges work except the engine temperature gauge and it is unkown if this is due to the sensor or gauge itself. The clock is intermittent. The windshield wipers work properly. The horns work. Air Conditioning: The original factory air conditioning system is intact and the compressor spins when turned on. However, the system will need to be leak tested, repaired if necessary and recharged. Engine and Drivetrain: As mentioned above, the original engine was rebuilt in 1995 by North Coast Exotics of Cleveland, OH. The engine starts and runs fine, but has developed a rattling noise. At this time the cause is unknown. My local mechanic thinks that at worst it could be a rod, bearing or piston problem in one cylinder that could be corrected by pulling the oil pan without the need of an engine removal. If the problem is in the valve train instead, then it can be corrected by pulling the valve cover and cylinder head, again avoiding the need to pull the entire engine. Given the few miles that were put on the car since the engine rebuild, it is unlikely that the rest of the engine would need any attention at all. Also, neither the engine nor the transmission leak oil or other fluids at all, very unusual for one of these cars. The cooling system functions properly without any leaks. The clutch engages smoothly and progressively. The transmission shifts smoothly and the synchros seem to operate properly. The rear axle is quiet. Ignition and Starting Systems: The original Opus ignition module was replaced with a Re-Opus unit and the ignition works fine. The spark plug wires are relatively new and in good condition. The battery is in good condition but the starter motor solenoid sometimes fails to disengage for a few seconds when the ignition switch is released. Fuel System: The previous owner bypassed the original SU units to a solid state Purolator fuel pump and filter instaled in the spare tire well. The original double SU pumps are still mounted in the car and may be rebuilt to put back into service. Exhaust: The exhaust system pipes pipes and mufflers have surface rust but are still intact without any major perforations. The chrome quad exhaust tip has some surface rust as well. Braking System: As mentioned above, the orginal brake lines were replaced with stainless. The IRS was dropped and the rear brake components were replaced in 2006. The front brakes were not addressed at this time but the car brakes well. Suspension and Steering: The rear shocks were replaced with four GAZ adjustable units and the lower trailing arms and integral bushings were replaced in 2006. The front suspension and steering systems were not serviced at that time and have some wear. Wire Wheels and Tires: The 72-spoke chrome wire wheels are in good condition as are the Michelin X1 tires. This also applies to the spare tire and wire wheel. Accessories: The car has the original jack, handle and bag as well as the brass knock-off hub tool and copper hammer. Terms: Winning bidder to pay $1,0000 deposit via PayPal within 48 hours of the auction end. The balance of the purchase price will be due within 10 days of the auction end. A bank wire transfer is the preferred method of payment. The signed title will be sent overnight to the Buyer after receipt of the funds is confirmed. Arranging for shipping the car is the Buyer's responsibility. FINALLY: PLEASE DO NOT BID UNLESS YOU HAVE THE MEANS TO PURCHASE THIS CAR. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT THIS CAR WILL REQUIRE ENGINE WORK BEFORE DRIVING ANY SIGNIFICANT DISTANCE. Thank you for looking! On Feb-11-13 at 16:29:12 PST, seller added the following information: The AM/FM radio is original to the car and works as well.On Feb-16-13 at 16:24:05 PST, seller added the following information: Updates on engine condition: I've been asked by several people about the characteristics of the engine rattling/knocking sound. I don't know if this will help but here's a little more on what I've observed:Engine rattling/knocking sound is apparent at 1,000 rpm idle.The sound increases in volume as the engine speed reaches 2500 rpm.The sound subsides as the engine speed reaches 3000 rpm and is not noticeable above this speed.The frequency of the rattle/knock sound is proportional to engine speed.The sound is much more apparent as the engine is revved up. It weemw to subside as the engine revvs down.The sound seems to come from both the left and right banks depending on which side of the engine you are listening from. I've been asked specifically if the problem could be with the timing chain tensioner which is often a problem on these engines, but I have no idea. I don't know if the tensioner was replaced when the engine was rebuilt. I do know that the previous owner stated to me that the sound started suddenly when he was driving at lower speeds near his house. The engine was not stressed in any way when the sound started. Also, I have been asked about engine/transmission leaks. I define a significant leak as one where fluid shows up on the floor under the car when it is parked for a length of time or idling. I have included a picture in the Photobucket album that shows white foam boards that I left under the car while idling for 10 minutes and then sitting for 2 days before backing up the car and taking the picture. There are no fluid spots on the foam boards.