Hi,

I'm a noob in the world of XK-E's but I'm learning a lot since I've decided to entertain the notion of acquiring a restored XK-E series 1.

I've engaged an independent Jag mechanic (George at Authorized Imported Cars Jaguar & Land Rover Import Foreign Car Specialists) who also happens to do restorations. His shop has been recommended on this forum for maintenance and repairs. However I don't see any posts from members who've purchased restored XK-E's from him.

George seems to know his stuff but I'm trying to gauge his level of work. For example he recently sold a '69 XK-E series II with glass covers on the headlamps. I don't think that's a correct resto but again, I' a noob, what do I know.

I'd appreciate feedback from anyone on this forum who has seen one of his restorations. What questions should I be asking?

Thanks in advance,
Mike

 

IIRC, they built more than 70k e-types over the years so they aren't so rare that modifications are considered (by everyone as there are always a few!) sacrilegious and heretical. The exposed headlights - like the twin ZS carb downgrades - were forced on Jaguar by the Feds in the late-60s.

There are several covered headlight conversion kits (mostly bolt on) and there are also options for welding in modifications to the bonnet to convert to covered headlights like this one from Monocoque Metalworks.

So while I have no info on that shop, I don't think that because they sold a Series2 with covered headlights it should degrade their reputation any more than the fact that Foose and the Ring Bros build non-concours musclecars means they are bad builders.

There are several very good E-type specialist restorers like Monocoque, XKS Unlimited (in California) and ClassicJaguar (in Austin) that frequently have cars for sale so you may want to broaden your search.

Good luck in your search. And beware hidden rust!

 

Hello.
I have 44 years of owning my 65 and if you plan to show this car it will not be original and JCNA Rules will take off points for this conversion.
What do you plan to do when you buy an XKE? Do you want to just drive it or do you plan to enter it in shows? Jaguars fair very poorly in snowy weather as some of their metal parts rust both quickly and extensively.
I lived in Western NY 30 miles, South of Buffalo and sprayed undercoating in both my 65 and 72 (V12) roadsters and when I returned back to CAlifornia (after 5 years)
they both had a lot of RUST! In the EAST they use a lot of SALT on the roads and this is what causes the rust. Jaguars are 5 inches off the road so go figure!
The Rocker Panels, Floor Pans, Door Skins and right behind the Rear Wheel Archs are the most vulnerable. I fixed mine but its expensive.
If you have any other questions I will be happy to give you whatever advice I can so don't hesitate to ask and Good Luck!
Ed
1965 Jaguar XKE Series 1 Roadster
2003 Jaguar XK8 Convertible