E-Type Price Guide 2018
Jaguar E-Type Price Guide 2018
Looking to find out how much a Jaguar E-Type costs? There is no mystery in the allure of an E-Type Jaguar. The sound of the engine is fantastic, the mid-century British quality is unmistakable - and they’re breathtakingly beautiful. So while it’s easy to see why so many car lovers are eager to purchase one, it’s important that you know a little bit about the Jaguar E-Type price, what’s reasonable and what’s not. More importantly, you should be looking to find how much a Jaguar E-Type is really worth, knowing what affects the value of each type of E-Type. When you're in the market for any car, there's so much to consider - even more so when you're looking at a beautiful vintage.
There are many different models of E-Types - three series with each comprising different variables - each one of them valued at a slightly different level. You need to know the market, understand what makes an appropriate asking price and what your money is getting you, so that you get the deal you deserve. If you’re shopping for a new classic car, make sure you read through our Jaguar E-Type Price Guide to make sure you’re being asked to pay the appropriate amount for the car you’d like to purchase. A wise purchase is a sale that you're confident in, which means you're sure you're buying the right vehicle and buying it at the right price. If you're interested in purchasing your very own classic car see our Jaguar E-Types for sale.
Series 1
The Series 1 Jaguar is the most expensive E-Type Jaguar and was manufactured from 1961 to 1968 in a few different forms. It was initially introduced in March for the export market, but by July, it was launched into the UK market too. As the first line-up of the iconic car, the Series 1 E-Types are often considered the most valuable and they're coveted among classic car aficionados. Their early introduction and particularly iconic status makes the Jaguar E-Type worth more.
When the Series 1 E-Type was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961, potential buyers were looking at a price tag of just over £2,000- adjusting for inflation this is just shy of £44,000. The Jaguar E-Type price has shot up over time, after the E-Type proved itself as such a success and won its place in vintage history, and the cost of a Jaguar reflects it. Today, you’ll have to pay this even to get your hands on a rusted shell of an E-Type Jaguar.
It’s important to evaluate whether or not you want an e type restoration project Series 1 or a car in mint condition when deciding what Jaguar E-Type price is right for you. It's a big part of the decision to establish what kind of car - or project - you're looking for, and an accurate projection of the costs that come with restoration depending on the vehicle you're looking at. Putting in the time and effort to restore an E-Type to perfect condition can be a very rewarding process, but only if it will bring you joy.
While prices can vary dramatically depending on the condition of a Series 1 E-Type, typical prices range from the £40,000 region for a rusted “fixer-upper” to £230,000+ for a pristine FHC model. Series 1 Roadsters come in at a more expensive level, with a car requiring restoration work coming in anywhere between £100,000 - £130,000. A high end, excellent condition example of a Series 1 Roadster can cost anywhere up to £240,000. The Two Plus Two Series 1 can fetch a lower price, anywhere from £55,000 - £90,000 for a car in solid (though not necessarily mint) condition, and this price remains consistent throughout Series 2 and 3 E-Types.
The Series 1 can be easily identified by the glass-covered headlights that its descendents lack, as well as indicator and rear lights above the bumpers, exhaust tips under the rear number plate and a small opening at the front of the car, which is often likened to a little mouth.
As far as the Series 1 E-Type goes, there’s the most variation available within this category. It was available as a 2-door fastback coupé, a 2-door 2+2 fastback coupé and a 2-door roadster, and with the 3.8L XK and 4.2L XK, as well as with 4 speed manual gearbox and the 3 speed automatic after 1966.
Series 2
In production from 1968 to 1970, there were 18,808 (depending on source) Series 2 E-Types manufactured. Just like the Series 1, the Series 2 came with different options available in different models, and overall, these cars are a little more affordable than the earlier Series 1.
The Series 2 came with a number of changes from the Series 1, including, most notably, the large oval intake and grille. The wrap-around bumper, the larger front indicators and the taillights underneath the bumper were also significant visual features of the Series 2.
A lot of the changes were motivated by the Series 2’s entrance to the foreign market as a result of US mandates, most significantly, the absence of the glass headlight cover, which was rolled out across all the E-Types thereafter and makes a big visual difference to the car. Additional US changes are things to look out for if you want a Series 2. Different features affect the value of the Jaguar E-Type.
The Series 2 engine is identifiable by the change from smooth cam covers to a more ribbed look. In the US, it was detuned and the three SU carburettors were replaced with twin two-barrel Strombergs, reducing torque from 283 to 263 and horsepower from 265 to 246.
The Series 2 E-Type is available as a 2-door fastback coupé, a 2-door 2+2 fastback coupé and a 2-door roadster. For a Series 2 E-Type in pristine condition Classic and Performance Car advise that you can expect to see price tags in the region of £100,000. A Series 2 Roaster will again sit a little higher, around £135,000. A running model in good condition that will require some restoration will cost anywhere from £35,000 to £55,000, with a Fixed Head Coupe coming in between £70,000 and £100,000.
Series 3
From 1971 to 1975, Jaguar produced the Series 3 E-Type. This final series introduced a new V12 engine, better brakes, power steering as standard, and four fishtail exhaust tailpipes as an option. The developments to the Series 3 resulted in 272hp, more torque, and a 0–60 mph acceleration of less than seven seconds.
However, there were only two models of the Series 3 produced; thanks to the discontinuation of the shorter wheelbase, the Series 3 was only manufactured as a 2+2 coupé and a convertible, both sporting the 5.2L Jaguar V12 engine. Because of the longer wheelbase on the Series 3 models, they’re more spacious and arguably, more comfortable, and it’s also a key identifying feature. Alongside the length, the iconic V12 badge on the back, the four exhaust tips, wider tyres, flared wheel arches and big cross-slatted front grill are all marks of the classic Series 3 E-Type.
There were just over 15,000 Series 3 cars manufactured, which makes the value of the Jaguar Series 3 E-Type variable dependent on their condition. For a standard running example of the Series 3 E-Type that will require restoration, you’ll look to pay anywhere between £18,000 - £50,000. A more mint example of the Series 3 fixed head can cost up to £75,000, with the Roadsters coming in at twice the price - and we have sold some of our Fuel Injected roadster for significantly more than that.
Bear in mind - are you a purist or are you happy with new parts and upgrades? Whatever your preference, the right answer is what makes you happy, but bear this in mind as you shop. How much is a Jaguar E-Type worth? Whatever it’s worth to you.
Want to see our most iconic Jaguar Series 3? Then see Unleashed by E-Type, our Series 3 version of perfection. Thunderously fast, eminently comfortable and flawlessly beautiful throughout.
Buying an E-Type Jaguar
Because so many factors can affect the price of an E-Type, including mechanics, bodywork, how the vehicle has been cared for and stored, and the model you’re looking to purchase, it’s important to consult an expert before making a purchase. If you’re interested in purchasing or would like more information about Jaguar E-Type prices, get in touch with us today.
On top of that, extra checks are necessary because of the age of a Jaguar E-Type and there are a few more things to note because of the age, needs, and condition of the car - you need to look into the car’s history.
If you’re interested in purchasing or would like more information about Jaguar E-Type prices, get in touch with us today.
Click here to see our Series 3 E-Type's for sale.
*A number of the prices stated in this post were sourced from Classic and Performance Car.