New member and new to the E-Type

IanC · Post by **IanC** » Tue Sep 23, 2014 2:52 pm

Hello, just signed up here after spending a few weeks reading and learning about all things E-Type. I am hoping to sell my alloy body XKR soon, and put the cash towards a FHC at some point next year.

I have owned a classic mustang fastback for over 3 years, and other various classics before that, however the E-Type would be my most ambitious purchase yet (if I can afford one). Which brings me to my next question, how much should I look to save, to spend on a 4.2 FHC?

I would not expect to buy a concourse car, I would be looking for something that is roadworthy and can be driven and enjoyed on a regular basis, while carrying out work from time to time to improve the car.

Post by **Heuer** » Tue Sep 23, 2014 2:58 pm

Welcome to the Forum! Difficult to give you a guide price because it depends on whether you want a Series 1 or Series 2 FHC. Best value is undoubtedly the S2 as they were better developed and, being younger, are going to be in better nick. A good imported LHD S2 is probably where you should start looking (conversion to RHD is easy). Check out Angus's web site to see the sort of thing that can be found: www.mossjaguar.com for around ?50k.

IanC · Post by **IanC** » Tue Sep 23, 2014 3:23 pm

I have been looking mostly at S2 models, and I would be happy to have LHD or Auto or both. Would rather avoid the twin Stromberg carbs, in favour of triple SU's

SEJohnson95 · Post by **SEJohnson95** » Tue Sep 23, 2014 5:08 pm

Welcome! :) A trio of HD8s can be bought for a few grand if all else fails as they are made new. So long as you don't go for triple 45 DCOE Webers ;) Series 2s seem v sensible, and you can always "improve" the rear end with a conversion to S1 tailpipes, use the Elan rear lights and rectangular numberplate, you could even do a closed headlight conversion, but then I'm a purist!

IanC · Post by **IanC** » Fri Oct 24, 2014 12:11 pm

Thanks for the info. Having done a lot more research (and organised the all important test drive) I am going to aim for a S2 car. I plan to buy one early next year and I expect that comfortably I can spend ?40k. For that price I realise I won't be getting a top grade car, is it worth looking at project cars that need work, or do they typically end up needing more investment than buying a finished car in the first place?

I am currently also restoring a 1969 mustang fastback, which I bought as a "rolling resto" and have used for 3 years prior to taking it off the road and stripping this winter for a repaint. What would be ideal for me, would be finding an E-Type in a similar state i.e solid and roadwprthey but needing some restoration and TLC to make good. However from looking over several weeks it seems that these cars don't exist, most are either fully restored and cost ???? or in need of extensive restoration which would take years to complete.

Durango2k · Post by **Durango2k** » Fri Oct 24, 2014 12:32 pm

Years ? Sometimes more then a decade for the average DIY (don't ask how si know...).

Carsten

Mark Gordon · Post by **Mark Gordon** » Fri Oct 24, 2014 2:44 pm

Yeah, Carsten. But look at all the fun you've had and all the new friends that you've made along this journey. Priceless!

Durango2k · Post by **Durango2k** » Fri Oct 24, 2014 5:52 pm

Hi Mark,

of course I do !

Just wanted to say that sometimes it IS frustrating...

Will put mine back on 4 wheels tomorrow. Rear end is done, now front end.
Family is out, so I have 5 hours... should be enough.

Carsten

ernie · Post by **ernie** » Fri Oct 24, 2014 6:01 pm

Hi Ian
I went down the same route as you are planning to go, so hope that you don't mind my comments. The S2 is a cracking car and as had been said, it is cheaper than a S1.
I purchased a LHD S2 OTS this year and it will soon be stripped down and rebuilt, rather than a rolling restoration- which I first considered.
My research concluded that the thing about the E Type is that the body is prone to rust and even if it is good condition (cannot tell categorically until the car is stripped down) then it is possible that a respray may be needed. In both cases to do a decent repair/ respray then the body tub etc has to be stripped. In that case it is logical to refurbish the components that have to come off the car. Thus you have a significant project. I decided to bite the bullet and get it all done at once as I want to drive the car regularly and the car needed at a minimum a respray...the US climate is not kind to a 40+ year car. Also there are horror stories out there in plenty of cars that have been bodged in the past,, and have faults that are well hidden. I was lucky that I was advised by some of the people on this forum and seem to have avoided the worst issues (hopefully)
That said there are lots of good people on this forum who are very experienced and I am sure that they jump in and offer their advice and help.
Good luck...and I will be looking out to see your progress... :)

IanC · Post by **IanC** » Mon Nov 03, 2014 11:47 pm

Cheers for the info David, I would love a S2 OTS but I would struggle to afford a good enough one at the minute, I have seen a few FHC around the price I want to pay though. Taking note of what you say about it turning into a full rebuild, would rather avoid that if I can.

Bought a copy of 'The Essential Buyers Guide' to get a bit more understanding about these cars and what to look for.

Read another thread on this forum about these cars being bought up as investments rather than to use, I would hope to use mine fairly often during the summer months. I use my other classic as often as I can, as good as the engineering is in some modern toys, nothing can match the rawness or experience of driving a classic.

This is what will be keeping the E-Type company.

ernie · Post by **ernie** » Tue Nov 04, 2014 12:42 pm

Hi
I recommend that you read Chris Rooke's E Type jaguar DIY-restoration and maintenance...a cracking good read ..its follows his own restoration project of a FHC :)

IanC · Post by **IanC** » Sat Nov 15, 2014 12:47 pm

Off to look at a LHD s2 roadster today. Trying to remember all the pointers of what to look out for in the book!

IanC · Post by **IanC** » Thu Mar 12, 2015 10:14 pm

Just to follow up this thread, I picked my s2 ots up last weekend. Just got my reg through from the DVLA so waiting for plates to be made up so I can have a drive in it!

Not taken any of my own pics but these are what I have found

Its exactly what I was after, so big thanks to all who pointed me in Angus' direction, and also to Angus for helping out!

GravyGraham · Post by **GravyGraham** » Thu Mar 12, 2015 10:53 pm

She looks fairly tidy Ian. Will the work you want to undertake on her mean she'll be off the road for long?

christopher storey · Post by **christopher storey** » Fri Mar 13, 2015 1:59 pm

That's a lovely colour . Could it be Opalescent Dark Blue, or is it a bit greener than that ?

Simon P · Post by **Simon P** » Fri Mar 13, 2015 2:32 pm

christopher storey wrote:That's a lovely colour . Could it be Opalescent Dark Blue, or is it a bit greener than that ?

It's white and gold isn't it?

IanC · Post by **IanC** » Mon Mar 16, 2015 11:49 pm

apparently its Opalescent Silver Grey, I want to change the interior (mostly very worn and tired anyway) to either maroon or light brown.

It needs new carpets and hardura so figure may as well change it to a colour I like!

Nickleback · Post by **Nickleback** » Wed Apr 08, 2015 5:54 am

Looks good base to start with, :) got any photo's of the interior ?

GravyGraham · Post by **GravyGraham** » Wed Apr 08, 2015 6:51 am

Maroon? You're brave.

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