First post on this forum

[RWB51]

Although I have been a member of this forum for a while I have never posted before as I do not own an E-type. After many years of wishing I could one day purchase an E-type I have decided I must take the plunge as I am the wrong side of 70 and feel if I don't do it now I never will.
However my budget is quite low and although I was an apprenticed aircraft engineer and subsequently gained a degree in air transport engineering I am not capable of undertaking a complete renovation project.
I would be interested in any opinions on whether it is possible to buy a road worthy drivable E-Type in good general condition for around £40k.
There are quite a few advertised and I realise at that price there would likely be various tasks to do from time to time. I am also wary of some advertisements may be by possibly unscrupulous sellers.
I have noted that some cars at this price level have been modified away from original, for example some Mk 3's have had fuel injection fitted, and this may not appeal to some buyers whereas I would not mind such modifications.
I would be very interested in any comments. Thank you.
Richard

[Philk]

Others will doubtless have views but the lowest price point for a driveable car would be on one of the less desirable models. 2+2 models tend to be less popular given their side-on profile and automatic cars will likely be at a discount to manual models. If the car is non numbers-matching (e.g. a replacement engine) this will also likely have a negative impact on value.

[mgcjag]

Hi Richard..... £40k...there are cars out there...but you will have to hunt around.....if you want a car where you can "tinker" with anything under the bonnet then stick with the simpler 6 cylinder cars.......use the forum...post up cars your looking at...we can point out obvious problems. ......your budget should get you a left hand import on twin stromberg. .would this be suitable....or do you want right hand with tripple SU,s......as always dont buy unless you have someone look at the car that knows the model.....members here could possibly help.......and be fully aware that you budget won't buy you a great car.....but with a lot of care could buy you a reasonable one......Steve

[RWB51]

Hi Phil and Steve.
Thank you for your replies which are very helpful.
I have a couple of possible cars I will try to post on here for comments.
I would really like a series 3 V12 if possible although I take on board Steve's comment regarding the 6 cylinder maybe being more practical for me. The series 3's seem to be good value for money.
I don't really want a left hand drive but I could have it converted to RHD at a price of course.
I don't mind automatic and as you point out it will no doubt need some work on it for my budget. But I want a car primarily to drive regularly - it does not have to be immaculate. I also realise it will no doubt cost me some money to keep it running.
I would certainly be keen for someone knowledgeable to look over a potential purchase for a fee of course.
Thanks again for your comments.
BR
Richard

[DWW]

Hi Richard

Here is an example of what is available for that budget. Obviously needs an inspection prior to purchase.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/304895263837 ... R96HuvTxYQ

[1954Etype]

i smell a rat with that advert.....

[DWW]

May well be but it is just an example, there are better sources than fleebay sellers....

[Gfhug]

I note it has Electronic Stability Program and Safety Belt Pre-tensioners. That must be a first for an E Type!
Also an alternator added to upgrade dynamo

Geoff

[DWW]

I think they meant upgraded to an alternator....but still...

[Gfhug]

On an S2?

[rswaffie]

I think that’s just some defaults that get added by eBay . It’s also advertised via Car and Classic and it doesn’t mention any of those extras!
Those pics are deffo taken near Peterborough which is where the seller is advertising it - I know the village of Achurch.

[DWW]

Another but not so cheap..

https://www.carandclassic.com/auctions/ ... ots-nAZDE4

https://www.carandclassic.com/classic_c ... 974&search

[RWB51]

Thanks everyone.
I have been looking at the same sources as you posted Danny.
Its difficult to tell what is genuine from the adverts.
The biggest fear I have is corrosion especially if its not easily visible.
This is why I will need to find an experienced E-type owner that may be able to spot issues I would completely miss.
I am excited but nervous at the same time about this venture!
BR
Richard

[RWB51]

This is something like I am looking for.

Not sure about the Zeibart treatment.

https://www.beechtreeclassics.co.uk/sto ... coupe-auto

Richard

[RWB51]

This has many new parts apparently but I would feel uneasy about this one for some reason.

https://www.swva.co.uk/classic-car/jagu ... 2-22-1969/

Richard

[RWB51]

This seems a nice one for the money.

https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C1475084

Finally for now, this one has had fuel injection fitted. This modification appeals to me.

https://www.carandclassic.com/car/C1570589

I am sure some of you experienced owners could ask many questions about any of these cars but on the face of it they all seem to fit my requirement which is a drivable and presentable car which I can improve gradually over the years.

Regards
Richard

[nichmoss]

I don't own a Series 3 so could only comment generally - on my phone, the Yellow one looks the most "honest". Have you driven one yet? It would be worth going on a test drive with one close to you to be sure the V12 appeals.

I mainly commented as I see you were apprenticed as an aircraft engineer and then achieved an air transport degree. Was the latter at CIT? I was there in the early eighties after my aircraft apprenticeship at Hawkers.

Good luck and I'll follow this thread with interest.

Cheers, Chris

[RWB51]

Hi Chris,

yes I was at City but 10 years before you in the 1970's. Its a small world!

I have not driven any e-types which seems daft really and I do plan to try a couple. There are a few experiences available which are quite reasonably priced and I intend to do a couple of those in the next few weeks.
But I have had a lot of cars over the years and find I can adapt fairly well so I am hopeful I will find them ok to drive.
Nice to hear from you Chris.
Best regards

Richard

[DWW]

I see you have been a busy boy in looking around at what is available but as Chris I have no experience on Series 3's and what expertise I have gained is on Series 1. At least a couple of your candidates seem to be worth a further look/test drive especially examining the the running of the engine and the underneath of the car on a lift, preferably, with someone who is knowledgeable about them if you don't trust your own abilities. I only found out how little I knew about e types after purchasing mine which was a driving car and really learnt a great deal more after spending a large chunk of my hard earnt on a total restoration and through joining this forum. My general advice would be that with classic cars in general an e types in particular no car is perfect and one needs to learn the strengths and weaknesses of what ever model one finally chooses to buy, the V12's demanding the most experience as the engines are a lot more complex and difficult to diagnose issues than say the straight sixes. I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong. I wish you luck in your search and will follow this thread to read of further developments.

[mgcjag]

If the Goodwood auction results are anything to go by it could be worth holding fire to buy for a while and useing your time to gain experiance and look at a few E,s.........sold prices were well down on what was expected....Steve.