Classic Car Dreams & Seller’s Remorse: The $125K Jaguar XKE That Got Away

1969 Jaguar XKE

 

 

 

 The Restoration Symphony: Where Grit, Grits, and Grit Shine Through

There’s a certain music to a classic car restoration shop. The steady hum of sanders, the rhythmic whirl of drills, and the lively banter between craftsmen create a melody only true gearheads can appreciate. It’s not noise—it’s harmony. It’s the sound of history being reborn.

On my latest visit to the *Olde Restoration Shop, the atmosphere was alive as ever. Four or five dedicated craftsmen surrounded bare metal shells—each destined to become a masterpiece. Among them: a ’66 Corvette, a Shelby Mustang, a ’54 Ford Pickup, and a Mercury Cougar—just a typical day in the life of vintage metal.

But what really revved things up was the ever-animated shop owner, Justin. When Justin’s in a talkative mood, you know a great classic car tale is coming—and he didn’t disappoint.

The One That Got Away: A Jaguar XKE and a Change of Heart

Years ago, a client approached Justin with a mission: help him find a rare, elusive piece for his prized classic car collection. A 1969 Jaguar XKE—the kind of beauty that completes a serious collector’s dream garage.

As luck (or fate) would have it, Justin knew of such a car. But it wasn’t for sale—not officially. It belonged to another private collector, notorious for hoarding rather than parting with his treasures.

Still, Justin figured it couldn’t hurt to ask. At a local car show, he casually inquired if the Jag might be up for grabs. Instead of the expected “none of my cars are for sale,” the collector surprised him:

“Yes, if the price is right. $125,000. Cash only.”

Without hesitation, the buyer wired the full amount—sight unseen. The deal was done… or so it seemed.

Pickup Day Turns Into a Plot Twist

Justin scheduled transport, hired a professional enclosed carrier, and set out to retrieve the Jag. The location? Less a garage, more a private classic car museum—home to over 150 immaculately maintained vintage cars in climate-controlled perfection.

Upon arrival, the driver and Justin were treated to a full tour. Even though Justin had been here before, the driver was wide-eyed, soaking in the elegance of a life’s work in chrome and curves.

Finally, they reached “the car.” But something felt… off.

The seller appeared tense, fidgety—struggling with the idea of letting go. As they discussed the safest way to extract the Jag from its pristine parking spot, the seller suddenly snapped.

“Get out! Get out! Just get out!” he screamed, his voice echoing through the polished steel sanctuary.

Stunned, Justin and the driver stepped back. The garage door slammed behind them and locked with a metallic finality.

Peeking through a side window, they saw him—the seller had climbed into the Jaguar and shut the door. He wasn’t letting it go. Not now. Maybe not ever.

Seller’s Remorse Hits Hard

Justin knocked. Then pounded. The driver waited, confused. Finally, a voice called out from inside:

“I changed my mind. Go away!”

And that was that.

Despite the buyer wiring $125,000 and the transport truck already on site, the sale was dead.

A costly lesson in classic car seller’s remorse.

In the vintage car world, deals are sealed with a handshake, but sometimes passion outweighs profit. When you’re dealing with true classics, emotions often ride shotgun.

Love Classic Cars? So Do We.

If stories like this make your motor hum, you’re in good company. At All About Detail, we’re all about the roar of a perfectly restored V8, the beauty of hand-finished chrome, and the legends behind every hood ornament.

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The Rise and Fall of Hupmobile: Innovation, Legacy, and the Rare Skylark

 Following a successful career with Oldsmobile, Ford, and Regal, automotive pioneer Robert Craig Hupp founded the Hupp Motor Car Company in 1909 in Detroit, Michigan. His early venture into car manufacturing quickly gained traction with the introduction of the Hupmobile Model 20—a compact, affordable, and durable vehicle known for its reliability and fuel efficiency.

The Model 20’s reputation for endurance was solidified when one completed a transcontinental journey from San Francisco to New York in just 48 days. This achievement boosted public confidence and propelled Hupmobile into the national spotlight.

 

 

As the company grew, it expanded its offerings with larger and more sophisticated models to appeal to a broader market. However, in 1911, Robert Hupp left the company following disagreements with the board of directors. Hupmobile pressed on, and its 1912 Model 32, notable for its all-steel body construction, became the flagship model in the years leading up to World War I.

In 1925, Hupmobile made a bold move into the luxury automobile segment with the introduction of the Hupp 8. Equipped with a smooth eight-cylinder engine and upscale features, the car attracted wealthier buyers and expanded the brand’s prestige.

 

 

However, like many automotive companies of the era, Hupmobile was hit hard by the Great Depression. Despite efforts to appeal to more cost-conscious consumers, financial struggles mounted. In 1936, the company attempted a major comeback, but fierce competition and economic realities proved too much.

After Cord went bankrupt in 1937–1938, Hupmobile purchased the body dies for the sleek Cord 810/812 models. To bring these designs to market, Hupmobile partnered with Graham-Paige, another struggling automaker. Graham provided a modern factory, and both brands produced cars using the Cord bodies but under different names. Graham introduced the Hollywood, featuring a supercharged engine and rear-wheel drive, producing approximately 1,600 units.

 

Hupmobile did not manufacture cars in 1937 but resumed production in 1938 and 1939. In 1940, it launched the Hupmobile Skylark, also built on the Cord body but powered by a 6-cylinder engine with rear-wheel drive. Only 319 Skylarks were produced in 1940, and the company went bankrupt the same year. Unsold cars were later re-titled and marketed as 1941 models.

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1940 Hupmobile Skylark ~ owner Alan Weinstein 

 

 For the DIY Car Enthusiasts: Keep Your Classic Shine Alive

Whether you’re restoring a vintage beauty like the Hupmobile or just keeping your daily driver looking its best, here are some top-rated detailing products on Amazon we recommend:

• Mothers Clay Bars – Perfect for removing embedded contaminants and leaving your paint silky smooth.
• Cerakote Paint Sealant – Offers long-lasting protection with an easy spray-on, wipe-off formula.
• Cerakote Trim Restorer – Revives faded plastic trim and keeps it looking new for months. 

   Restore. Protect. Admire.

Get the pro-level shine your car deserves—right from your own garage. 

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