Discussion
Boys, I'm looking for some wisdom here as I am new to the world of E-types. Currently searching for a clean roadster in L.A and would like to know which are the models to go for and why along with which essential upgrades/replacement parts to keep it running smoothly. I'm not looking for an investment car to sit in a garage hoping for appreciation, this is going to be thoroughly enjoyed, used regularly and well-maintained. A car like this is a work of art and needs to be out on the road as often as possible.
Currently looking for one in LA as the weather is perfect and the roof will never go up. This example had the auto transmission converted to a 5-speed manual with an apparent fastidious owner who spent a lot of money on it without using it much. Original seats with new leather for the doors and transmission (from the transmission tunnel resizing I think).
Happened to see one out today in Venice, lovely looking thing.
Currently looking for one in LA as the weather is perfect and the roof will never go up. This example had the auto transmission converted to a 5-speed manual with an apparent fastidious owner who spent a lot of money on it without using it much. Original seats with new leather for the doors and transmission (from the transmission tunnel resizing I think).
Happened to see one out today in Venice, lovely looking thing.
[quote=Justices]Boys, I'm looking for some wisdom here as I am new to the world of E-types. Currently searching for a clean roadster in L.A and would like to know which are the models to go for and why along with which essential upgrades/replacement parts to keep it running smoothly. I'm not looking for an investment car to sit in a garage hoping for appreciation, this is going to be thoroughly enjoyed, used regularly and well-maintained. A car like this is a work of art and needs to be out on the road as often as possible.
Currently looking for one in LA as the weather is perfect and the roof will never go up. This example had the auto transmission converted to a 5-speed manual with an apparent fastidious owner who spent a lot of money on it without using it much. Original seats with new leather for the doors and transmission (from the transmission tunnel resizing I think).
Happened to see one out today in Venice, lovely looking thing.
Well gosh where to start, apart from well done and good choice to buy an E-type.
Suppose questions are:
-Do you prefer the Coupe or roadster? (Presume roadster from your pics in the post)
-And money wise what is your budget? This will pretty much dictate (even in LA what you can buy)
Be aware of:
-USA spec cars have less power (2 carb setup and not 3 for US emissions) uk cars had 265hp and 3 SU carb setup for S1/1.5/S2
-Rust can be a major issue in lots of places (less so in your dry us states)
-Look for oil leaks (Diff, gearbox, crank seals)
-Check the Cooling, the later the model the better the cooling, look for coolant leaks, radiator issues
-Rear end, look for diff leaks, any suspension issues like leaking shocks, brake issues (Handbrake pads and operation are pretty poor) any issues ij this rear end area and the rear subframe may need to be dropped and stripped
-5 speed is a nice to have, but honestly the 4 speed synchro boxes are great, i didnt like the autos so would advise a manual. Make sure the gearbox is smooth, and no crunches into gears
-Listen for clunks from the propshaft/UJ areas as changing them are a pain (parts cheap mind)
Many say the one to have, would be the S1 3.8 Roadster, manual. But these cars command the most money in LHD and RHD.
I could go on for ages, but as a starter i suppose you need to decide what you can budget for as this will dictate what you can buy, in my dream garage would be a S1 3.8 coupe, RHD, UK manual. But i dont have the budget for that.
The biggest thing will be finding someone to work on it, at a reasonable cost and who knows what they are doing, in my area up north finding a garage who know what they are doing, and are interested but dont charge you £100+vat an hour can be difficult, i have a retired time served jag guy who does all my work and only found him as part of my classic car club, and also a club member has a 4 post ramp which has proved very valuable.
Good luck with the purchase,
Andy
Currently looking for one in LA as the weather is perfect and the roof will never go up. This example had the auto transmission converted to a 5-speed manual with an apparent fastidious owner who spent a lot of money on it without using it much. Original seats with new leather for the doors and transmission (from the transmission tunnel resizing I think).
Happened to see one out today in Venice, lovely looking thing.
Well gosh where to start, apart from well done and good choice to buy an E-type.
Suppose questions are:
-Do you prefer the Coupe or roadster? (Presume roadster from your pics in the post)
-And money wise what is your budget? This will pretty much dictate (even in LA what you can buy)
Be aware of:
-USA spec cars have less power (2 carb setup and not 3 for US emissions) uk cars had 265hp and 3 SU carb setup for S1/1.5/S2
-Rust can be a major issue in lots of places (less so in your dry us states)
-Look for oil leaks (Diff, gearbox, crank seals)
-Check the Cooling, the later the model the better the cooling, look for coolant leaks, radiator issues
-Rear end, look for diff leaks, any suspension issues like leaking shocks, brake issues (Handbrake pads and operation are pretty poor) any issues ij this rear end area and the rear subframe may need to be dropped and stripped
-5 speed is a nice to have, but honestly the 4 speed synchro boxes are great, i didnt like the autos so would advise a manual. Make sure the gearbox is smooth, and no crunches into gears
-Listen for clunks from the propshaft/UJ areas as changing them are a pain (parts cheap mind)
Many say the one to have, would be the S1 3.8 Roadster, manual. But these cars command the most money in LHD and RHD.
