Why no e type replica
Discussion
I wonder why there is no good e type replica, there used to be a couple, the wildcat which was not very good, but the challenger which had XJ suspension and engine was very good (apart from the boot lid not fitting very well I think!)
It seems like a very obvious kit car, being able to use the XK engine etc. Much more usable than for example a cobra, as the hood would be better and the boot bigger.
Has it been killed by Jaguar?
It seems like a very obvious kit car, being able to use the XK engine etc. Much more usable than for example a cobra, as the hood would be better and the boot bigger.
Has it been killed by Jaguar?
Bottom line was that around the late 90s early 00s, there were enough restoration project type real E-Types around that it was more cost effective to restore an original than to build a kit, even if it was a really good one.
Maybe, now that classic car prices are soaring again, there might be room for a resurrection of the Challenger?
Maybe, now that classic car prices are soaring again, there might be room for a resurrection of the Challenger?
I think that the E Type is just one of those cars that you need to have an original.
The first question people ask is, "Is it a real one?" and after a while it just winds you up. You end up wanting to drive it off a cliff.
I have a scratch build and have a similar problem. "What kit is it"? "It's not a kit. I built it from scratch." " Yes, but what kit did you build it from"?
Grrrrrr.
Paul G
The first question people ask is, "Is it a real one?" and after a while it just winds you up. You end up wanting to drive it off a cliff.
I have a scratch build and have a similar problem. "What kit is it"? "It's not a kit. I built it from scratch." " Yes, but what kit did you build it from"?
Grrrrrr.
Paul G
finishing touch said:
I think that the E Type is just one of those cars that you need to have an original.
The first question people ask is, "Is it a real one?" and after a while it just winds you up. You end up wanting to drive it off a cliff.
I have a scratch build and have a similar problem. "What kit is it"? "It's not a kit. I built it from scratch." " Yes, but what kit did you build it from"?
Grrrrrr.
Paul G
No offence, but that is rubbish. Have you ever seen a properly built Challenger up close?? A freind has a red one, and my stepfather had a blue one. 99% of people cannot tell, even some eType owners. The first question people ask is, "Is it a real one?" and after a while it just winds you up. You end up wanting to drive it off a cliff.
I have a scratch build and have a similar problem. "What kit is it"? "It's not a kit. I built it from scratch." " Yes, but what kit did you build it from"?
Grrrrrr.
Paul G
Furyblade_Lee said:
No offence, but that is rubbish. Have you ever seen a properly built Challenger up close?? A freind has a red one, and my stepfather had a blue one. 99% of people cannot tell, even some eType owners.
No offence taken. Just voicing my opinion.However, I would think that if someone has to ask, " Is it a real one? " then it must to them look identical, or if not then pretty damn close.
Paul G
I think the "is it a real one?" question is more of a sign of the times than a comment on replicas themselves. Cars have become far more disposable in the last 15 years, also the general public these days are more aware that kits and replicas are a thing. So it's a question that is now more likely to be asked when people see any car that looks more than 15-20 years old.
I think an E-type replica would find a market now, the cost of an original is now much higher than the probable cost of a kit build. Later XJs are starting to become desirable now, not to mention a bit harder to find, so while they are great for something more authentic, an option to use more up to date mechanicals (BMW?) would be a wise move that would probably gain orders.
I think an E-type replica would find a market now, the cost of an original is now much higher than the probable cost of a kit build. Later XJs are starting to become desirable now, not to mention a bit harder to find, so while they are great for something more authentic, an option to use more up to date mechanicals (BMW?) would be a wise move that would probably gain orders.
I hate the snobbery attitude with the Wildcat. I find nothing wrong with them to be honest. Yes its not the perfect e type shape, but its unique in its own way. Those who talk about E Types in terms of being the only way to own one is to have an original and nothing else aren't in the real world. People who talk about 20k as though it's pennies havnt the foggiest that it's a lot of money. I know lots of people who would snap your hand off at even 10k.
Yes you have the Challenger with the correct looks and running gear, but prices for one are still too much for most people, and let's not forget the running costs running a 4.2 litre engine. My dad has stuck a V6 engine in his Wildcat and thats probably his limit. Stick a 3.8 or 4.2 litre engine in it and the car would never be out of the garage because it would cost too much to run; its no wonder you don't see many E Types out on the roads. That's not to say its not had its problems - lots of em. The biggest problem was things going wrong and the useless garage down the road who don't know what they were doing, which resulted in nearly most of the summer without the car being on the road.
