Reaction to the E type is Almost Overwhelming Sometimes

[politeperson]

Not much point to this post, but just something that has become increasingly apparent to me over the summer.

As some of you may know, I like to use my car as much as possible.

If its dry I will take it in preference to anything else parked outside.

So over the last few days I have been everywhere in it.

It receives plenty of thumbs ups, waves looks and smiles when I am on the road. It seems to be an instinctive reaction from drivers approaching from the other direction.

The thing that never changes is the reaction I get when I park it up.

Unlike a modern Aston or Ferrari, people will approach you and want to ask questions.

I have been on errands and in the pub car park twice, the supermarket once, into the village, to the shop and the butcher, to the co-op twice and the petrol station.

On all occasions, I was stopped and asked about it.

It amazes me how much interest the car generates from those who are not really car people and also those that are.

Surprisingly, much of the interest comes from the younger generation, who just want a closer look. I had a long chat today with two 18 year olds one of which had built an e type model and just wanted to look.

I have never been in a car that generates so much genuine affection.

It seems everyone loves an e-type.

[PeterCrespin]

We've all been there From children too young to know 'car stuff' to crumblies too old to drive, they all remark on the E.

To answer the question 'What is it like in a D replica?' Same,e only leave out the 'Almost'.

People wind their windows down to listen as they pass, or are passed, on the motorway.

[cactusman]

Yes....find exactly the same.....I went to the municipal tip in mine a few weeks back....that caused a stir off to sainsburys later....

[chrisfell]

After more than 14 years this has become routine. I am not precious about my car and will invite anyone to sit in it, look under the bonnet at the naughty bits, put their sticky paw prints all over it.

Tescos, the tip, B&Q, the local village fete, or just out for Sunday lunch, these are all 'events' at which I have been asked, "Is this your car?", followed by a long conversation about how old, how many cylinders, how long, how many miles, how many gallons, did I do it myself, what's it worth.......

Yesterday's (village fete) most enthusiastic conversations were with (a) a lady of a certain age, who read out some of the details of my car to her children, and (b) a very young lady who knew precisely what it was, down to the year, series and sub model. There was also a chap, who lives locally and has a 2+2 on a rotiserie. I think he may have been taking notes. Knowledgeable questioners asked about my MX5 derived seats. As the upholsterer is also a local chap I was happy to impart details.

Many years ago I had a non verbal intercourse with the occupants of a non descript super-mini while travelling in France. They overtook, then indicated right, asking me to overtake them. So I did, while they, windows down phones extended, recorded the event, which was repeated when they overtook me again. Smiles all round.

[Simon P]

It can sometimes prove problematic though. On a cross-country trip 10 days ago I found myself absolutely bursting for a wee having been held up in traffic earlier in the day. Ordinarily I would have just found a convenient place to pull over and nip behind a hedge, but (a) whilst I might go unnoticed if I leave the family car by the side the road, the same is not true of parking the E-type, and (b) one can hardly let the side down by having people going around out there saying "'Ere, I saw a lovely E-type today, and you'll never guess what the owner was doing...."

[BRM]

Same as everyone else. The other day I parked up in the local town car park. On returning from the ticket machine the parking warden was already standing there. I hastened over, waving my ticket, but he said "don't worry mate, just admiring the car ". There ensued a conversation which used up half the thirty minutes parking I'd just paid for.

Later at the garden centre I was accosted by two separate ladies at the beginning and end of my visit. I thought finally the E type was doing its job but sadly they just wanted to talk about the car and their own classic car experiences. Never mind, that in itself made my day.

[Lambo911]

When the fuel pump failed on my car I pulled onto the verge at side of the road and had the bonnet up whilst waiting for the recovery truck.

Two different guys stopped to say they knew about older cars and asked if I needed help. I thanked them but explained I was in good hands and after a bit of a chat they went on their way.

The next car to stop was a Nissan Micra, the guy pulled onto the verge in front of my car. He got out and said “I don’t know anything about cars mate so I can help you fix it but I’ve always wanted to see under the bonnet of one of these. Do you mind if I take a photo?” He then pulled out a camera, took a snap of the engine, said “thanks” and jumped back in his car!

It still make me smile to this day. I can’t imagine someone doing this if it had been any other car!