My wife's father passed away recently and has a 1965 Jag XKE Roadster. Years ago, he started to rebuild the car. The car is in many pieces; however, I think we have most if not all the parts. He tore the engine apart to rebuild but never finished it. It has sat in a garage for probably 15-20 years. The body is mostly in tact and does not appear to be rusty. Someone from within the family has an interest in rebuilding the car. We are trying to determine how much the car is worth in its current state. Any information would be helpful.

 

The price varies considerably based on numerous factors including completeness and condition. I can tell you that 10 years ago I bought a '67 roadster in Iowa for $24k. It has some rust and I'll bet you yours does too being that it is from Iowa. My engine was together and almost all the parts were there. I did an inventory before I bought it.

Did your FIL bag and tag all the parts or is it just a jumble. Depending on the factors above I'd say between $25k to $50k.

 

Agree with OCDHerb. The price for a project is difficult to put a number on without seeing it, but if it's as you described and it's numbers-matching, $50k+ would not be out of the question. If things have just been stripped down, and the rebuild has not started, it's much more of a risky purchase for someone since cataloging all the parts is a very difficult process and there is huge risk that things are missing. If it's in the final stage of rebuild, the buyer has a little more to go with. That being said, some people may prefer the stripped-down state, or the un-restored state so they can ensure that they do the rebuild and they know how it will go back together. Bring a Trailer has historical data on E-Type sales,but it doesn't look like you can filter on projects, but it's a good place to look for pricing. You can scroll through all the pictures to see the project cars
https://bringatrailer.com/jaguar/xke-series-1/

These are the prices they have for the Series I


E-Type Series 1 Auction Prices from Bring a Trailer

 

Sorry for your loss etc. Do you have a Jaguar Heritage Certificate for the car? (I think this is the right place to get one: https://www.jaguarheritage.com/archi.../certificates/) This is a one page certificate with factory records for original colors, engine number, gearbox number, body and car number. If the numbers on the block, head, gearbox, tags all match it will most likely reach a higher price because it will be a "numbers matching" car when restored. Body tag should be riveted to the body where the rear license plate was mounted. Data plate if still fitted is on the RHS front bulkhead. Gearbox number is on the upper surface - very difficult to see when in the car. The engine number is on the block near the oil filter assembly. In 1965 the original cylinder head will have the engine number also. Car number should be stamped near the front RHS shock absorber upper mount. These factors, although not really important for driving the car, will affect value to most buyers who will need to put many thousands to get it back together. Check out the bring a trailer website for pictures to get the idea. BTW I agree with OCDHerb's valuation based on info provided. Numbers matching will push it towards the top end. Rust in expensive places, or missing parts will push it to the lower end. If you decide to sell via a site like bring a trailer, it would be worth photographing everything in detail. Almost everything has a date code, and details like that can impact value. Lots of photos around the body shell obviously also. If your family member wants to continue the restoration, make sure they understand what they're getting into. Its most likely a huge commitment in time and money to get it to the finish line. HTH! Dave.

 

We finally were able to validate the 1965 XKE is a numbers matching car and has little to no rust. Our probate attorney is saying we may need to get it appraised. Does anyone know of someone who can appraise this type of car around Des Moines Iowa? thanks

 

I recommend going to www,jcna.com. This is the Jaguar Collectors of North America website. Look in the Club List section for the club closest to you and contact the president of the club. Ask if they can recommend an E Type specialist that you can discuss your car with. As the VP Tech of the Seattle Jaguar Club, I see a number of cars in this situation and have to tell you not to have great expectations on the value. My prediction would be max of $ 30k sales price. You might also look for Auto Restoration Shops in Iowa. They may be able to help in valuation.

 

Many people will pay a high dollar for a 65 despite the condition intending to spend alot (often over 100K on a full restoration as series 1 cars are worth so much. While looking this year many badly rusted out cars series 1s were going easily for $60,000 or more. To see what cars in similar condition including project cars are selling for go to the site "bring a trailer.com" and search for sales. Also contact Chuck at Monocoque Metalworks. He does full restorations and manufactures body parts. He sold a series one earlier this year that required a lot of body work for $59. He can give you a fair estimate of the value of the car or assist you on a sale. I have consulted him on a few project cars this year including a 67 earlier this year in MI and finally bough a 70 in FL.

Monocoque Metalworks – (443) 907-2287 – Chuck

chuck@monocoque-metalworks.com?subje...ion%20question

 

We have decided to put our 65 Jaguar XKE up for auction with a local auction company. I was wondering if we are allow to put the link on this site to the auction site for folks to looks at the car? I don't want to do something that I shouldn't. If I can, where is the best place to post the link? thanks

 

Try it, it can't hurt

 

Thank Bob! Any idea how I post this link?
https://iowa.hibid.com/lot/152546033...-2?ref=catalog

 

You should post that in the Jaguar Classified Forum .
You can just include the same IRL as you did here..
FYI , Don't know what your expecting and but hope you have a reserve and in case you didn't realize it that hard top alone is worth at least $10,000!

 

Out of curiosity please post what it sells for. Best of luck.

 

A wonderful project - most of the parts appear to be there, $30K today, I reckon at least $60K in ten days time.