High Performance Coupe on 2040-cars

   A Special Breed of Cat

I am selling this spectacular, one-owner, numbers matching, 1972 Jaguar XKE for a dear friend who knows a great deal about high performance collector automobiles, but little about Ebay. As a long-time driving enthusiast and collector, he developed this special car for his own driving pleasure and to satisfy his passion for timeless automotive beauty combined with exhilarating performance. From the stunning red exterior paint and original interior to the six gleaming Weber carburetors mounted atop the powerful V-12 engine, this classic British sports car literally draws a crowd where ever it goes.

Before going further, it's important to note that the total cost for the extensive high performance work and other upgrades done to the car and identified in the description below exceeds $44,000. In addition, less than 10,000 miles has been put on the rebuilt engine, Richmond transmission, rebuilt rear end assembly and other high performance upgrades since the work was performed.

After purchasing the car new from a Jaguar dealership in 1973, my friend drove and enjoyed the car in stock form until deciding in 1986 to significantly enhance engine horsepower and performance. After consulting with several Jaguar specialists before starting work, the 5.3 liter 12 cylinder motor was removed and thoroughly cleaned before being painstakingly rebuilt by a master engine builder tasked with producing an engine perfectly suited for spirited, but enjoyable, street driving whether on scenic country roads or interstate highways.

The thoughtfully planned engine building process included an in-depth visual inspection, blueprinting and measurement (CC’ing) of all combustion chambers. Stock pistons were removed and replaced with 12 forged 10.5 compression ratio Venolia pistons and rings. High lift and duration camshafts were also installed. All engine gaskets and seals were also replaced during the rebuilding process. 

Six new Weber 40 IDF carburetors and linkages replaced the four stock Zenith-Stromberg units and were equipped with beautiful chrome HP air filters. High quality Inglese induction manifolds replaced the stock Jaguar equipment. Braided stainless steel fuel lines, twin fuel pressure gauges, and a high performance electric fuel pump were also installed.

Engine lubrication was greatly improved with the addition of a high output oil pump, high capacity oil cooler, Hi-Flow braided stainless steel oil lines and remote 2 quart racing oil filter. Engine oil pressure is excellent. Engine cooling was also greatly enhanced with the addition of a high capacity racing radiator and installation of two high output electric cooling fans. An Alison high output electronic ignition system, Accel high voltage electronic ignition coil and high torque lightweight starter were also installed.

For the purpose of handling the significantly increased horsepower, the standard Jaguar gearbox was replaced with a fully synchronized Richmond High Torque/straight cut gear 6 speed transmission and heavy duty twin disc clutch assembly. A lightweight aluminum racing flywheel with hardened steel ring gear replaced the standard unit.  

The entire rear differential assembly was professionally rebuilt and a 3.55 to 1 ring and pinion gear set was installed. The stock rear shock absorbers were replaced with heavy duty units at that time. In front, a high performance anti-sway bar and torsion bars replaced stock components.

Wilwood heavy duty brake calipers, rotors and braided stainless steel brake lines have replaced stock equipment. This affords a level of stopping power and control that inspires confidence regardless of speed or road conditions. The rear brakes were rebuilt with the rear end assembly and continue to perform well.     

Inside the cabin, the original Jaguar leather seats were retained and a set of Simpson racing restraint harnesses were installed to replace the inadequate original seatbelts. The driver’s seat is currently fixed in position where as the passenger seat slides easily on its original tracks. Because the steering wheel is affixed to a telescopic mount and both seat backs are fully adjustable, achieving a comfortable driving/seating position is easy to accomplish. The entire dashboard looks fantastic. All switches and controls are in great condition and work properly. The car is not equipped with air conditioning or a heater at this time. The tachometer and Smith instrument gauges function as they should, however a new speedometer cable is currently needed. The stock e-brake was eliminated to facilitate the installation of the larger Richmond transmission, however an electric unit is currently available from several aftermarket suppliers. The original am/fm radio is present, but not currently operational. The original deteriorated headlining was removed and has not yet been replaced. The original carpet was removed to accommodate the new transmission tunnel and shifter. It was replaced with a nice looking non-standard carpet that still requires proper trimming and hemming. All headlights, tail lights, parking lights and directional lights work properly, however the reverse lamp is not currently working. The horn works intermittently and needs repair. The windshield wipers work properly but the washer is not currently operational. All glass is in excellent condition and the hand cranks and rear window latches work properly. The rear cargo door release and latching mechanism also work as they should.           

All of the cars steel panels are in excellent rust free condition. A few small rust spots in the lower rocker panels were repaired and touched up in the past. All painted surfaces were professionally prepared and resprayed with several coats of high quality single stage Dupont red enamel in 1986. Although the exterior paint is now 27 years old, it is generally in great condition as a result of the car always being garaged and well maintained. Some minor paint touchups have been performed over the years to fix small road chips and other minor blemishes. All door and rear hatch panel gaps are original and the bonnet opens and closes properly. The bonnet latch mechanisms are in excellent condition and work as they should.            

While the professionally upgraded engine and other components offer a level of performance and handling far beyond that of a stock model, the car is extremely reliable and pleasant to drive. The engine starts easily whether hot or cold and idles well. The power delivery is smooth, progressive and torque is abundant anywhere in the rpm range. The twin heavy duty electric cooling fans (with a manual on/off switch) and large capacity radiator assure the powerful V12 engine operates at a constant 180 degrees and does not overheat. The power-assisted steering makes the car easy to handle and park in any situation. The $6,000 Richmond 6 speed transmission shifts through all gears perfectly and allows the car to be driven at highway speeds while maintaining low engine RPM and reduced fuel consumption.