The 'E' Type Forum

Hi
I am looking to purchase a series 2 roadster that does not have original engine number. How much does this effect the value?
Thanks
Paul

Paul,

Others will argue with me but I would give a non-matching numbers car a 20% haircut, all other things being equal. Just one man’s opinion.

Alan
New Jersey

Many thanks Alan.
Suppose to be getting this w/e
Amazing car but no history colour change and different engine. Any other opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks Paul

Hi paul in my opinion in the UK it dosnt make much difference........ensure the engine fitted number is on the V5....Steve

I’m with Steve on this, I don’t think it makes a difference in the uk. Just make sure it’s on the V5.
In my case, the original engine was missing, long story. The car came with a donor XJ6 S1 engine but the block was beyond saving - cracked and the studs had rotted out completely (3 sheared when removing the head). I’ve replaced my engine block with an XJ6 S3 lump for improved cooling. In addition I’ve had to sort the oil gallery feed and added a cometic head gasket. One day I’ll get round to installing it.

Changing the V5 is very simple once you own the car, but it should be a task for seller to do in case there are any issues.

I also think it does not make a significant difference to the value these days, particularly now that you can buy a brand new block from jlr and they will stamp it with the original number with a little asterisk. Same with new heads. I would be more put off if it wasn’t an e-type motor (saloon) or if it was a 4.2 in a 3.8.

LH /RH drive conversions will make more difference - although that is less nowadays.

Barrie

Agree with all of the above
I think these days the only values it significantly affects is perhaps the earlier cars. Eg I think a 3.8 first year of production with matching engine, gearbox etc is probably going to command a little more value-wise. ..and as Barrie says, if originally RHD then that will be a plus.
Robbie

Without wishing to disagree with some of the posts above, I do believe it makes a difference. I remember looking at a top quality E-Type a few years ago and the company selling it had to take £25K off the asking price when it was proven that it did not have the original gearbox with the car. I did not buy it. Originality still commands a premium and each major component that does not match Jaguar's original build ledger puts a dent in that.

Yes, a well restored non-matching numbers car may command a higher price than a mediocre condition matching numbers car simply due to the cost of restoring the matching numbers car. However, for two cars that are in the same overall condition, having matching numbers will carry a higher price (or, more accurately, a higher price at the end of the haggling process).

It probably does matter although it shouldn't really, as long as the engine is the same type as originally fitted. I think the matching numbers obsession began with American muscle cars because there was a lot of clones of the more desirable variants.

Engine and gearbox replacements happened in period in dealerships although they would have had the correct type of assembly fitted. If this is shown in the history of the car then it should be fine.

A small block Chevy engine in an E Type is an altogether different question.

Regards

Thank you everyone.
The engine number is correct for the yr and the same type. I am going to go for it.
1969 blk roadster. It will be my first jag.
Usually a porsche man.

So how do I go on?
My original block cracked after the car was left in a garage in the mid eighties.
My existing block came from an existing well known E type that blew its engine. It now has a modified 3.8 engine fitted. The block from the blown engine was salvaged and rebuilt using the original head and crank ( I've seen the number on the flywheel and obviously the one y on the head). I even know the person who owned the car at that time and the guy who did the rebuild.
The V5 has the original engine number on it.
Do I tell the DVLA or not ? Which engine number should I 'own up to' ?
Steve

Hi Steve.....as always the engine thats in tha car should be the same number as on the V5......Steve

No problem there.
I can change it with the DVLA.
My car was rebuilt in the late 70's with engine frames and picture frame form another car. How do I go about changing that with the DVLA ? I know its true identity from the body number tag and body number written inside the rear door.
Steve

Hi Steve.....so if im reading this right your car isnt actually registered....the V5 shows the wrong engine number and the wrong chassis number.......do you have a Heritage certificate?.....You really need to get this sorted.....if not you could have serious problems in the case of an accident or insurance claim. ...or someone with the same identity from the car you had the frames from....have you looked on XKE DATA to check...Steve