It looks like a long time dream may finally come true.
I am very seriously considering the purchase a Jaguar XKE.
What I would greatly appreciate from you is some input on;
things I can expect or be prepared for, what to look for, and
general impressions of the car.
What I know:
The car is a 1973 Jaguar XKE series III roadster,
12 cyl :-). I've know the owner for about 3.5 years,
he's tired of the car (new baby, 5 cars, no time).
He's owned it since 1977. The car has sat for most
of the last 5 years. It has always been licensed, just
not driven much.
Original miles ~45K. Miles since engine rebuild ~5K.
Rebuild included new pistons, valves, and cams. Rebuild
was to aid performance. Some work was done to the clutch
a few years ago (~500 mi.) when the throw out bearing gave
out. The exhaust system needs replaced. The current owner
installed an 'alison' (sp?) ignition and blames the tach
not reading accurately on that ? The original ignition
system comes with the car, in a box. The current owner
also pulled the plug on the emissions equipment, these
parts also come with the car, in a box.
The leather in the interior is 5-7 years old, but not worn
much. The top is about the same age, and looks like it's
in good shape.
The car needs painted, it's currently wearing an old coat of
silver imron. No rust.
What I would like to know:
What is your opinion of this cars worth ?
Do you think that engine mods decrease the value
significantly, ie. rebuild, ignition, and emissions ?
What are potential problems with a car which has not been
driven much ?
Is this a 'good/bad' year ?
What does a quality paint job include/cost ? I have had
cars painted but I would like to have this car done in
a top quality finish.
What about reliability ? I have no illusions of the car
being a daily driver (it's auto #5), and understand the
need for regular maintenance of these cars, but I do not
want to be spend my spare time under the hood ... 12cyl ...
well ... not all my time.
How do I break the news to my wife ? :-)
Ted Lepich UUCP:{..!}uunet!metter!ted
INET:ted%metter@uunet.uu.net
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