I agree that a lot of people will not notice if its a replica/kit. Last summer we took our Wildcat out for a spin one afternoon and stopped off at a local garage, and a nice lady who worked there rushed out and asked could she take some photos of it. We were like "of course you can". Would an owner of a real e type be so obliging? I doubt it lol. We then told her it wasnt a real one and she looked surprised.
Yes you have the Challenger with the correct looks and running gear, but prices for one are still too much for most people, and let's not forget the running costs running a 4.2 litre engine. My dad has stuck a V6 engine in his Wildcat and thats probably his limit. Stick a 3.8 or 4.2 litre engine in it and the car would never be out of the garage because it would cost too much to run; its no wonder you don't see many E Types out on the roads. That's not to say its not had its problems - lots of em. The biggest problem was things going wrong and the useless garage down the road who don't know what they were doing, which resulted in nearly most of the summer without the car being on the road.
I agree that a lot of people will not notice if its a replica/kit. Last summer we took our Wildcat out for a spin one afternoon and stopped off at a local garage, and a nice lady who worked there rushed out and asked could she take some photos of it. We were like "of course you can". Would an owner of a real e type be so obliging? I doubt it lol. We then told her it wasnt a real one and she looked surprised.
Edited by Jukebag on Thursday 17th December 15:18
Edited by Jukebag on Thursday 17th December 15:25
A little tempter - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JPR-WILDCAT-/19175872171...
I think I would change the wheels though !
I think I would change the wheels though !
Jukebag said:
I hate the snobbery attitude with the Wildcat. I find nothing wrong with them to be honest. Yes its not the perfect e type shape, but its unique in its own way. Those who talk about E Types in terms of being the only way to own one is to have an original and nothing else aren't in the real world. People who talk about 20k as though it's pennies havnt the foggiest that it's a lot of money. I know lots of people who would snap your hand off at even 10k.
Yes you have the Challenger with the correct looks and running gear, but prices for one are still too much for most people, and let's not forget the running costs running a 4.2 litre engine. My dad has stuck a V6 engine in his Wildcat and thats probably his limit. Stick a 3.8 or 4.2 litre engine in it and the car would never be out of the garage because it would cost too much to run; its no wonder you don't see many E Types out on the roads. That's not to say its not had its problems - lots of em. The biggest problem was things going wrong and the useless garage down the road who don't know what they were doing, which resulted in nearly most of the summer without the car being on the road.
I agree that a lot of people will not notice if its a replica/kit. Last summer we took our Wildcat out for a spin one afternoon and stopped off at a local garage, and a nice lady who worked there rushed out and asked could she take some photos of it. We were like "of course you can". Would an owner of a real e type be so obliging? I doubt it lol. We then told her it wasnt a real one and she looked surprised.
I seem to recall the Wildcat Lightweight E Type Replica was a very nice vehicle (or is my memory failing me?)Yes you have the Challenger with the correct looks and running gear, but prices for one are still too much for most people, and let's not forget the running costs running a 4.2 litre engine. My dad has stuck a V6 engine in his Wildcat and thats probably his limit. Stick a 3.8 or 4.2 litre engine in it and the car would never be out of the garage because it would cost too much to run; its no wonder you don't see many E Types out on the roads. That's not to say its not had its problems - lots of em. The biggest problem was things going wrong and the useless garage down the road who don't know what they were doing, which resulted in nearly most of the summer without the car being on the road.
I agree that a lot of people will not notice if its a replica/kit. Last summer we took our Wildcat out for a spin one afternoon and stopped off at a local garage, and a nice lady who worked there rushed out and asked could she take some photos of it. We were like "of course you can". Would an owner of a real e type be so obliging? I doubt it lol. We then told her it wasnt a real one and she looked surprised.
Edited by Jukebag on Thursday 17th December 15:18
Edited by Jukebag on Thursday 17th December 15:25
ugg10 said:
A little tempter - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JPR-WILDCAT-/19175872171...
I think I would change the wheels though !
True.I think I would change the wheels though !
That example looks like the 4x4 version!
Gassing Station | Kit Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff