Hello - SW UK

[martiansunrise]

Hello all.

I am coming to the end of the build of a '63 MGB FIA race car, which has taken ages, but been relatively(!) enjoyable. I am in a very different place to when I started it, so the racing dream may need to take a back seat for a while.

I am probably going to shift on the B in the New Year and find myself an E Type. I will be probably looking at a S2 FHC, but would consider other options.

Thanks in advance for the knowledge / info base - it seems a friendly forum. I hope to be more involved.

Regards,

Richie

PS - if you're interested in a FIA B or want to swap your E for one, let me know!

[mgcjag]

Hi Richie..welcom to the forum..Good luck with your E type search...Steve

[extendwild]

welcom to the forum. x trench run

[martiansunrise]

Thanks!

[Philk]

Hi - Welcome to the forum. When I started my own E-Type search eight years ago, I was convinced I wanted a Coupe. However, I ended up with an OTS and have never regretted buying that instead. The E-Type engine bay transmits a lot of heat to the cabin and I can guarantee that you rarely see a coupe driving around with its windows fully up! Hood down, there is virtually no better driving experience to be had in an E-Type. The next closest would be a coupe with a full-length webasto sunroof.

[SimonBrown]

I would second that. I had a Series 2 FHC years ago because I’d always wanted an E Type. However I sold it because it was just too hot in the summer with pretty poor ventilation, and I didn’t use it in the winter because it was always wet and salty. No doubt a sunroof would improve things.
I’ve now owned an OTS for 9 years, love it and hopefully will never part with it.
As Phil says I don’t think there is a better E Type driving experience
Simon

[E600]

I’ve had 24 e types in my life and early on they would be daily drivers. I’ve had every variant, OTS, FHC, 2+2 3.8, 4.2 and 5.3. Also aluminium racers.

If I were after a practical E Type ( as much as an E Type could be practical) I would choose a S2 2+2 manual preferably with a factory electric sunroof, however, we don’t always choose with our head.

[malcolm]

Pretty much what I've got, a series 2 2+2 with a webasto roof.
I chose it for the practicality, mainly the extra room.

[martiansunrise]

I’m not against an open top car, I just can’t justify the premium over a fhc. I’m probably going to be a t the lower end of the market.

I probably should be considering a 2+2 (I just fit in a fhc and have young kids) but a e type is a top tier classic for me, so it would have to be a three wipered car (at least the first one, anyway.

Owning 24 e types is outstanding, btw!

[malcolm]

You won't get a 2+2 with 3 wipers I don't think. They have the higher windscreen so only need 2 wipers.

[martiansunrise]

Yeah, that’s what I meant- fhc or ots.

But you never know…

[Gfhug]

You won't get a 2+2 with 3 wipers I don't think.

Except the S1 2+2 which has three wipers, fyi Malcolm.
On the S2 2+2 the bottom windscreen line was pulled forward to almost touch the bonnet, whereas on the S1 the 2+2 windscreen bottom line was at the same position as the FHC giving a more upright windscreen and retained the three wipers. Clausager’s Factory Original E Type book is a great source of information for these sort of details.

Geoff

[tim wood]

I had a series 1 2+2 when the kids were young.
The back seats fitted for a while but as you know they grow fast ! Once they got past about 8 it was a bit cramped. Still kept the car though !

They have flown the nest now and I have my OTS.
Don’t forget the 2+2 is longer - make sure that you have enough garage length


Tim

[chrisfell]

I bought my 2+2 when my two boys were smaller, but didnt change it when they grew up. Now the car is perfect for grandchildren. These days I use the car as a daily driver during the summer, shopping, trips to the recycling centre, as well as days out. It is also used to go so car shows and events. I do 4,000 miles most years, and if I take the car on holiday sometimes up to 6,000 miles.

The great thing about the 2+2 is not its carrying capacity, nor that you can sit two children in the back, it is this:
The 2+2 is every bit an E-Type as any other. It has the same engine, makes the same noise, has the same bonnet, and it drives just like any other E-Type. But, it has better headroom and you can buy one for a fraction of that required to acquire a FHC or an OTS.

A word of warning though. As 2+2s are worth less, it is quite likely that any offered for sale will be unrestored, or not properly restored, or worse.

Where abouts are you? SW UK is a large area.

[martiansunrise]

I’m in the Deverills, near Warminster.

[chrisfell]

Not far from me, about 15 miles.
When the roads are less salty would you like to check a 2+2 for size? (It isn't for sale).

[Simonpfhc]

I’ve rebuilt all three models of the S1 over the years and have some good comparison photos of the shape differences between the FHC and 2+2. Apart from the rear hatch, all the glass in the 2+2 is different. The doors are about 9” longer and the body tub is larger. The bonnet is identical. The headroom is interesting as you don’t get all the benefit of extra roof height as the seats are raised off the floor more than the FHC. You do indeed get some more headroom but you also get more drop for your legs so they are less straight out.

[martiansunrise]

Not far from me, about 15 miles.
When the roads are less salty would you like to check a 2+2 for size? (It isn't for sale).

That’s kind of you - I’d love to. Thanks

[martiansunrise]

a question for those that have owned both: how does the longer wheelbase affect the driving/handling?

[chrisfell]

Richie
It'll be a few weeks before the car has completed its winter service routine, and for the salt to have been washed away. Let's catch up towards the end of Feb.