Great indecision

jagrat · Post by **jagrat** » Tue Oct 21, 2014 6:06 am

Hello everyone,

I'm new in this forum and still do not have the fantastic e-type (but I own a nice Alfa Romeo Spider 1966

).

Over the past 15 days (!) I have studied the models and the market and I'm deeply undecided between three models: the series 1 2+2, the 1,5 2+2 or the 2 2+2.

Comparing the photos it seems to me that the series 2 has the windshield more inclined and therefore the aesthetics of the machine is more streamlined and enjoyable. In return, the series 1 and 1.5 seem to me closer to the original project, also I hypothesize that in the future will acquire greater value, as produced in less units.

But maybe I'm just wrong. What do you think?

Andrea
Italy - Lago Maggiore

christopher storey · Post by **christopher storey** » Tue Oct 21, 2014 9:14 am

of the 3, I prefer the S2 2+2 for the very reason you mention, namely with the increase projection forwards of the base of the screen the car looks far nicer from the side, and in many ways is hard to distinguish from a FHC. As far as appreciation is concerned, no 2+2 is ever going to be of the same value as the short wheelbase cars, so I wouldn't let it worry you

Also, the S2 has many advantages over S1 cars, particularly in the cooling and braking departments. However, be sure to get a European spec car and not a North American car, because the costs of bringing a US car up to European standards is great, with 3 SUs and a lower ( numerically ) axle ratio being the principal needs

malcolm · Post by **malcolm** » Tue Oct 21, 2014 9:33 am

I have a series 2 2+2, but bought it for different reasons for the ones you suggest. I wanted a 2+2 because of the extra headroom, and extra storage on trips away. (I can get luggage AND golf gear inside!) I chose a series 2 partly because I like the 4.2 engine, gearbox etc, and also because it was more affordable. Or looking at it a different way, for the same money, I could get a car in better condition. I expect that long term the earlier cars will be a better investment, but my main objective was around it's everyday use.

jagrat · Post by **jagrat** » Tue Oct 21, 2014 10:23 am

Thank you very much for your suggestions.

Christopher what do you mean with European spec? You wrote about something technical that, with my poor English I don't understand

malcolm · Post by **malcolm** » Tue Oct 21, 2014 11:24 am

jagrat, USA cars had emission controls which means tjhey had different carburettors which reduced their power a lot. Also, they had different axle ratios which means that when cruising they are at higher RPM, so at higher speeds they use more fuel and more stress on engine.

Moeregaard · Post by **Moeregaard** » Tue Oct 21, 2014 12:38 pm

jagrat wrote:Thank you very much for your suggestions.

Christopher what do you mean with European spec? You wrote about something technical that, with my poor English I don't understand

Andrea, Most E-Types shipped to the United States were fitted with a 3.54:1 final-drive ratio. What this means is that 130 KPH will have the engine running at 3,700 RPM--not good for relaxed touring. 3.07:1 gears were standard for Europe--much better. I had 3.54:1 gears in both of my E-Types, and even in the U.S. they were not good for long trips. The only good thing I can say about it is that it prevented more encounters with the police when we had the 55-MPH speed limit here in the U.S.

Beginning in 1968, all E-Types sold in the U.S. were fitted with Stromberg carburators, thanks to the emissions regulations that had just been implemented that year.

Christopher is correct, in that buying a U.S.-specification car will require significant expense to make it suitable for your driving conditions, although the lower purchase price of the 2+2 will offset some of this.

jagrat · Post by **jagrat** » Tue Oct 21, 2014 1:24 pm

Perfect, everything is clear now!

I think I will look for a II serie with European spec (not easy to find, at least in Italy).

Thank you very much

jagrat · Post by **jagrat** » Tue Oct 21, 2014 1:35 pm

Just a last question: how much it would cost the conversion from american to european spec?

malcolm · Post by **malcolm** » Tue Oct 21, 2014 2:50 pm

Not sure, but the carburretors and manifold alone could cost you, say, 2500 euros. Changing the rear differential? Quite a few thousand more I imagine (plus the difficulty of finding the right diff)
I'm sure someone will be along who can give you some definitive figures

malcolm · Post by **malcolm** » Tue Oct 21, 2014 2:59 pm

Jagrat, if they're tricky to find over there, how about a trip to the UK with a few lined up to view? Here's the sort of thing you'l find for about 35,000 euros
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jaguar-E-TYPE ... 1616584834

Not saying it's a great car, just an example of a quick browse on UK sites.

