Vehicle Description
1974 Jaguar XKE Roadster
From the old skit by Eddie Lawrence courtesy the Dr. Demento Radio
show... a skit with Santa asking a little boy, "What do you want
for Christmas Little Boy?" to which he replies ''I want an
automobile," "What kind of automobile, tin sedan?" "I want a
Jagwah." "you're too young to drive a Jagwah..." "I want a
Jag!"
For consignment, a curvaceous "crumpet catcher" with a V12, sexy
leather interior, fully restored and an instant converted drop top
from top up, and you are Austin Powers all over again...Yeah
Baby!
Exterior
This curvy exterior was totally stripped, remediated of any rust
that has accumulated on the body work, and resprayed with Old
English White that has no rust or dullness and is near immaculate.
It shines wonderfully and the steel panels retain their consistent
gaps. Nice thin wrap around bumpers in very good condition adorn
the front and rear. These have their federally mandated 5 MPH crash
bumpers, however they can easily be removed for a cleaner look. A
side view is candy for the eyes as the line in this car is
unmatched. 15-inch wire wheels with knockoff hubs are wrapped with
wider than stock 225/70R15 General blackwall radials (no Avons
here!).
Interior
The consigner stated that a full restoration to the Wine interior
has taken place also, and all is looking good. New Wine leather
covers the sleek door panels with nary a mark to be seen which is
amazing as access and egress can be tight in these sports cars.
Leather seats are like new and show just a few wrinkles from
careful usage. On the dash we note Smiths gauges with black bezels
that have very minor paint chipping. In the center of the dash is a
lineup of gauges showing battery volts, oil pressure, a central
clock, water temp, and petrol level. Below this lineup is a bevy of
toggle switches that control all the electrics on the car and just
below is an AM/FM/8 Track player. Up top is a crack free black
padded dash topper. More wine, in a lighter shade for the carpet
and padded door sills which both remain like new with only some
minor soiling from entrance and exit.
Drivetrain
Pulling the bonnet forward we can reveal the entire engine bay and
front suspension and have unlimited access to all areas. Neatly
inside is an original and restored 5.3 liter V12 engine, which is
fed by 4 Stromberg Zenith Carburetors, 2 on either side of the V12.
An original 4-speed manual transmission is on back which has been
gone through and has had a new clutch installed, and the rear axle
sports 3.54 gears. All surfaces display like new with almost no
patina, dust or corrosion.
Undercarriage
Looking good underneath with rust free components, and nice
straight steel frame and floor pans. There is some surface rust on
untreated suspension components but all else is looking good with
black undercoating. Independent coil spring suspension is all
around, as are power disc brakes. Dual stainless steel exhaust
snakes its way rearway before ending in 4 trumpet style tips in the
center of the rear of the car.
Drive-Ability
I'm a sucker for anything British so of course I had my hand in the
air to test drive this beauty, and I was totally satisfied upon my
return from the test track. After a full choke start, and half
choke warmup, it ran just beautifully, with loads of top end power,
nice ride, and good cornering. The V12 has a sound like no other,
and it was definitely a head turner. Nearly like driving a piece of
sculpture, a very pleasant overall experience will all functions
working save for the A/C, which our consignor states needs to be
recharged.
A beautiful example indeed, all wrapped up in stunning white paint
and wine leather which retain their luxurious luster. A pristine
engine bay, great suspension, and really safe brakes. A nice find
if you are in the market for some shag-a-licious Jaguar iconic
British design of the rubber bumper era. I want a Jagwah!
VIN DECODE
UE1S24888
U-USA
E-1974
1S24888-Sequential Unit Number (Chassis Number)
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
