This will be a strange intro as my sister's husband passed away and when Iwent to help her wade through his huge shop I uncovered a series 3 hard topXKE. The engine is out and found a receipt for the rebuilt motor, which wasalso in the shop, apparently done in 1993. Have started to do some research butnot sure what to do to help her possibly sell it or take it upon myself to putit back together as a project. Any help on value from all you knowledgeable folkshere would much be appreciated. Seems to be in pretty good condition but stilllooking for a title. I have posted in the new member section forum as well but adirection from anyone would much be appreciated by myself and family. Thanksall!

 

Great finded made the most out of it lol

 

sucks to hear about what happened

but the car is definitely a keeper!

 

The engine rebuild receipt suggests the XKE has stood for at least 20 years. This probably means that other work was intended but the project stalled.

Even under cover, unused vehicles suffer varying degrees of deterioration. Most commonly the wiring harness and connections break down but body corrosion can become a serious issue. At the minimum, tyres over ten years old are effectively scrap regardless of the remaining tread. With an engine overhauled twenty years ago, some dismantling and checking is a wise precaution to ensure nothing has seized up.

I would first determine the specification - engine size and transmission - followed by an accurate appraisal of present condition. Structural repairs, paint and trim don't come cheap on any Jaguar and the older they are, the more extensive and costly this becomes.

Many here have run and restored this model. To assist in seeking opinions, posting pics will be a big help. Experienced eyes will soon tell if you are dealing with a relatively straightforward recommissioning or a restoration.

Graham

 

Are you a mechanic? Bodyman? Car restorer? Or rich? Take it from a person who was first a mechanic, then a body man, and then a restorer who, wanted a jaguar for it's allure and looks and went in a virgin, appearing before a jaguar, especially the v12, in any model, is formidable. Without the proper knowledge, tools, TIME!, and blind determination to finish one of these cars you will be following a path of frustration and monetary loss. Unless you're RICH, then you can hire professionals to finish the job to the end and possibly see some profit, but...1, If the car is essentially in decent original shape, (no dents, or bodywork and the interior is also decent, a restore can be easier and not as involved as restoring the entire car. 2, Having the engine out of the car and the cost or effort to put it back in is directly porpotional to the condition of the rest of the car in respect to recouping the money invested to do so.(I hope I said that right). Unless you are a jaguar person and WANT to take on the project of putting this car back together for resale and have the money to invest, your model can bring a return as the series 3 models are highly sought after. If not, then I would suggest you sell AS IS and be done with it. Get what you can and let THEM restore the car as they will probably have the assets to do so. I hope I helped in some way, Buddyluv

 

I fully agree with buddyluv, it's a tough task even for a Jaguar lover and expensive.