Greetings All,

I'm the second owner of a very straight '65 OTS Black Plate CA car that I've owned for 10+ years. As these cars have been gaining some traction in pricing I'm considering a full restoration. The previous owner (a pilot) changed the color and even though the car is in great condition I want to bring back to the original color combo, Golden Sand/Cinnamon. More than likely this car will stay with me forever and be given to my son (as long as he's good!, he's only 4 YO).

BUT...should I want to sell it what are the opinions here on upgrading the follow things...Is the consensus that these will add or decrease value?

Upgrade brakes/suspension
Upgrade cooling system
5 Speed trans
Air conditioning
Electric power steering
Changing vinyl to leather

The goal would be selling it for the most money, not having the most points. Unless of course points equate to money.

Thanks for any thoughts..

Chris

 

Am I the only one here who is too ignorant to have any idea, whatsoever, what kind of car you are talking about?

 

Maybe I'm in the wrong forum? 1965 E Type Roadster.

 

Chris you are in the correct section and should get answers to your questions soon.

Since this is your first thread/post, please take a moment to post an intorduction in the New Member Area:

New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

 

Thanks, I guess I should have checked to see which forum I was reading.

My mistake ... Welcome!

 

Chris,

Once a vehicle moves into the collectors car market, different rules apply.

The highest values are realised by one owner, matching number vehicles in original condition with complete history.

Change any of these factors and value reduces.

Graham

 

^^^^

It's a matching numbers car....with plenty of items to document to original purchase. If the money dictates to bring it back to original than so-be-it. Just seems counter intuitive to restore every nut and bolt to a level of performance less than what could be realized.

 

Graham is right, the most money will come to the documented, completely original cars that have been restored to well beyond what they ever would have been from the factory.

What wins points on the concourse is also what brings big money at auction, but even those cars rarely make money for their owners. A 100 point restoration will cost a fortune and mostly isn't worth it unless you are in it for trophies and bragging rights. Owning a concourse car is not so different from owning a thoroughbred, sometimes you win big, most of the time you don't.

So it comes down to what you want.

If you want the cash, and it's a good rust free car that has 100 point potential, then you are probably best off to just sell it as is to one of those people who does want to win trophies.

You could do the full restoration, make a 95 point car, be afraid to ever drive it for fear of chips/scratches/ding/worse and MAYBE get your money back.

Or you could keep it, not worry about the originality so much and make a few tasteful mods to make it more pleasant and useful as a weekend vehicle. If you expect to keep it for a long time, this is the way to go. Even though you won't get TOP dollar for it if you sold it, you likely would get your money back.

Personally, I'm in favor of the last option.

 

Just from my own perspective,

It is all about originality. The nearest to what was the original car is what attracts me.

We all know the huge advances in technology since the XKE was built, but upgrading detracts from the reason I would want to own it. I know owners that have gone to huge efforts to remove improved parts to 'downgrade' to the original.

By the way welcome to the forum.

 

Car needs close to zero body work (actually none that I can see anywhere)....been in CA its whole life, and in a climate controlled garage as long as I've had it. I don't drive it like a madman so sticking with the original performance specs would be fine for me. I'd seriously consider the electric power steering if it's reversible though. I have most of the original parts, but they’re showing age. As I mentioned the first owner was a pilot, they’re meticulous by nature.

Chris

 

Except for the leather all the mods you've mentioned make the car a better and more enjoyable *driver*.

"Full restoration" and "driver" are somewhat at odds.

My opinion? If you really don't plan on using the car then go for the full-on, ultra high grade, concours-correct resto.

If you DO plan to use the car then perform the mods you've listed and then restore the car only to the extent that all the mechanicals are sorted and the cosmetics are sharp enough to be proud of the car.....not perfect "to the nth degree".

Then enjoy the hell out of the car :-)

Cheers
DD

 

Hi Chris and a big "Welcome" from down under;

I have tried without success to keep away from discussions about prices/values/returns on investment etc ... I figure, who in USA wants to know what an Aussie thinks. So, darn it, why have I relented?

1. I can hear your call for firsthand experience rather than just opinion. Mine was a 1964 4.2L S1 FHC, OEWhite on Red interior, which we owned and maintained among other Jags for 30+yrs. Over much of that time, we ferreted out a carton full of documentation, not just log books but all the original factory stuff that most owners are unaware of. Value is a lot more than "concourse condition" - a much abused term. For the top rank, the car must be more than "every nut, bolt, rubber and panel must be perfect - which at near 50yrs old, ours was not. It is about desirability, rarity, unique and proven provenance.

2. I know I am echoing the advice of my fellow Aussie, Gippsland, and others that you are posing rather a paradox - to sell; to keep; to resore+sell; overlying much of how I interpret your original post is your motive to reap the greatest reward. Hey, nothing wrong with that ... but, I advise you keep your eyes wide open.

3. My opinion is based very much on what we did. New owners of our totally original, never damaged car, with all brand new tools etc have budgeted AU$100,000 for a total rebuild and ground up restoration - that's on top of purchase price paid to us. If those dizzy figures don't impress, check out my nearby thread of "Australian E-Type price update for Christmas" - and details of one of the very rare flat floor 3.8 S1 - a super cool AU$210,000.

4. My take on your dilemma is ... sell, sell, sell. We spent almost a year doing all the sums and even with me doing a realistic part of the work - it never came close to the buyer snapping at my heels. There is one person who makes money out of restoration - not the owner, but the restorer who is paid well for expertise, skill and labour. Of course these delicious cars should be restored ... but by those where money is not only plentiful, but irrelevant. These cars cry out to be spoilt and pampered by those who love them without question ... who will hock the house before skimping on their cat. If "maximising your $$$" is your motive, then I have yet to see any restoration of an E-Type that is anything other than a negative investment.

5. It sounds to me like you have a good, perhaps very good, example. Spend time (paltry $$$) on gathering together as much of the originality, the history (especially from past owners), and the provenance. Emphasize this in your marketing and sell. For us, this provenance was agreed with new owners as valued at about one third added premium on agreed value.