The 'E' Type Forum

Hello,

Here is an interesting debate involving the great and the good of the E Type world.

https://www.classicandsportscar.com/fea ... 00AO2YEQA1

Interesting how the majority favour the 3.8 FHC, until it comes to those that make their living from the cars.

Regards

I havent counted but looks a good spread between original 3.8....and the improved S1 4.2......Steve

Impossible to answer as it depends on what you want to use the car for.

I prefer the S1 4.2 (Fixed head first then OTS) as they are such a well sorted car. I think you still have to upgrade the brakes and fit a better cooling fan. Having said that, my own 67 FHC had completed 84k miles in California with standard brakes and fan.....

The overweaning conceit of choosing your own bowdlerised version as the most beautiful takes some beating !!

You've taught me a new word, thanks Christopher.

Regards

Overweaning conceit indeed..... a vein I should continue.

I like my 2+2 for all its shortcomings - all of which are visual. From a variety of angles it fails Gordon Murray's test. From the rear quarter it looks hunch-backed, from the front it seems to be wearing a top hat. But from the one angle that really matters, overlooking the bonnet from the driving seat, it carries none of these detriments but all of the original car's charm - the same bonnet; the same engine; the same interior.

And then there are the benefits unique to this model. I can get in and out of the car without disarticulating my 65 year old spine. I can sit in the (modified and higher than standard) seat without my head touching the head lining or my eyeline being blocked by the top of the windscreen. I can carry a fortnight's change of clothing for two and a comprehensive tool box and a box of spare parts without filling the cabin to the roof.

And despite its ungainly and inept looks it is as spritely as a 1980/90s hot hatch.

Finally, because it is the most unfancied and least valuable of all bodystyles, I have no problems in driving my car as if it were a daily driver (salted roads excluded).

S1 FHC all day long for me , but I'm a little biassed , am I the only person who thinks a low drag , dare I say ,is a little ugly ????

Not at all, I agree, fhc for me.

I'm a FHC man also for its additional storage space and ability to carry the mutt if so needed, though not now as she shuffled off this mortal coil over a year ago.

For that open car feeling I got a £5k retractable hard top model of the Mazda MX-5. Great fun to drive and I'm not even bothered about salted roads.

dal2.0litrefrogeye wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 19, 2022 8:53 pm

S1 FHC all day long for me , but I'm a little biassed , am I the only person who thinks a low drag , dare I say ,is a little ugly ????

Darren! Wash your mouth out! How dare you disparage the mighty low drag?

Yeah, I agree. The purity of the Series 1 Coupe is only usually spoiled by those trying to improve on it. Frankly, I don't care whether it's 3.8 or 4.2 although the extra badges on the rear door of the 4.2 do clutter it up. The alloy dash is pretty special too. Minor points though.

Regards

I looked at my car on Sunday as it was out in the sunshine for the first time in months, now with its new working clutch pedal return spring (replacing that was a long delayed faff). It really needs wider tyres on wheels that are a little further out.

It ain’t gonna get them. These wheels are only 20 years old, and still buff up almost as good as new. And I’ve just bought a new set of Vreds.

3.8 FHC (and I have had two of them) for looks, the seats (yes really) and the 3.8 engine which I prefer. Not so keen on the moss box although I have always been proficient at its manipulation - I favour the all synchro Jag box personally , but that would be a modification to a 3.8.

Barrie

Everyone's view will favour their own choice. For myself, the 3.8 wins over the 4.2 by virtue of its overall appearance (including the seats with the top down). On the latter point, I prefer the appearance of the OTS seats to the FHC versions. I was nervous about their comfort level (having a bad back) but I've actually found them to be really supportive which means I can drive a few hours without discomfort (during or after) the journey.

Being totally biased i have to agree that the 3.8 fhc is a top choice, but the series3 fhc is also growing on me as a bit of a bargain (relatively speaking!). Nearly persuaded a friend to buy one recently, but not quite