The written word cannot adequately or accurately capture all this is the Jaguar XKE.  To say that it is an icon of automotive style is to say far too little for it is the preeminent icon of automotive style.  To say that it is “elegant” or “timeless” or, heaven forbid, “the most beautiful car ever made” is to simply regurgitate yesterday’s clichés.  Rather, to fully understand the mystic of the XKE, the car must be viscerally experienced through the engagement of the visual, auditory, olfactory and tactile senses. 

The car traces its origins to the Jaguar racing cars of the mid to late 1950’s.  These cars, the C and D Types, were primarily built to be race cars and, through them, Jaguar perfected its knowledge of powertrains and drivelines.

After Jaguar mastered the mechanical fundamentals, the XKE’s primary designer, Malcolm Sayer, set out to craft a body shell based mathematical principles he claimed to have learned from a German professor.  Whatever these mathematical principles were, they produced one of the most striking body shells in automotive history.  This body shell has been described as “Phalliform perfection” and sitting behind the steering wheel staring down the XKE’s long bulbous cowl it is easy to see how that name arose. 

The XKE’s appearance in 1961 at the Geneva Motor Show revolutionized the automobile world by making every other car seem instantly dated.  The body shell was longer, lower, slimmer, sleeker and smoother than any production model to date and made its competitors seem, well, downright dowdy.  Further, given its original asking price (about $42,000 USD in today’s dollars), it made its competitors seems grossly overpriced.

The car’s beauty was more than skin deep, however, for underneath the gently rolled steel rested a partially monocoque chassis connected to front and rear tubular subframes.  These subframes were used to support a fully independent rear suspension and a torsion bar front suspension.  This combination approach to the frame made the XKE much lighter than its predecessors and greatly improved the car’s driving dynamics.  Further, owing to the design of the front subframe, the engine could be placed behind the front axle thereby giving the car a 51:49 weight distribution ratio.  This had the obvious positive effect on performance and handling.

The initial powertrain, a 3.8 litre, twin cam, straight six cylinder, was capable of producing a monstrous 265 horsepower and had a top speed approaching 150 miles per hour.  This easily made the XKE the then fastest production car in the world.  In order to help tame the magnificent 3.8, the car was equipped with four wheel, power assisted disc brakes.   

Production of the XKE (marketed in Europe as the E Type) ran from 1961 to 1974 and can be roughly divided into three periods: Series I (1961-1968), Series II (1969-1971) and Series III (1971-1974).  

The Series I car a true sports car with little in the way of amenities or pretensions.  Its closed headlights, small “mouth” and airplane inspired cockpit make it the most highly sought after of all XKE’s.   Jaguar produced a total of 38,419 Series I (and 1.5) cars but it is estimated that less than fifty percent of those cars are available today. 

Series II cars were produced from 1969 to 1971 and were equipped with a revised 4.2 litre, straight six cylinder which was de-tuned for the US market.  This engine came equipped with twin Stromberg carburetors (the European market got triple SU’s) and wider valve clearances.  This de-tuning was exacerbated by the emplacement of pollution control devices which robbed the engine of much of its gusto.  Stylistically, Series II cars are identifiable by their larger air intake (their “mouth”), twin electric fans behind the radiator, a ribbed valve cover, headlights without glass covers, larger tail lights, front turn signals and a wrap around rear bumper.  The interior of Series II cars was also revised with more supportive seats and a revised (cheapened) interior.  Jaguar produced 18,809 Series II XKE’s. 

Jaguar began production of the Series III cars in 1971 and continued it until 1974.  During this time, Jaguar produced 15,287 cars (7,990 roadster and 7,297 2+2 Coupes).   These cars were the most fundamentally altered of the entire production run as they were intended to be more grand tourer than sports car.  The primary way this alteration occurred was through the advent of the new 5.3 litre SOHC V12 engine.  While not a powerful as some of its Italian contemporaries, the V12 offered a smooth, quiet, economical and dependable alternative to its Latin contemporaries.  The increased engine size permitted (or perhaps necessitated) a longer, wider chassis which added some 205 kg in weight.

