Vehicle Description
1970 Jaguar XKE Roadster
From the old skit by Eddie Lawerence 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 a
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, shades of Austin Powers in the form of this very
recognizable British Automobile, the XKE Jaguar. Owned by our
consignor, a retired school teacher, who had the car in her
possession for 50 years, during which time it has had 2 resprays
and been through 3 tops, one due to a horse chewing through it!
Consignor states she hauled her skis and even hauled horse feed in
the trunk so maybe she should re-consider that! Also a complete
engine rebuild during this ownership, and a new Jag correct
interior is now inside. Selling due to a recent hip replacement and
sadly is too difficult to get in and out, which this writer can
relate as its a tight fit behind that big wheel but worth it.
Exterior
Jaguar motors nailed it when they penned this design which utilizes
a long long bulbous bonnet, curvaceous fenders which wrap chrome
wire knockoff wheels, and a curved to a pinched boot, framed by a
chrome wrap around bumper. These bumpers are pre large rubber
government mandated crash pads so they look great. Paint on this
car is good and as noted it is the second respray of Pale Primrose
Yellow. No rust or dulling just some minor road rash and chipping
but otherwise the paint is stunning and shiny. Chrome and badging
as well as trim is all gleaming and nary any faults. Convertible
top is spotless, and presents in black canvas with a clear plastic
window. A black tonneau cover wraps up the top nicely when it is in
the down position. Chromed 15 inch wire wheels with knockoff hubs
are seen on all 4 corners and these are wrapped in 185/70RH15's
from the 9th week of 2019. No more Avons!!
Interior
Yards of black leather cover the bomber style with headrests bucket
seats, door panels, and dash top, and it's all very nice. The dash
is peppered with numerous Smiths gauges, and a full lineup of
toggle switches. An original wood steering wheel fronts the dash,
which has an aftermarket Realistic AM/FM/Cassette radio. Black
carpet in very nice condition is covering the floor and small rear
stowage area. The trunk is nearly perfect and covered in gray
felting, no damage here.
Drivetrain
A flip forward of the bonnet reveals the rebuilt 4.2 liter DOHC
Inline 6 cylinder, and the original dual Su carbs. The original
4-speed manual transmission is attached. The rear axle is a 3.54
version. A nice and clean well maintained recently rebuilt mill and
with a patina engine bay looking all good.
Undercarriage
All clean and shiny underneath, reworked and very clean independent
torsion bar front suspension, and independent coil overs for the
back. Disc brakes now reside on all 4 corners. No structural
problems, and a very sturdy and clean frame.
Drive-Ability
As expected because it has been maintained and as a result of this
and the rebuild, along with 50 years of careful maintenance, this
car starts and runs flawlessly, has a nice throaty exhaust sound,
and all the controls worked. A wonderful driver and fantastic
handling for this king of the British sports car lineup, and
British Leyland's finest creation. The only frown that crept up
during my drive was a bit of a slipping clutch when lugging the
engine in the higher gears.
A beautiful example with a great backstory indeed, all wrapped up
in Primrose Yellow and black leather which all retain their
original luster. A nicely aged engine bay, great suspension, and
solid brakes. A nice find if you are in the market for some
shag-a-licious Jaguar iconic British design prior to the rubber
bumper era. I want a Jagwah!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.