Classic Jag values
Discussion
I'm sure there will be a thread somewhere else about this but I wondered if anyone else has noticed the absolute disaster that is currently E Type values?! I come from a generation where even ratty E Types were out of reach price-wise. However i've been keeping a close eye on the auctions over the last 6 to 12 months and their values appear to have nosedived. Yes there are some very optimistic dealers who are holding fast with ludicrous asking prices but when a nice fully restored Series 3 v12 Roadster is making £55k (after a £60k restoration ouch - Iconic Auctions) and a very presentable S3 V12 FHC crept its way to £28k on Collecting Cars, something is clearly afoot. It seems that £25k gets you into a tatty E Type with £50k being sufficient for an absolutely corking restored S2 or S3.
This then got me looking at Mark 2s, Daimler 250s, S Types and 420s. A similar story. Its seems that gone are the days of a Mk2 3.8 Manual with overdrive being the unicorn £75k car. £25k to £30k seems the entry point for a nice example nowadays with 3.4s, 2.4s and Daimler 250s being significantly less.
So my question is, is this a temporary blip in values reflecting the current economic climate and they'll come back at some point? Or have they had their day in the sun with the boomer generation who may have aspired to these cars dying off? I note that Harry Metcalfe is getting out of his 60s/70s cars (XJC and Espada) and Rowan Atkinson has just got rid of his E Type which would suggest they know the way the wind is blowing.
Either way, I'm seriously tempted with some sort of 60s/70s Jag (mk2 3.8 or an E Type V12 FHC preferably) at the current prices. Particularly ones where some poor soul has spent more money on a restoration than the car is worth.....of which there seem to be plenty about!
This then got me looking at Mark 2s, Daimler 250s, S Types and 420s. A similar story. Its seems that gone are the days of a Mk2 3.8 Manual with overdrive being the unicorn £75k car. £25k to £30k seems the entry point for a nice example nowadays with 3.4s, 2.4s and Daimler 250s being significantly less.
So my question is, is this a temporary blip in values reflecting the current economic climate and they'll come back at some point? Or have they had their day in the sun with the boomer generation who may have aspired to these cars dying off? I note that Harry Metcalfe is getting out of his 60s/70s cars (XJC and Espada) and Rowan Atkinson has just got rid of his E Type which would suggest they know the way the wind is blowing.
Either way, I'm seriously tempted with some sort of 60s/70s Jag (mk2 3.8 or an E Type V12 FHC preferably) at the current prices. Particularly ones where some poor soul has spent more money on a restoration than the car is worth.....of which there seem to be plenty about!
It s the changing of the generations, so enthusiasts growing up in the 50s aspiring to own e types are now well into their 70s. Those with the money for decent toy are looking at the cars from the 80s and 90s when they were in their teens and 20s are on,y 50or so now. Plus also the economy is bu99ered and money is tighter than it was.
Most of the people who want one are dying.
You say £25k, that still sounds punchy to me.
They were old when I was born and I'm well into the second of half of my life already.
You'd have to be in the quirky/slightly oddball category to want one if you're under 50 unless you have the capacity for a large CC collection.
There's also thousands, possibly tens of thousands of them around.
You say £25k, that still sounds punchy to me.
They were old when I was born and I'm well into the second of half of my life already.
You'd have to be in the quirky/slightly oddball category to want one if you're under 50 unless you have the capacity for a large CC collection.
There's also thousands, possibly tens of thousands of them around.
I have one and have had it for 20 years
in that time it's gone from often seeing one on the roads over the summer to never seeing them
the next few years if you want one will be a really good time to buy one, people don't want them any more and there will be cars which are amazing examples coming on the market for fractions of the value of the money they have had spent on them.
A good one is a pleasure to drive, they are in reality mx5 kind of size but lighter with a big engine, on the right road, roof down, without getting into exotica, there is little better.
You can take one anywhere and it's universally appreciated, even from non petrol heads, you are cool but not flash, oh and people aways see to want to talk to you about it
There are upgrades out there that fix any of the old bugbears
I suspect the number of them is now on the decline, once they get ropey it won't be worth sorting them, some will survive and those that can still drive a manual will rediscover them
in that time it's gone from often seeing one on the roads over the summer to never seeing them
the next few years if you want one will be a really good time to buy one, people don't want them any more and there will be cars which are amazing examples coming on the market for fractions of the value of the money they have had spent on them.