However, this weight gain did not adversely affect the horsepower increase offered by the V12. Rather, the bigger engine lowered the XKE’s 0 to 60 time to 6.4 seconds (one second faster than the Series II) and a 0 to 100 time of 15.4 seconds (one second faster than the Series I cars).  Further the big 12 cylinder permitted the Series III XKE’s to reach a top speed of 146 miles per hour! 

The longer, wider, heavier chassis also permitted a flaring of the fender arches and a further enlargement of the XKE “mouth.”  The engine and exterior modifications transitioned Series III cars from a true sports car into a stylistic grand tourer. 

The example presented here was acquired this winter from a collector in Ohio who spent four (4) years performing a complete overhaul of this car.  While the car was in his possession, he had the engine and transmission removed, had a new flywheel installed along with a new clutch, pressure plate and throw out bearing.  He also installed a new reduction gear starter, new electronic ignition (Petronix), new transmission seals, new front suspension bushings and a new underbody steel fuel line.  In addition, he had a new front wiring harness, a new front harness plug and a new front harness receptacle installed.  His work has resulted in a car that is utterly reliable and completely roadworthy.

Most importantly, the prior owner had the car stripped to bare metal and repainted in its original factory color.  The paint in this car literally glows with red luminosity and, on sunny days, envelopes the car in a rich, red aura.  As part of the paint job, the prior owner had the front and rear bumpers removed and rechromed and all remaining chrome repolished.  He also placed four new tires on the car and topped them off with new center lock wheel nuts.  As you can see from the pictures, the prior owner took a beautiful car and performed a superb refurbishment to both its exterior and mechanicals.     

When I obtained the car, I literally drove it off the car carrier and onto the interstate (I-45 N).  The car had three immediately noticeable features: a high torque, high revving 4 speed manual transmission which was far superior to my prior XKE’s automatic, a growling exhaust note which filled the cockpit with the melodious gurgle of a superb 12 cylinder engine and a sweetly dialed in suspension which proved that the prior owner’s money in new suspension bushings had been well spent.  On the very first day that I obtained the vehicle I was able to deftly navigate through rush hour traffic and was able to meet or, potentially exceed, posted freeway speeds.  I also gots tons of stares and thumbs up while doing it.

After driving and enjoying the car for about a month I had two issues with the car.  The first was the speedometer inaccurately displayed the speed of the car.  Therefore, I had the speedometer removed and repaired.  Please note, the odometer was working at the time the speedometer was removed and I have not altered the mileage on the speedo.  Thus, based on the prior owner’s representations to me, the mileage on the car is believed to be actual mileage.  However, owing to the fact that Texas law does not require mileage on any vehicle over ten years old to be “actual”, the car will be sold as exempt.

The second issue I had with the car involves starting it.  This car, like most big 12 Jags, needs a lot of fuel to get started (far more than other cars of similar vintage).  Thus, on several occasions, I have had to fully engage the choke while pumping the gas pedal to get the engine to fire.  Please realize that this is not necessarily a defect in the car.  Rather, it is one of its quirks which you may have to endure.

Outside of these two minor problems, I have not observed any other defects in the car and believe it to be an above average example of a highly sought after car.  Prior to buying the car, please realize that it is 41 years old and that all classic cars require maintenance.  Please also realize that my dealership actively encourages prospective buyers to obtain pre-purchase inspections from reputable repair shops.  Finally, please realize that this car can be sold with a “buy back” guarantee so please feel free to inquire about it when you call.

To recap, within the past 4 years, this Jaguar has been treated to a complete mechanical and cosmetic refurbishment which includes the following items:

Bare metal repaint;

Rechromed front and rear bumpers;

All chrome repolished;

New flywheel;

New clutch, pressure plate and throw out bearing;

New gear reduction starter;

Complete engine tune up;

New electronic ignition;

New front suspension bushings;

New transmission seals;

New center lock wheel nuts;

New underbody, steel fuel line;

New front wiring harness, plug and receptacle; and

New tires.   

