1966 Jaguar E-Type

Coupe Coupe

6 cylinder DOHC 4.2 Liter

4 speed

1E31313

Clear

First of all lets make one thing clear, I am not a Jaguar expert by any means. I have owned three S1 E-Type Jaguars over the past few decades but I am still surprised by how intricate and complex they are overall. This particular Jaguar was purchased with a Ford Windsor motor and auto trans and was a bit risky to buy by some accounts but the absolutely rust free car that was transformed to the V8 also had zero cutting or modification to the front subframes and tub, and did I mention it is rust free? So I decided to do what seemed to be the right thing for the marque and have a correct 4.2L motor and 4 speed from a car very near this one in engine numbers installed to replace the Ford. The engine and trans came from a member of JCNA who assured me it was sound and in good kit. Unfortunately that does not appear to totally be the case. I took it to a local British car technician or why now call them what we have for so long, a mechanic. He was commissioned to do the conversion back to the 4.2 L engine taken from a S1 car. The seller told me he was stuck with the drivetrain when the body shop he took his car minus drivetrain to a body man who promptly parted it out and disappeared. Had to feel sorry for the fellow. I have been surprised at how many bits, large and small required to do this conversion. It seemed an endless search for this and that. Most parts are new and I can supply the invoice for most of them altho most are new. You name it and its probably been installed new. So we get to the point where the carbs are all rebuilt to the tune of ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS alone. Hard to believe, right? The engine was installed only after a compression test showed it to have good overall compression and so it was installed. Trans had a bench check and was also deemed to be ok to install. So many parts were installed new such as an entire stainless steel exhaust system hooked up to a stainless header replacing the old rusty cast iron manifolds. So whats the problem? The mechanic found some fluid in a couple of the cylinders, fortunately before it was started and he proceeded to remove the head, something apparently takes a lot of time and of course, money. So now I have a beautiful S1 fixed head coupe with an engine needing something. He removed the head and said he saw nothing out of the ordinary, same with the block so it could be as simple and cheap as a head gasket. Or of course in the worst case scenario it could be a cracked head or block. How that could be and have good compression I do not know but I had had enough. I need to move one and be rid of this car. Someone is going to get a great buy that could need as little as a new head gasket. Currently the head is in place but not bolted down, the intake and exhaust pieces are inside the car. Along with several parts that came with the car like the rear window rubber gasket and the trim that holds it in. Manuals too if I remember to put them in the car. So what about the rest of the car? I had new World Upholstery leather seat covers and console cover installed, looks great. How does it drive, or how did it drive before the engine surgery? Great, I was very happy with how it drove, the shocks seem great, it drives, handles and takes the corners the way we want it to, great! And the appearance? The chrome is great, no rust, pitting or dings on the bumpers or any of the other chrome, the paint is very solid, just needs a bit of buffing out. Wood steering wheel is very nice, glass is all good, the chrome wire wheels are without rust but of course the knock offs have been on and off a few time in the last nearly fifty years but are very usable. Tires have lots of treat and are period narrow style as they should be. I think Michelins, but don't hold me to that. Once the engine is sorted I think you will be thrilled with the how the car drives and of course, how it looks. Enzo Ferrari is said to have proclaimed the car the most beautiful ever made and I cannot argue with him even a little, why else put up with Lucas electrics, Girling hydraulics, etc, etc? I have seen Jaguar 4.2 liter long blocks for a few grand on eBay, even rebuilt long blocks pretty reasonably priced. Or what about that dusty old 4.2 you have back in the corner of your garage? Time to dust it off and put it in this amazing bargain to get it back on the road. Check out all the pics, judge it for yourself or inspect it yourself. Its in a small town east of Fort Collins, CO. Just send me an eBay message to make an appointment to see the car in person. And of course the legal bits, this is an auction to BUY the car, not to inspect the car. If you are the winning bidder you are expected and will be required to pay for the car in full. I am happy to sell the car to someone anywhere in the world, but you will have to make the transport arrangements and pay for the transport. You will have to take into account that it is a non operational car and will require a local tow truck to take it to a larger transport truck, they cannot get back to my location with the large cars. This will be your responsibility, but I will help in any way I can. I have a friend who moves this type of car all the time, has a single car trailer and diesel pickup and takes just about anything anywhere for a reasonable rate considering he only moves one car at a time. Once the auction is over you will be expected to send the deposit to me via paypal and complete the payment in a timely fashion as delineated in the auction details. PLEASE don't bid and give me a story about someone hacked into your computer and bid on it, now any of the millions of other excuses that can be used to avoid responsibility. It is your legal responsibility to complete the auction with full payment. Any and all legal means will be employed to make sure you do pay for the car. I have so much mone in this car I cannot hope to get it all back, so whatever happens you got a bargain. The car is sold as is where is with absolutely no warranty expressed, implied or even hinted at!! So lets remain friends and you pay for your new Jaguar and I will help you with transport to the best of my abilities, but payment is totally your responsibility. And don't forget the cost of a local tow truck to take it to a larger transporter. That is all on you. Absolutely no lame excuses will make the least difference, it will be your car to do with what you will so pay for what you bid on and we needn't get any law types involved, right?