A good one is a pleasure to drive, they are in reality mx5 kind of size but lighter with a big engine, on the right road, roof down, without getting into exotica, there is little better.
You can take one anywhere and it's universally appreciated, even from non petrol heads, you are cool but not flash, oh and people aways see to want to talk to you about it
There are upgrades out there that fix any of the old bugbears
I suspect the number of them is now on the decline, once they get ropey it won't be worth sorting them, some will survive and those that can still drive a manual will rediscover them
piquet said:
I have one and have had it for 20 years
in that time it's gone from often seeing one on the roads over the summer to never seeing them
the next few years if you want one will be a really good time to buy one, people don't want them any more and there will be cars which are amazing examples coming on the market for fractions of the value of the money they have had spent on them.
A good one is a pleasure to drive, they are in reality mx5 kind of size but lighter with a big engine, on the right road, roof down, without getting into exotica, there is little better.
You can take one anywhere and it's universally appreciated, even from non petrol heads, you are cool but not flash, oh and people aways see to want to talk to you about it
There are upgrades out there that fix any of the old bugbears
I suspect the number of them is now on the decline, once they get ropey it won't be worth sorting them, some will survive and those that can still drive a manual will rediscover them
Pretty much exactly the mindset I find myself in. I see you have an X351 too whereas I have an X308 but the similarities would indicate to me that we "get it" when it comes to cars like this. Some people clearly don't get it and if they've never wanted an E Type, they wont want one at any price no matter how cheap they get. Each to their own I suppose. in that time it's gone from often seeing one on the roads over the summer to never seeing them
the next few years if you want one will be a really good time to buy one, people don't want them any more and there will be cars which are amazing examples coming on the market for fractions of the value of the money they have had spent on them.
A good one is a pleasure to drive, they are in reality mx5 kind of size but lighter with a big engine, on the right road, roof down, without getting into exotica, there is little better.
You can take one anywhere and it's universally appreciated, even from non petrol heads, you are cool but not flash, oh and people aways see to want to talk to you about it
There are upgrades out there that fix any of the old bugbears
I suspect the number of them is now on the decline, once they get ropey it won't be worth sorting them, some will survive and those that can still drive a manual will rediscover them
Maybe I am old beyond my years yes as the previous poster has suggested, but given the way modern motoring is going, surely for a proper fix of old school classic motoring on the rare sunny days we get to enjoy them, E Types and the like will for certain people continue to hold the same appeal they have always held. The aesthetic and the way it makes you feel wont change irrespective of whether they're £100k or a £30k proposition. Adding an E Type is likely to be my 2026 project.
Edited by coates848 on Tuesday 16th December 12:33
Edited by coates848 on Tuesday 16th December 12:35
I have seen the same and am actively looking now for a nice series 1 FH. So if anyone knows or is thinking of selling please let me know!
(and i am under 50 as well
)
For those in the know, what are peoples view on these 2?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505021...
and
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/18622809
(and i am under 50 as well
)For those in the know, what are peoples view on these 2?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505021...
and
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/18622809
Coupled with this drop in prices is the decimation of manual gearbox vehicles. There's hardly a manual car for sale now with exit of Fiesta, Focus, Corsa and most new cars sales. are Autos even small ones like a Yaris. My daughter isn't interested in driving a manual so this will manifest in 20 years with only over 40's even able to pilot a geared vehicle.
static exhibits I'm afraid.
static exhibits I'm afraid.
GCCP said:
I have seen the same and am actively looking now for a nice series 1 FH. So if anyone knows or is thinking of selling please let me know!
(and i am under 50 as well )
For those in the know, what are peoples view on these 2?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505021...
and
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/18622809
I have had exactly the same thoughts and have even been looking at the same cars . Gradually however I am erring away from the E Type in favour of an XK RS or another SVR F Type . Both are rarer than an E Type , both are easier to live with and both have I think still some appreciating to do in value .(and i am under 50 as well
)For those in the know, what are peoples view on these 2?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505021...
and
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/18622809
[quote=GCCP]I have seen the same and am actively looking now for a nice series 1 FH. So if anyone knows or is thinking of selling please let me know!
