Looking for an S1 OTS project car

[NJJ]

Hi Guys, a pleasure to be newly registered on this site and already the wealth of information contained has been extremely useful. As stated, I am looking for an S1 OTS 4.2 (ideally) to be fully restored. Brightwells have a forthcoming auction tomorrow (Wed 6 March) where they are selling an early 3.8 S1 OTS, I did not know if any members out there had knowledge of the car in question or have possibly even seen it? The auction team can walk me around it on the phone but I would much rather see it in person for obvious reasons but I am unfortunately away on business currently.

Thank you in advance of any assistance and should anyone know of any other examples out there that may better fit the bill, I would be extremely grateful.

Best regards,
Nick

[Robbiee]

Hi Nick
You need to be very sure of what you want, a 3.8 or a 4.2.

The auction car certainly looks like a genuine early 3.8
The flat floor ones command a better price due to rarity.

There are some cosmetic alterations and the exhaust is later but all sortable easily

It’s good to see the body number IDplate in the boot side panel

Try putting the details into xkedata website...it might come up with some more history

I bought a similar condition (But RHD) roadster March 62 for £40,000 two years ago

It will require a rebuild I’m sure and you may want to convert to RHD. BUT these early ones are probably the only cars that will allow ANY return on the restoration cost

It’s prob spent time in a salt free area which is good

Just my opinion

[Robbiee]

It’s not listed on XKEdata yet

I’d be interested to see what it sells for, the market has slipped a little but these early cars will always be more desirable and there are less and less that haven’t been restored
If you do go for it it really should be restored using as many of the original parts as possible and NOT upgraded (brakes, gearbox etc)

Interesting that it has a thumb grooved later steering wheel
I’m not sure when the change came, but, like many things Etype, it can be hard to define change dates
Robbie

[mgcjag]

Im going to look around tomorrow....anyone needing detailed photos then let me know of what parts..Steve

[Philk]

Thank you in advance of any assistance

Having looked at the car online, the main caveat would be the absence of the original engine. This will definitely affect its value.

On early 3.8s, the body number will also be on the right-hand bonnet brace (which joins the right front wing to the centre section). Worth checking this matches the body number on the tag in the rear of the car. If the body number is missing then it is not the original bonnet (not necessarily unusual given they easily corrode or get damaged but another thing to look at). Linked to this, I also can see that the Bonnet support frame is a different colour to the Engine/Picture Frames so that might not be original.

One other minor thing I spotted (aside from the large dent in its side) is that, somewhat strangely, it is missing some unusual pieces (e.g. the reversing and interior lamps). Why these are missing (given they are relatively cheap) is a bit of a mystery and could point to other more parts missing elsewhere.

[mgcjag]

Very supprising..the S1.didnt sell.....where as the silver S2 fhc was a real pile of rust.....the photos looked ok but they were taken befor the car was stripped...it needed a complete new body ...sold for £19250 + commission..can only see this was purchased for the registration......engine was from an XJ6.....Anyone here buy it......Steve

[NJJ]

Very supprising..the S1.didnt sell.....where as the silver S2 fhc was a real pile of rust.....the photos looked ok but they were taken befor the car was stripped...it needed a complete new body ...sold for £19250 + commission..can only see this was purchased for the registration......engine was from an XJ6.....Anyone here buy it......Steve

Hi Steve thank you so much for your contributions and to the other members that have also. Do you know what the bidding got to with the S1 3.8? I thought I would also speak to Brightwells to try and understand what has now happened to her.

Best regards,
Nick

[mgcjag]

Hi Nick...no sorry diddnt watch the bidding.....when a car dosnt reach the reserve the auctioneers usually announce that anyone interested should contact them as still a deal to be done.....im only 20mins away from Brightwells if you need any help...Steve

[politeperson]

The highest bid on the S1 OTS was £36,000, I was watching.

Unsold but still up for grabs if you phone Brightwells.

[NJJ]

Hi Guys, Thank you again for all of your help and for your kind offers of assistance. I spoke to Brightwells yesterday and the S1 OTS is provisionally sold. So as it says on The Apprentice, the search continues! Should anyone know of a structurally sound S1 OTS project car (ideally 4.2 but can work with a 3.8) then please do let me know.

Enjoy the weekend all.

[Gfhug]

http://forum.etypeuk.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=13942

Suggest you chat to Angus