#1 3.8 buying advice
Posted: Sat May 15, 2021 11:25 am
I have had an e mail from someone in ( I think ) Italy , asking for advice on purchasing what is a 3.8 FHC in black, which is a bit unusual
I gave this advice, but if anyone wants to add** to it, please do so
"The pictures suggest it's a car built somewhere between late 1963 and mid 1964 . Most of the bits look original specification, although the radiator looks to be a later specification similar to that of a 4.2 , and the gear lever knob is aftermarket . It is bright and shiny, in an unusual colour , which suggests a repaint. If it has been restored you need to find out who did it , and ask for photographs of the restoration process. The vital thing to remember with E types is that the mechanics , engine, suspension, brakes etc are of secondary importance : it is the bodywork which matters, so a really good look at the underside is the first thing to do, and then open as many apertures inside as you can - and if you have an endoscope look inside the hollow spaces, particularly the sills, the bulkhead, the B posts behind the door shut faces etc . it is the hollow spaces on these cars which harbour rust , and the very worst type of car to buy is the one which has just had a glossy paint job done on top of ( and to conceal ) a rusty bodyshell . Don't be in a hurry to buy, and unless you are absolutely sure of what you are getting , get a professional examination . Good luck"
Christopher Storey
** or for that matter , contradict any of it
I gave this advice, but if anyone wants to add** to it, please do so
"The pictures suggest it's a car built somewhere between late 1963 and mid 1964 . Most of the bits look original specification, although the radiator looks to be a later specification similar to that of a 4.2 , and the gear lever knob is aftermarket . It is bright and shiny, in an unusual colour , which suggests a repaint. If it has been restored you need to find out who did it , and ask for photographs of the restoration process. The vital thing to remember with E types is that the mechanics , engine, suspension, brakes etc are of secondary importance : it is the bodywork which matters, so a really good look at the underside is the first thing to do, and then open as many apertures inside as you can - and if you have an endoscope look inside the hollow spaces, particularly the sills, the bulkhead, the B posts behind the door shut faces etc . it is the hollow spaces on these cars which harbour rust , and the very worst type of car to buy is the one which has just had a glossy paint job done on top of ( and to conceal ) a rusty bodyshell . Don't be in a hurry to buy, and unless you are absolutely sure of what you are getting , get a professional examination . Good luck"
Christopher Storey
** or for that matter , contradict any of it