In addition, the car comes with wire wheels, original tools, full sized spare with matching wire wheel, period correct fog lights, two boxes of extra parts (please do not ask me to inventory them!), a repair manual, some parts catalogues and a stack of service records from the prior owner.

If you are interested in obtaining this classic 1972 XKE then please call Mark at 713-320-3059.

Features

We are a licensed lender in the State of Texas and can assist you in obtaining financing for your automobile purchase.

If you need assistance with financing then please contract Mark counts at 713-320-3059.

Please ensure that you have obtained financing prior to bidding on one of our cars.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, our cars are sold "As Is" and without warranty.

However, some of our cars are eligible for extended warranties.

Please discuss the potential purchase of an extended warranty with your sales representative.

Unless stated otherwise in the vehicle's listing, shipping is the sole responsibility of the buyer.

There are many reputable transporters across the country and the Buyer is required to contract directly with one of them.

If required, we can locate a shipper for the Buyer but will not assume responsibility for the vehicle once it is consigned to a shipper.

Terms and Conditions

All vehicles we sell have clean and clear titles. 

We do NOT sell salvage vehicles or vehicles with reconditioned titles.

All vehicles are sold "AS IS" and there are no representations or warranties except those contained in the written sales contract or bill of sale.

The winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours by phone to start the transaction.

The winning bidder must respond within 2 days after the auction with a $500 deposit required via wire transfer, Visa/MC, or certified funds(cashier's check) to start the transaction.

It is understood that the vehicle is sold on an "As Is" basis. 

Buyer are free to purchase with or without an inspection.  

We strongly encourage pre-purchase inspections.  These inspections are relatively cheap and help ensure  that the Buyer is completely satisfied with their purchase.

All sales are subject to a state inspection fee of $40.75 and a Vehicle Inventory Tax based at .2271% of the purchase price. Ex. $10,000.00 X .2271% = 22.71.

Texas residents must pay applicable sales tax and a registration fee.

Out-of-state customers may pay tax and register the vehicle in their own applicable state. Upon request, we may be able to complete the buyer's home state registration.

The buyer is responsible for all shipping costs. We will arrange for shipping, if requested. Also, transportation to and from the airport and our location is buyer's responsibility.

We make every attempt to deliver our vehicles to our clients with two keys, key fobs, manuals, booklets, NAV CDs, wheel locks, tool kits, etc..., however, from time-to-time, a vehicle may be missing one or more of these items and we cannot guarantee that they will be included in the vehicle at the time of sale. Please call for the exact accessories included for the vehicle.

Our vehicles are pre-owned vehicles and they are sold in "As Is" condition. At time, some of our vehicles may still be in factory warranty or an extended warranty may be purchased. Ask for details.

For Canadian car buyers: If the title is to be released at the time of delivery (which is much mandatory to move the vehicle through customs), a wire transfer is the fastest  way to complete the sale.  If the payment is not by bank wire transfer, i.e., certified bank check or approved loan check, the title will only be released when all funds have cleared. Please keep in mind that the funds verification process can take up to 15 days. We will assist you with the documentation needed to clear Canadian customs, but knowing exactly which documents are required by your home province are the buyers responsibility. Requirements for Canada can be found at www.riv.ca under "Registration of import vehicles, Canada".

Notice to All Bidders

Please remember your eBay obligations. When you bid, you are entering into a legal and binding contract. Do not bid if you do not intend to buy this vehicle!

All bidders must have pre-approved loans or other financing.

The winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours by phone to complete the sale and to receive a purchase order via fax.

Major Credit Cards are accepted.

Please call for limits and details (credit card charges may incur a service fee).

Payments are accepted through paypal.com (Deposit only-$1,000 max.). Please call for limits.

We do not accept Escrow or E-Loan. Please call for exceptions prior to bidding.

Please remember that you have the option to call for the reserve price direct at 713-320-3059.

We appreciate your interest in this auction and look forward to seeing your bid. Good Luck and Happy Bidding!