JoLeen's '74 V-12 XKE Series 3 Jaguar Roadster
Where Jo's love affair with an XKE Roadster first began.
Shortly after JoLeen and I moved to the Phoenix area we attended a Barrett-Jackson
Classic Car Auction in Scottsdale. While sitting in the bleachers watching the cars go
over the auction block a beautiful Red XKE Roadster came up for bid. JoLeen wanted
that car more than any car I had ever seen her express an interest in.
It sold for $30,000 that day. Unfortunately, at that time, we were struggling just to get
our business's off the ground and we couldn't have bought the wheels off it. That was
about 10 years ago and fortunately things have improved immensely.
Since that time, when I ask JoLeen about what type of cars she likes or would want to
own, a RED XKE V-12 Roadster is always the car she mentions.
Over the last few years I have been fortunate enough to own some of the cars I have
dreamed about and have always wanted. So I figured that everyone should have the
opportunity to own the car of their dreams. At least once during their lifetime. So that's
why I bought and restored this very special XKE V-12 Roadster for my JoLeen.
WHY THIS particular car?
Back in December of 2005 I started researching and getting well informed about
XKE Jags of the body style JoLeen liked. During that educational process I took
into consideration how JoLeen drives and uses a car, features that she likes and
dislikes, creature comforts she enjoys such as Air Conditioning and Power Steering
and Safety features like retractable seat belts. Also how she enjoys a good sounding
stereo system.
I discovered that the earlier Series 1 & 2 XKE's simply didn't offer some of the
features that she would want and need. Which lead me to the later model 1971
thru 1974 XKE's.
Since Jo enjoys lots of power and also likes a standard transmission, the V-12
was naturally the engine of preference. From a collectors standpoint the V-12 and
4 speed is also the best combination for potential appreciation over one with an
Automatic trany.
A/C is also a MUST in the Arizona deserts and today's heavy traffic. A limited few
of the earlier Series 1 & 2 models came with factory A/C. A few did but VERY few
and most of them overheated and it didn't work too well. Which also steered me
more towards the later Series 3 which had major improvements.
Both of use had expressed that we preferred the models with covered headlights.
Unfortunately that esthetic feature was only available on the earlier Series 1 & 2
models which did not have the V-12. I discussed with the restorer, Bill Richert,
how to modify the front end and adapt the earlier model covered headlights onto
this car but after much consideration we decided that was not feasible. It would
ruin the car from a collectors point of view and de-value the car and it's desirability
in the end.
Another major consideration for selecting the last year of production of the XKE
Series 3 was due to major improvements in the power steering, larger radiator and
improved cooling fans, all of which made the 1974 the best model ever produced.
It runs cooler and has proven to be the least likely to overheat in Arizona summers
while running the A/C. There were other improvements made to this last year of
production so it seemed to be the best choice for a car for JoLeen that would perform
well, run cool, shift easy and provide the most enjoyment while actually driving the
car. Including the improvements to the seats and their level of comfort.
WHY did we end up with a WHITE XKE?
Like JoLeen, I too preferred a RED XKE Jag Roadster and for months I looked
at, and called owners of RED Jaguars all across the country. Trying to find just
the right car. I had set a price limit at $55,000 and even though I was willing to
go that high for the right car, it simply was not to be found. Anywhere!
I found a few that were RED, but most of them were earlier models with NO
synchromesh trany, NO A/C, NO power steering or NO V-12. So I had to
pass on them. I did find ONE, RED 1969 Series II 6 cylinder Model with A/C
that had just been restored but it had BLACK interior and the owner wanted
$85,000. I passed!
Finally after an extensive search and numerous phone calls I found a man named
Dennis Eynon. A well known Jaguar collector and Concourse Judging Chairman
from the Jaguar Club of America. He's also the President of the local Arizona
Jaguar Owners Club. Fortunately he lives in Scottsdale and I called him for some
guidance. After some discussion I found out that he had a 1974 XKE Series 3
V-12 Jaguar Roadster, which was undergoing a full restoration and that he might
consider selling it. Simply because he had too many and needed to thin his
collection down some due to his building a new summer home, on a lake, in the
mountains of Southern California. Poor man, he would only have 20 exotic cars left
if he sold us this one!