(and i am under 50 as well )
For those in the know, what are peoples view on these 2?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505021...
and
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/18622809
The Pistonheads car would be my choice , I think its a wonderful car in both the right colour and with good provenance .
The shade of green on the other car I find completely hideous .
(and i am under 50 as well
)For those in the know, what are peoples view on these 2?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505021...
and
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/18622809
The Pistonheads car would be my choice , I think its a wonderful car in both the right colour and with good provenance .
The shade of green on the other car I find completely hideous .
Edited by reddiesel on Wednesday 17th December 16:48
GCCP said:
I have seen the same and am actively looking now for a nice series 1 FH. So if anyone knows or is thinking of selling please let me know!
(and i am under 50 as well )
For those in the know, what are peoples view on these 2?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505021...
and
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/18622809
It would be interesting to know whether the 1st one was originally LHD; it appears to have aircon, which might infer originally a non-uk car, or it could be a later addition. The seats look like the later style seats from the 4.2s.(and i am under 50 as well
)For those in the know, what are peoples view on these 2?
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202505021...
and
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/18622809
Based purely on the photos/write-up I'd be looking at the dark green one first, but in any event, I'd want a very close look at any E-type due to the complexity of the structure and the number of botched cars that were around years ago. Having said that, there are those that have been expertly restored and are far better than they were when new.
Ah this is the thread that I was looking for!
I am e-type curious, but the market seems to completely and utterly defy any explanation. You have ones like this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/397413050094 which has had a full restoration at some point, but according to the seller is getting lots of interest but zero bids.
Then you have absolute baketcases https://www.carandclassic.com/us/l/C1996058 which are obviously less, but still maintaining an extremely high ceiling of value.
At the upper end of the market you are into 250k ish for the fully restomodded world.
I like the idea of working on one myself and making it into a nice quirky GT for driving about in and enjoying.
I get the impression that values are going down and lots of people won't recover the cost of extensive works... but if anyone has some insights I'd be very interested.
I am e-type curious, but the market seems to completely and utterly defy any explanation. You have ones like this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/397413050094 which has had a full restoration at some point, but according to the seller is getting lots of interest but zero bids.
Then you have absolute baketcases https://www.carandclassic.com/us/l/C1996058 which are obviously less, but still maintaining an extremely high ceiling of value.
At the upper end of the market you are into 250k ish for the fully restomodded world.
I like the idea of working on one myself and making it into a nice quirky GT for driving about in and enjoying.
I get the impression that values are going down and lots of people won't recover the cost of extensive works... but if anyone has some insights I'd be very interested.
I agree they are all over the place there's 2 on tradeclassics as well that don't seem to be attracting any bids...
might also be the time if year but it feels like values are going down but people are choosing to leave cars on the market at much higher prices then acknowledge the change
might also be the time if year but it feels like values are going down but people are choosing to leave cars on the market at much higher prices then acknowledge the change
Teaspoonasaurous said:
Ah this is the thread that I was looking for!
I am e-type curious, but the market seems to completely and utterly defy any explanation. You have ones like this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/397413050094 which has had a full restoration at some point, but according to the seller is getting lots of interest but zero bids.
Then you have absolute baketcases https://www.carandclassic.com/us/l/C1996058 which are obviously less, but still maintaining an extremely high ceiling of value.
At the upper end of the market you are into 250k ish for the fully restomodded world.
I like the idea of working on one myself and making it into a nice quirky GT for driving about in and enjoying.
I get the impression that values are going down and lots of people won't recover the cost of extensive works... but if anyone has some insights I'd be very interested.
The one in the eBay link is a 2+2 which is worth very much less than a FHC or OTS. I don't know why they don't say 2+2 in the ad as it's not as though someone won't notice before buying. E-types have fantastic parts support, and so combined with 0 road tax and peanuts insurance means the running costs are extremely low for such a high performance classic. The trick is to check the body carefully as the cost to put that right is substantial. Following that, especially for 3.8s, check the right bits are on it. At the top end it becomes a slight obsession in ensuring eg your wiper motor has the correct date stamp!I am e-type curious, but the market seems to completely and utterly defy any explanation. You have ones like this https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/397413050094 which has had a full restoration at some point, but according to the seller is getting lots of interest but zero bids.
Then you have absolute baketcases https://www.carandclassic.com/us/l/C1996058 which are obviously less, but still maintaining an extremely high ceiling of value.
At the upper end of the market you are into 250k ish for the fully restomodded world.
I like the idea of working on one myself and making it into a nice quirky GT for driving about in and enjoying.
I get the impression that values are going down and lots of people won't recover the cost of extensive works... but if anyone has some insights I'd be very interested.
swindler said:
The one in the eBay link is a 2+2 which is worth very much less than a FHC or OTS. I don't know why they don't say 2+2 in the ad as it's not as though someone won't notice before buying. E-types have fantastic parts support, and so combined with 0 road tax and peanuts insurance means the running costs are extremely low for such a high performance classic. The trick is to check the body carefully as the cost to put that right is substantial. Following that, especially for 3.8s, check the right bits are on it. At the top end it becomes a slight obsession in ensuring eg your wiper motor has the correct date stamp!
Ah yes, the all-important wiper-motor date stamp. The cause of numerous nervous breakdowns; imagine paying £500,000 and finding that the wiper-motor date stamp is 2-years out. 
It's been coming for a while, all the boomer catnip cars are going to have a very tough time over the next ten years and stuff that was always a bit more niche is really going to feel it. You only need to look at pre war stuff to see what happens when all the old boys who wanted them as young men aren't buying anymore.
Stuff that's more "store of wealth" than hobby/car will probably be ok but if you want a 60s/70s classic I think it's going to be open season.
Stuff that's more "store of wealth" than hobby/car will probably be ok but if you want a 60s/70s classic I think it's going to be open season.
There seems to be an unusually big disparity between the auction prices and the prices still being asked by dealers. As pointed out earlier, i've watched a number of presentable E Type V12s struggling in the low £20ks at auction and failing to meet their reserves. However the dealers seem to still be pricing their cars very optimistically, almost like they're artificially maintaining high values. However nothing seems to be selling so how long can they keep that up?!
The real eye opener for me was a very tidy Mk 2 in silver. 3.8 Manual/overdrive with a nice history and in nice condition. It struggled its way to a hammer price of £13,750 on Collecting Cars in July 2025 (look it up as its details are still on there). That very same car is now up for sale with a dealer called GM Jaguar and they have it on at £29,950. They don't appear to have done anything at all to it in the interim as the descriptions are very similar noting the same few flaws. Is anyone actually paying these prices being asked by the dealers for Mk2s and E Types? And if not, at what point do retail prices start to come down to reflect the low demand and low trade values? It just seems to me that there are a lot of dealers with a lot of stock that there doesn't seem any real prospect of selling anytime soon at the prices they're asking.
The real eye opener for me was a very tidy Mk 2 in silver. 3.8 Manual/overdrive with a nice history and in nice condition. It struggled its way to a hammer price of £13,750 on Collecting Cars in July 2025 (look it up as its details are still on there). That very same car is now up for sale with a dealer called GM Jaguar and they have it on at £29,950. They don't appear to have done anything at all to it in the interim as the descriptions are very similar noting the same few flaws. Is anyone actually paying these prices being asked by the dealers for Mk2s and E Types? And if not, at what point do retail prices start to come down to reflect the low demand and low trade values? It just seems to me that there are a lot of dealers with a lot of stock that there doesn't seem any real prospect of selling anytime soon at the prices they're asking.
Edited by coates848 on Friday 9th January 13:06
coates848 said:
There seems to be an unusually big disparity between the auction prices and the prices still being asked by dealers.
I can understand a pretty large difference there for rational reasons - significant prep work, an element of back up support costs built into the price, and of course the dealer needs to make a living and pay his business costs and a good dealer (particularly with classics) can add an enormous amount of value, but I do think a big part of the difference and the difference between private and auction sales really is down to people thinking it's going to be 2020/21 forever and every worthless nail is worth a fortune. Edited by coates848 on Friday 9th January 13:06
You see it with slightly interesting modern cars like X100 and X150 XKs too, which in the real world have resumed cratering but you'll get the odd optimistic dealer or deluded private seller asking 2x the likely auction hammer price. Could be the dealer has a lot of cost sunk into it and doesn't want to give up.
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