Cheap E Type Pitfalls - S3 V12 2+2

[rob0r]

I'm after a bit of advice... I've been through the search and seen many statements saying avoid cheap e-types at all costs unless you know what you're doing. Further reading seems to apply this to the bodywork restoration rather than the actual mechanical side, how true is this?

I've seen a cheap local V12 manual S3 2+2 which has been stored for umpteen years. the paint is terrible, the bodywork is dinged, the interior needs attention, the chrome needs rechroming etc. Apart from that the underside and mechanicals do not look bad at all. The floorpan looks solid and there are no other signs of rust/grot. The bodywork is not rusty either. The engine bay looks good enough and the engine has been run in the last two years.

Say if I was the sort of chap who didn't mind the state of the bodywork/interior (at all, I really like it as is!) and wanted a useable mechanically sorted E Type, what else do I really have to worry about?

I understand I would have to check over/overhaul the braking, engine, suspension as needed, none of that worries me. As far as I gather spares are plentiful and there is decent aftermarket support. In the worst case scenario with the engine then Jag V12s engines/spares are relatively common.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[johnxjsc1985]

rob0r said:

I'm after a bit of advice... I've been through the search and seen many statements saying avoid cheap e-types at all costs unless you know what you're doing. Further reading seems to apply this to the bodywork restoration rather than the actual mechanical side, how true is this?

I've seen a cheap local V12 manual S3 2+2 which has been stored for umpteen years. the paint is terrible, the bodywork is dinged, the interior needs attention, the chrome needs rechroming etc. Apart from that the underside and mechanicals do not look bad at all. The floorpan looks solid and there are no other signs of rust/grot. The bodywork is not rusty either. The engine bay looks good enough and the engine has been run in the last two years.

Say if I was the sort of chap who didn't mind the state of the bodywork/interior (at all, I really like it as is!) and wanted a useable mechanically sorted E Type, what else do I really have to worry about?

I understand I would have to check over/overhaul the braking, engine, suspension as needed, none of that worries me. As far as I gather spares are plentiful and there is decent aftermarket support. In the worst case scenario with the engine then Jag V12s engines/spares are relatively common.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

seen a few later models usable starting at about £25k.
To be honest the Bodywork could be a nightmare, personally i would much rather go for a decent solid body and dodgy mechanicals.
It is something I have also been thinking about as £30k gets you very little from the Bank ETC these days.
Let us know how you get on but speak to someone who has a good working knowledge.