How do I know I am making the right decision?

[GinaG]

Dear All:

I am so pleased to have been referred to this site by Ragtops and Roadsters. I need advice.

My husband passed away recently and our beloved Jag is still sitting in the garage, untouched since 1975. At that time we had paid a "friend" to repaint the car and two coats later our friend landed in jail. Circumstances took over and the car was never restored. Now I have to part with a great big memory.

The car is a 1967 or 1968 XKE, hard top coupe, six cylinder. It is in fair condition, mild rust, unpainted, but garaged for thirty odd years. I have received an offer of $5000 and don't know if it is a fair price or not. I would love to have the car restored, but after looking into the idea I realized it is WAY beyond my means.

Since I am moving to an apartment, I would have to store the car in an open area of a barn. Any advice?

 

[Mickey Richaud]

Hi, Gina, and welcome to the BCF!

First, very sorry about your loss. Your E-Type is quite an appreciating classic, so do take care. Your best bet is to find someone, perhaps locally, with some knowledge about these cars; someone you can trust and can keep your best interest at the forefront.

Whatever you do, take your time, and ~lean~ on some of the folks here. Plenty of help available.

 

[Steve]

Gina, I will echo Mickey's sentiments. My condolences on your loss.

I agree that you must be very careful. In any event, I would suggest that $5,000 is not really a fair price, unless the car is a basket case. It sounds as if it's complete and definitely restorable. I believe that car like this should start at $10,000....

I would be happy to refer you to some good people in your neck of the woods who can help and advise you if you wish.

 

[jessebogan]

There is a fairly large price break between 67 and 68 cars. Most 67s have covered headlamps, and 3 SU carburetors. The 68 has uncovered lights, and 2 stromberg carbs. There are other differences as well. Your best approach would be to find someone local from the local Jag club perhaps, to evaluate the car properly. (where is doyelstown in relation to maryland, maybe I could do it...) It depends on whether or not it is a true coupe, or a 2+2 (back seat), what year it really is, how complete and so on. I have seen an early convertible that was literally in 2 halves sell for around 20K. Take as much time as you can to get the $$$ you should.

Hope this helps

Jesse

 

[DrEntropy]

Gina, truly saddened by the circumstance you're in.
Stick with this bunch, they're genuine. :wink:

I will agree with the other guys: Find a local Jag car club or owners' group, get more opinions as to value. The '67 cars are the more desirable, as others noted. And <span style="font-style: italic">do</span> take your time.

Jesse: Doylestown is about 20 miles north of Philly. Pro'lly a three hour run from your digs.

 

[LarryK]

Gina:

Sorry about your loss. You might go to your insurance agent and see if their classic cars adjuster can give you an estimate of the value of the car. My State Farm Agent brings them in to advise all the time.
We have a 67 E-type coupe on Craigslist in N. Illinois in next to basket case mode for $10,000.

 

[PhilM]

You say Ragtops and Roadsters referred you to this site, well why not get them to value your car or sell it on consignment. If your address is correct you are only 10 miles from there showroom !!!!!

 

[Sopwith_Camel]

british car owners interview the new keepers. Sell it to the person that you think will love it the most.


steve