Only one problem. It was WHITE!
After such a long and unsuccessful search for a RED one, I decided to at least go
look at it and give it some consideration.
Dennis put me in touch with his restorer, a man named Bill Richert, who had
worked for Dennis as his personal car restorer for over 14 years and had restored
and produced several National Champion Award winning Jaguars for Dennis.
Some of which he still owns.
I made an appointment to go see the car, which by the way took awhile and
wasn't easy to arrange, since it was undergoing a complete upholstery redo
and was at a private upholsterer's home by the name of AMATO. Who only
works on Jaguars and had done "several" other National Champion XKE
Jaguars for Dennis in the past. A true genius when it comes to redoing a
correct Jaguar interior.
The photos on the bottom of this page are how the car looked when I first
saw it. Fortunately they had decided to change the interior color from Dark
Blue to the Saddle Tan leather colored interior. Which I knew was JoLeen's
favorite color for an XKE Jag Roadster. That was the interior color of the
first RED XKE she had wanted 10 years ago. So at least the interior was the
right color.
The car was a ONE OWNER, low mileage, Arizona car, which had been
bought in Scottsdale back in 1974 by a lady and driven conservatively over the
last 30 years. It had power steering and A/C and had been upgraded with optional
wire spoke wheels and stereo. It was originally a white car and they had
just finished redoing the body and putting a new "Old English Ivory" paint job
on it, which hadn't even been rubbed out or detailed yet. The body and paint
work appeared to be exceptional. The car never had any major body damage
so it appeared to be a straight, original, solid ONE OWNER rust free Arizona
car.
The XKE only had 44,700 miles on it but since the car had been in storage for
several years they had also rebuilt the motor and freshened up the trany. It
had a new windshield installed, new Pirelli tires, new front end bushings and
the completion of the restoration was to include: all new chrome, hoses, belts,
carbs to be rebuilt, engine compartment to be detailed and anything else done
the car might need to make it right. Including getting the clock restored so it
works! Including a 100 point check for all mechanical systems: to include u-joints,
changing all fluids and greases in the trany and rear end. Checking the suspension,
bearings and seals, as well as, servicing the A/C and heater to make sure they
work properly.
Dennis had planned to make this particular XKE a 98 Point semi-show
condition driver. Not a full 100 point show car but close to it, since it was
so clean, straight and original. It had all the right equipment to be an enjoyable
driver that could truly be driven, enjoyed and yet handle the Arizona heat
and traffic. A car that could be enjoyed on trips and have the potential of
some reliable and carefree fun.
I scrutinized the car from end to end, asked a Zillion questions and discussed
the finalization of the restoration and the new upholstery job with the restorer
Bill Richert and the upholsterer Sr. Amato. I also discussed a few other changes
and upgrades that I would require to make this XKE perfect for my JoLeen.
Including re-chroming (for the second time) all the bumpers since the first
chrome job wasn't too my high quality standards.
All new chrome and stainless trim had already been ordered for the XKE's
restoration prior to me locating it. Including new front grill trim, new front
name badges, deck lid V-12 emblem and new stainless front fender moldings
along with all new rubber trim and special color matching interior pieces and
molded door pulls. Including a new correct black leather dash pad and cover
and new air-conditioning vents, decals and name plates for the dash controls.
After much deliberation and thought I called Dennis and told him I wanted
to purchase the car. We made an appointment for me to meet him at his
home in Scottsdale so we could finalize things, draft a contract, give him
a deposit and arrange to have the additional upgrades done to the XKE
I wanted for JoLeen and try to arrange for it's completion by her Birthday
on or before May 5th. Which was REALLY pushing things A LOT!
When I arrived at Dennis's home in Scottsdale I also met his wife Carolyn.
We viewed his extensive collection of Jags and other cars in his Multi-
Million dollar home with a sanitized tiled floor garage which houses a few
of his other award winning Jags plus some other fine cars: including a
1985 Rolls Cornice Convertible, new T-Bird Convert, Mercedes 450 SL
Convert, (2) 1965 Jaguar 120's, a Formula-V race car, a new Chrysler
Crossfire Coupe (much like your Roadster), and more!. His home and car
collection have been in both magazines and on local TV stations. MOST
impressive I must say! Here is just ONE of his many fine cars. A beautiful
1953 XK 120M Drop Head Jaguar Coupe (a National Champion many
times over.)
