BaT Auction: LT1-Powered 1973 Jaguar XKE Series III Convertible Conversion

This 1973 Jaguar XKE began life as a Series III coupe that was acquired by the seller in 1989 and converted to a convertible in the early 1990s. The car was refinished in Steel Blue Pearl at that time, while a 5.7-liter Chevrolet V8 and a four-speed automatic transmission were installed around 1996. Additional equipment includes Wilwood front brakes, Koni shocks, chrome knock-off wire wheels, grey leather seats, a Pioneer CD stereo, and a Moto-Lita steering wheel. This Series III XKE is now offered with a car cover, a tool kit, and a clean Florida title in the seller’s name.

Originally manufactured as a coupe, the car was converted to a convertible and repainted its current shade of Steel Blue Pearl by the seller in the early 1990s. Features include a folding black soft top, a vented hood, exposed headlights, V12 badging, and dual exhaust outlets. Wear on the soft top is visible in the gallery below.

Chrome-finished 15″ wire wheels with two-eared knock-offs are wrapped in 215/70 Firestone FH710 narrow-whitewall tires showing 2015 production codes. The seller states that the steering gear has been replaced and work in the last 1k miles included installing Koni shocks and replacing the rear suspension bushings, brake calipers, and rotors.

The seating surfaces are upholstered in grey leather with a matching armrest and door panels. Amenities include a Pioneer CD stereo, and a locking glove box. Aftermarket sound deadening has been added to the floorboards, and lap belts are fitted for both occupants.

A leather-wrapped Moto-Lita steering wheel frames a 160-mph speedometer and a 7k-rpm tachometer. The five-digit odometer indicates 76k miles, approximately 15k of which were added by the seller. True mileage is unknown.

The 5.7-liter Chevrolet LT1 V8 was installed by the seller in the mid-1990s and has been modified with Edelbrock valve covers and an aftermarket air filter. An ignition system tune-up was performed and the optic spark unit, water pump, and radiator were replaced in the last 1,500 miles per the seller, who also notes that the fuel tank has been refurbished and the lines and hoses replaced.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a GM 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission. The rear end is said to have been rebuilt in the mid-1990s and the universal joints were replaced 1k miles ago. Additional underside photos are available in the gallery below.

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