Barn Find Jaguar E-Type Hides A Thumping American V8

We think anyone would be ecstatic to come across a barn find 1969 Jaguar E-Type, but this XKE 2+2 located somewhere in Texas has another big surprise. Nestled under that curvaceous hood is a thumping American V8 engine, making this little kitty quite the rarity.

Check out a restomod Jaguar XJS.

Located by none other than Dennis Collins, this Jag is packing heat with a Ford 302ci V8 with a performance cam. That might sound like sacrilege to purists, but there are quite a few people who appreciate a good, clean conversion job like this and the extra power it provides.

The conversion wasn’t done by some rednecks in their barn but instead was performed by John’s Cars, Inc. which has done a number of V8 swaps on E-Types and other Jags. To accommodate the big V8, the hood is modified with a “power hump” that looks odd to some but to those who know is a clear indication of what’s underneath.

This particular Jaguar has been parked since 1999 and we’re sure not many people knew it was there. While the exterior is dusty, it looks like it’s in good condition. But the interior looks gorgeous, so the guy didn’t let critters nest inside.

Because the approach to the garage where this Jag has been sitting is tight, they get the car rolling out down a long drive to the street and load it onto the truck there. Amazingly, the wheels turn no problem after sitting motionless for 25 years.

The owner has quite the collection of other rare vehicles, including a Jeep Scrambler he wants Dennis to get running again as well as some British roadsters, like an MGB.

Dennis knows this guy and has built a solid relationship, turning him into a repeat customer. Instead of just playing hardball and taking people for all they’re worth, Dennis seems to have a way of making honest deals that win people over and get him long term repeat business.

Images via Dennis Collins/YouTube