In the Garage: 1972 Jaguar E-Type
This 1972 Jaguar E-Type roadster underwent a heavy restoration by owner John Micciche. Credit: David Fluhrer
THE CAR AND ITS OWNER
1972 Jaguar E-Type roadster owned by John Micciche
WHAT MAKES IT INTERESTING
More than 53 years since its unveiling, the sinuous Jaguar E-Type, or XK-E, remains one of the most remarkable automotive designs ever to come off an assembly line. So it is no wonder that the Museum of Modern Art has one in its permanent collection. All of the variations built between 1961 and 1975 are coveted by collectors, including Micciche’s Series 3. “The Series 3,” he says, “has a twelve-cylinder engine, a slightly larger body, flared wheel wells and a few other differences (versus earlier models). The V-12 engine in my car is about 323 cubic inches and puts out about 300 horsepower. This car is equipped with four carburetors and a four-speed standard transmission. It is not fast by current standards, but is an excellent cruising or touring car.”
HOW LONG HE’S OWNED IT
Since 2011
WHERE HE FOUND IT
The Jaguar was advertised online. “It was located in a dealership in Providence, Rhode Island,” he says. “I purchased this car because it was exactly what I would have selected if I were ordering it from the factory: dark red exterior color, all-black leather interior, four-speed transmission and air conditioning.”
CONDITION
“When I purchased the car, it was in poor condition,” Micciche says. “It was only running on 10 of the 12 cylinders, the paint was cracking and peeling in many places and much of the chrome needed replacing or refinishing. I first sorted out all of the mechanical issues and drove the car for one summer to get to know it, and how far I wanted to go with the restoration. Now that this car has had a complete restoration, it is in concours condition.”
TIPS FOR OWNERS
“Jaguars have a reputation for being unreliable, and it is well-deserved,” he advises. “However, all of the common problems in these cars have been identified and ‘fixes,’ as well as any replacement parts that you may need, are readily available from many different suppliers. As with any collector car, educate yourself before you buy. Join clubs and talk to people who have experience with these cars.”
VALUE
“You will see these roadsters advertised from $40,000 to more than $100,000, depending on condition,” he says.
THE BOTTOM LINE
“When the E-Type was first introduced in 1961,” Micciche says, “Enzo Ferrari said it was the most beautiful car ever produced and I believe that 53 years later, that statement is still true.”
If you have an antique, classic or collectible vehicle to be considered for this page, please submit your information and photo(s) at www.inthegarage.net or contact David Fluhrer, Newsday Cars, atthegarage@optonline.net.
