What’s the price of a Jaguar E-Type? It’s arguably the sexiest British car ever made. And if you target specific model years and body styles, you could purchase the classic Jaguar sports car for less than you would pay for a modern mid-size luxury sedan.
Yes, the price of Jaguar E-Type on eBay can approach $150,000. But some are available below $40,000. All of them have those gorgeous lines, as you can see from this gallery of Jaguar E-Types for sale on eBay in October 2020.
Price of Jaguar E-Type: Reality Check
Jaguar E-Type prices come in tiers:
- The price of a pristine, early-production Jaguar E-Type convertible (or “open two-seater” as they are also known) runs between $125,000 and $175,000.
- If you’re looking for a “fixed-head coupe” (meaning not a convertible), the price of a Jaguar E-Type is roughly cut in half.
- Meanwhile, the best Series I 2+2 (built between 1961 and 1967) has a price between $30,000 and $50,000.
Those figures can take your breath away, especially the convertible cars. Moving to a Series II (1968-1970) or Series III (1971-1974) Jaguar E-Type, however, changes the game by a fair margin—especially if you are open to more than a pair of passenger seats in the car.
This affordable Series III 2+2 car requires a clutch replacement, but otherwise presents very well.
Here’s the essential piece of advice:
The key to affordable E-Type ownership is to focus on the 2+2 models built from 1968 to 1974. And to avoid a trailer queen that’s been stored in a climate-controlled garage for the past few decades.
The automatic transmission on this Series III 2+2, combined with its “survivor” unrestored status, keeps its price in the realm of affordability.
How to Bring Down the Price of a Jaguar E-Type
Compromise on Specific E-Type Model
By the time the Series III rolled out, the fixed-head coupe was no longer made. That left only open-top cars and 2+2s. There are caveats to consider when examining this range of E-Type production.
- There was a move to V-12 power for Series III models. This adds an extra five grand or so to the price of an average-condition 2+2 ($25,000 to $35,000).
- If you are okay sticking with the inline-six found in the Series II cars, you can save some money.
- If you don’t care whether the car has its original engine (a non-numbers match), or if you can stomach an automatic transmission, then you can expect a lower price.
Even running and driving Series II cars like this one sell for reasonable money when an automatic transmission is calling the shots.
Do the Required Work on an Affordable Classic Jag
Cars considered in “average” condition will require some kind of attention to bring down the price of a Jaguar E-Type. Attention will be needed to bring up the level of finish and reliability.
It’s important to understand the purpose of investing dollars into a classic Jaguar E-Type. You are not likely to recoup the costs of a full restoration should you decide to sell the vehicle. Rather, turn your attention to addressing issues that affect drivability and presentation so you can enjoy it.
When checking out a “partially restored” car like this one, always make sure to inspect the quality of any past repairs.
Most E-Type body panels and interior parts are readily available from a wide variety of Jaguar specialists with deep inventories. The engines—both six and 12-cylinder—are not that difficult to work on. Of course, you’ll need the right tools, or access to a shop that has experience with E-Types.
Suppose you encounter a bargain-priced Jaguar E-Type for sale. Maybe it needs a clutch replacement or its cabin has seen better days. Don’t feel like you should run as fast as you can in the opposite direction.
Rust is another story. If a Jaguar E-Type for sale shows considerable rust, you might want to reconsider. That’s especially true if the rust is found in these spots:
- Under the gas tank at the back
- In the sills between the hood and the doors
- On the intersection of the frame and the body shell near the dash
- Throughout the rear suspension
These caveats aside, the Jaguar E-Type remains one of the most affordable sports cars of its era. If you consider the Series III cars, it’s perhaps the least-expensive price of admission for classic V-12 ownership.
Avoid basket-case examples and bring a respected Jaguar mechanic with you to inspect a Series II or Series III E-Type before you buy it. If all goes well, you too could gain membership to the dream car club. See Jaguar E-Type models available today.
This article was updated on Oct. 9, 2020.
See Jaguar E-Type Cars for sale on eBay.