Gfhug · Post by **Gfhug** » Tue Oct 21, 2014 4:10 pm

One in the Netherlands for 35000 Euros, might suit you as it's LHD, has the SU carbs, can't tell about the differential:

http://www.erclassics.com/Jaguar-E-Type ... le-961.php

Found by searching on here:

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/classic_ ... 7&S=Search

Have a look through the various books recommended here: viewtopic.php?t=884

Good hunting and you'll find the forum members very happy to help

jagrat · Post by **jagrat** » Tue Oct 21, 2014 6:07 pm

Thank you for the links. I'm checking on www.carandclassic.co.uk but at the moment (page 5) there are not interesting cars.

The suggested ones don't fit my preferences: LHD and series 2

I already ordered the Peter Crespin book.

Let's hunt!

jagrat · Post by **jagrat** » Tue Oct 21, 2014 6:45 pm

I found this one:

http://kleinanzeigen.ebay.de/anzeigen/s ... ref=search

It should be a series II, maual gear and 3 carburators, so possibly an european spec. But why that carbs? Is it a conversion from 2 to 3 carburators?

malcolm · Post by **malcolm** » Wed Oct 22, 2014 8:46 am

These carbs in your picture are not the standard, but Weber carbs - I suspect this car is a hot one! The webers are generally better for engines that have been tuned. It also has a 5 speed box and big valve cylinder head if my translation is right. Looks nice under the bonnet!

ralphr1780 · Post by **ralphr1780** » Wed Oct 22, 2014 1:23 pm

Ciao Andrea and welcome.
In your region it is certainly great fun to drive a car such as the E, which ever the model.
A personal note though conc S2s equipped with twin Strombergs: once you have removed or cancelled the operation of the second butterfly, the car is a breeze to drive. Tuning these carbs is quite basic, and once done no need to touch any more for long long time, they are very reliable and economical.
Triple SUs do certainly outperform Strombergs in spirited driving conditions, and do contribute a lot to the aesthetics of the engine bay, but I would not put this as a prime condition.
Converting from twin Strombergs to triple SUs has indeed a cost, but remains entirely optional. And with respect to time and skills requirements is nowhere close to other to some other work you would "have" to do to get the car right.
Indeed, read PC book before making steps, explore as many offerings as possible that you find attractive, rely on the mine of info and supportive wisdom available around here, finally try to have an expert advisor along before sealing a deal.
Buono fortuna,

jagrat · Post by **jagrat** » Wed Oct 22, 2014 6:01 pm

Very good advices, this forum is really the right place to get answers and suggestions!

Today I've been visiting a very nice car:

http://stocklist.gestionaleauto.com/gon ... vo=4744798

Here more pictures that I have taken:

https://plus.google.com/photos/10146226 ... 3231379073

The general impression is very good, the price will be around 45 k?, with 12 months guarantee.

What do you think?

Gfhug · Post by **Gfhug** » Wed Oct 22, 2014 8:17 pm

Your photos show two carbs, so it looks like an American car. It will have the 3.54 differential which has been pointed out is not ideal in Europe. If the dealer can't or won't confirm where it is from (maybe it says in the description, but, sorry I can't tell) then when you test drive use a phone GPS to check speed against revs then you can calculate the ratio.

As has been said, get a knowledgeable person to look at it to check for any anomalies.

Superficially it looks nice enough, though.

Good hunting

Geoff

christopher storey · Post by **christopher storey** » Thu Oct 23, 2014 8:40 am

Very high price for a US spec car . I always want to know, also, why the steering wheel is non-standard

ralphr1780 · Post by **ralphr1780** » Thu Oct 23, 2014 10:27 am

Andrea, they have been very generous with the black coating, I would run away.
Recommended to spend some time on XKEdata.com viewing pictures of nice similar models and getting acquainted with the differences.

mystery type · Post by **mystery type** » Thu Oct 23, 2014 3:10 pm

Superficially it looks nice enough, though.

some really nice pics on your other albums too, wish i was as good with a camera.

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