The 'E' Type Forum

I?ve just spotted this car for sale on eBay and I?m bowled over. How many un-restored S3 cars, one owner and 8000 miles from new, can there be?

I?m quite surprised that it?s still being listed, as I would have thought that it would have been snapped up very quickly.

Those joke rubber bumpers would have to be removed, which would require a bit of paintwork, but nothing too dramatic. I somehow doubt that it?s the original paint, as the Leyland process never looked that good, and it looks just too shiny?must be two pack. Of course the roof has certainly been painted.

The detail under the bonnet, in the cabin and in the boot is just exceptional. It got me thinking of the worst case scenario though?if this car has never been apart, it may need a fair bit of mechanical work.

All the hydraulics, rubber bushes in the suspension and rubber hoses on the engine would need doing if they hadn?t been attended to in the past 10 or 15 years. If the engine hasn?t been apart then the seals and gaskets would probably need some help, and I?m sure that the bores would be glazed. But taking the engine apart would allow the proper high compression pistons to be fitted, and all the crude fuel emissions stuff to be removed.

And there?s the gearbox and differential gaskets and seals that would probably need attention. Hmmm, if all this needs doing, then maybe another ?10k or ?15k has to be spent on the car, but then you?d have probably one of the finest original S3 ots cars in existence. I?m sure that it wouldn?t need all that work though.

So chaps, what price perfection? Any thoughts??

Here?s the advert, and I?ve copied a few pictures for posterity!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1974-XKE ... 20af8189da

Hi Mark,
i can see your point ,it does look good and the idea of super low milage car is exciting if true,but would we expect the dealer selling it to mention some history and paperwork?.Is the drivers seat more worn than it should be?
Have you seen this one which would end up nearly ?20k cheaper

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... MEWAX%3AIT

Steve

A friend of mine bought a very low mileage E-Type and then realised that he was constantly avoiding using it. Because it's real value was in the low mileage, it's value was being compromised every time he drove it - so he used his Healey instead and left the E-Type in the garage. Eventually he sold the E-Type because he was never using it.

So, if you want a museum piece go low mileage, but if you want to enjoy a motoring experience then don't pay a premium for something you will avoid using.

Just the thoughts of someone who who enjoys his car and every single extra mile it covers!