(click on photo for enlargement)
A contract was negotiated and I agreed to purchase the XKE for $49,000
completed to my satisfaction and hopefully have it done by my May 5th
deadline. (As I write this on February 18th, we now have ONLY 49 days
left to get it done!!!)
I also agreed to pay extra for upgrading the new top and boot to a better
quality matching Saddle colored top made of premium grade cloth rather
than the original Black vinyl top the car had come with. I wanted Jo's XKE
to be one classy looking ride! With the top up or down! Plus I added some
new stainless steel exhaust parts, a new electric radio antenna, some additional
modifications to be made to the cooling system to improve it's cooling and
also required that an all new upgraded ignition system, along with a new
battery as well. These additional upgrades would run about another $4,000
but I wanted to make Jo's car the best it could be. Within reason! Ha!
Based on current prices, lots of comparisons and research I feel this fine
XKE will justify the total cost of right at $53,000 when it's completed. Other
similar XKE's have sold for more. So - after driving it for awhile if you
don't like it, we should be able to at least break even on it. But I hope it
turns out to be all you ever wanted in your dream car and more!
Here is how the car looks as of this date (2/18/06):
(click photos for enlargements)
(click photos for enlargements)
(click photos for enlargements)
(click photos for enlargements)
Update Photos as of 3/20/06
(click photos for enlargements)
The above are how the Jag looks as of 3/20/06
Bill Richert has the XKE back in his shop in Glendale to complete the restoration.
The bumpers and chrome luggage rack for the rear decklid have been sent to the chrome
shop for re-chroming. Hopefully they will get those pieces done and back in time. Typically
they are VERY slow and often take MONTHS to get work re-chromed. Hopefully that
won't happen on this project. It sure would spoil my plans to have it done for your Birthday.
After much researching I found and ordered a new passenger side rear view mirror, and
the chrome luggage rack. (NOTE: the company that originally made the luggage racks
for these cars went out of business about 10 years ago.) I also ordered and got a new
Pioneer stereo to be installed during the upholstery process, along with a new set of
quality, retractable color matched seat belts. The final touches for the stereo system with
new high quality speakers, a power amplifier and LOTS of wiring is being completed now.
Neither Bill, the restorer, nor the upholsterer does stereos so I have Bryce, from Sound
Design Stereos, doing the premium sound system. I want Jo to truly enjoy her dream car
and the sound system. I hope to get the car done by JoLeen's Birthday.
We've still got a ways to go and not much time to get it done! But I'm pushing as
hard as is feasible and hopefully I won't piss-off too many people. HA
18 days left and counting!!!!! I ordered a BIG RED BOW a few months ago and Frank
has been storing it for me since it arrived. He's one of the few that knew about my surprise
Birthday gift for you. I needed someone to help me with a few details like the bow and etc.
JoLeen's Birthday Party (and the surprise gift of her XKE)
PHOTO GALLERY (lots of photos) Including the Restoration
Complete SPECS, Dimensions & Options
UPGRADES & CHANGES
XKE History
Return to JoLeen's XKE Jaguar MAIN PAGE
CAR SHOWS ATTENDED
For UPCOMING Arizona Car Shows
where you can PROUDLY show
YOUR XKE!
OTHER TOYS
(click on the above CARD to see them all)
' 33 Cabriolet Roadster-Street Rod "Camelion" GO HERE
NEW 2003 Lincoln Navigator GO HERE
'65 427 S/C B.D.R. Cobra GO HERE "SOLD"
'65 Shelby GT350R GO HERE "SOLD"
2005 Chrysler Crossfire Convertible GO HERE
2002 Pontiac Trans Am WS6 (the Last Year) Convertible GO HERE
JoLeen's 2004 Triumph Bonneville GO HERE
2000 Harley Davidson Dyna Wideglide GO HERE
USED PARTS (take-offs FOR SALE)
Index of the 107 Cars I've owned.
Index of the 24 motorcycles I've owned.
Owner Information:
"Doc" J. Michael & JoLeen Hall
5123 E. Dallas St.
Mesa, AZ 85205
(480) 641-9361
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