E Types have been on my list since c1995: was close to exploring a deal then on a red S1 FHC at Woodmanton Classics, if you recall them, but decided to keep my classic instead (and still have it). Other classics came and some went, then finally in 2021 I purchased my E.
Completely restored in the 80’s, extensive mechanical works (again) in the 2010’s: engine, box, diff all rebuilt, high torque starter, Luminition, alloy front brake calipers and GAZ shocks.
Paintwork showed some age in the form of star crazing/cracks and the car was hardly used since the mid 90’s, even following the extensive mechanical works referenced above (I know all about life getting in the way though with some of my cars covering embarrassingly low annual mileages). I had it repainted which revealed lots of high build primer (from the 80’s restoration) and just the lightest of surface rust here and there from the paint cracks thankfully.
Now looking splendid in Cream the E is all matching (numbers and colours) and I’ve completed loads of fettling as a result of the cars limited use, really enjoying that process - the information on this forum has been invaluable in that regard.
The E has been nothing but an utter joy and I can honestly see me being her custodian for as long as I’m around (along with one or two others). The joy the E brings to me and others is amazing and I hadn’t quite expected that, far more so than any of my other classics.
Aside from local trips (including Donington Classic twice, and again in a few weeks time) we’ve completed three glorious French road trips including Le Mans in 2023, and a first visit to Goodwood Revival on the way home from one of the road trips last September (what a wonderful event that is).
Very roomy (in FHC guise certainly), and relaxing at a steady 85 MPH on the auto-routes, the E is made for crossing continentals. Then you visit your local twists and turns and sense the squatting and progressive ‘slide’ as it blasts out of the corners - more tyre deflection than actual slides I sense, what a thrilling sensation.
That engine, goodness it’s impressive with so much torque and a lovely ‘meaty’ sound, and the box is smooth and precise. The (updated) brakes are good too and the E isn’t lost at all in amongst much more modern fast stuff. Incredible really and a testament to how right the E always was (with some subtle and modern improvements perhaps, not available back then).
I can recommend a high capacity alloy rad and modern fan which cools the car, and your nerves, brilliantly - my E ran hot when stationery and even in the plus thirty degrees of last late summer, she never went above c75 degrees in any circumstance.
At Christmas I tracked down owners from the 70’s, shared some lovely memories and uncovered old photo’s of the restoration in the 80’s. This car makes and connects friends like none other - can you tell I’m smitten!
So thanks for all the advice you’ve thus far given me and excuse my lengthy prose - you know all that really from your own experiences, we’re lucky people aren’t we.
