Early Coupe: ’62 Jaguar XKE Flat Floor
We’ve addressed in previous featured cars, the desirability of early cars versus later cars. Later cars are generally more usable and early cars are more collectible. In this early E-Type Jaguar, we have what Jag folks refer to as a “small mouth” with covered headlamps. Early cars also feature flat floors and external hood latches that require a tool to open. These 3.8-liter cars have leather-upholstered bucket seats, an aluminium-trimmed instrument panel and console, and a Moss 4-speed gearbox with a non-synchro 1st. Today’s featured Jaguar was a father/son car back in 1965 when it was purchased from the back of Road & Track’s classified section. It was put away for decades and only recently brought back to “running” condition. The seller does not say it is driver status but certainly drives well enough to evaluate. The body, we are told, is basically solid and never bent. No doubt about it, this flat-floor Jaguar needs a total restoration. Jaguar XKE valuations have been rising dramatically of late. Buying this one right now might be smart. You can wait until a Coupe is worth a few hundred grand and dive in. If you do a lot of it yourself, you might not be upside down. Of course, if you get some eyes on this one, you might find out that it isn’t as straight as claimed. Primrose Yellow is fairly common and works well on the sleek Coupe. It is an auction with aggressive bidding. Click here for the listing.