I could go on for ages, but as a starter i suppose you need to decide what you can budget for as this will dictate what you can buy, in my dream garage would be a S1 3.8 coupe, RHD, UK manual. But i dont have the budget for that.
The biggest thing will be finding someone to work on it, at a reasonable cost and who knows what they are doing, in my area up north finding a garage who know what they are doing, and are interested but dont charge you £100+vat an hour can be difficult, i have a retired time served jag guy who does all my work and only found him as part of my classic car club, and also a club member has a 4 post ramp which has proved very valuable.
Good luck with the purchase,
Andy
I agree with what Andy says.
Have you had a look at the cars on Hemmings?
Look at a lot of cars and buy the best one you can.
Get into the detail that differentiates a good car from a money pit. Get underneath, into the engine bay, into the fuel filler and along the underbody sills, and understand how they should be and how they are.
Establish how original they are - particularly check that the numbers match, ie that the engine is original to the car, that the colour is original to the car.
Get a copy of Philip Porter's Original Jaguar E Type and make sure that the cars you are looking at measure up. It's amazing how many cars are missing small details.
The Series 1 and 2 E Types are imho VERY cramped. Maybe you are hooked on the six cylinder engine. If I were you I would look at a Series 3 V12 which has a lot more space.
Have you had a look at the cars on Hemmings?
Look at a lot of cars and buy the best one you can.
Get into the detail that differentiates a good car from a money pit. Get underneath, into the engine bay, into the fuel filler and along the underbody sills, and understand how they should be and how they are.
Establish how original they are - particularly check that the numbers match, ie that the engine is original to the car, that the colour is original to the car.
Get a copy of Philip Porter's Original Jaguar E Type and make sure that the cars you are looking at measure up. It's amazing how many cars are missing small details.
The Series 1 and 2 E Types are imho VERY cramped. Maybe you are hooked on the six cylinder engine. If I were you I would look at a Series 3 V12 which has a lot more space.
Edited by cardigankid on Monday 16th May 20:57
I agree with what Andy says.
Have you had a look at the cars on Hemmings?
Look at a lot of cars and buy the best one you can.
Get into the detail that differentiates a good car from a money pit. Get underneath, into the engine bay, into the fuel filler and along the underbody sills, and understand how they should be and how they are.
Establish how original they are - particularly check that the numbers match, ie that the engine is original to the car, that the colour is original to the car.
Get a copy of Philip Porter's Original Jaguar E Type and make sure that the cars you are looking at measure up. It's amazing how many cars are missing small details.
The Series 1 and 2 E Types are imho VERY cramped. Maybe you are hooked on the six cylinder engine. If I were you I would look at a Series 3 V12 which has a lot more space.
Have you had a look at the cars on Hemmings?
Look at a lot of cars and buy the best one you can.
Get into the detail that differentiates a good car from a money pit. Get underneath, into the engine bay, into the fuel filler and along the underbody sills, and understand how they should be and how they are.
Establish how original they are - particularly check that the numbers match, ie that the engine is original to the car, that the colour is original to the car.
Get a copy of Philip Porter's Original Jaguar E Type and make sure that the cars you are looking at measure up. It's amazing how many cars are missing small details.
The Series 1 and 2 E Types are imho VERY cramped. Maybe you are hooked on the six cylinder engine. If I were you I would look at a Series 3 V12 which has a lot more space.
Edited by cardigankid on Monday 16th May 20:58
Thank you for the replies. Lots to consider, it's like stepping into a new world! Max budget around $100k for the roadster and will mainly be driven by my significant other (who is terrified of driving a classic for fear of breaking down).
I am not sure if it is fate, or typical when you have your eye on a car, but I've seen 4 in the last week. In fact I just saw an e-type coupe on a forecourt as I drove down Melrose Avenue earlier. It looks VERY much like a project car, but I will stop by shortly and get the details regardless. If it's a good price and worth the time/funds to bring it up to scratch I may consider it along with a good example to use. Will update with pics of the rust bucket.
I am not sure if it is fate, or typical when you have your eye on a car, but I've seen 4 in the last week. In fact I just saw an e-type coupe on a forecourt as I drove down Melrose Avenue earlier. It looks VERY much like a project car, but I will stop by shortly and get the details regardless. If it's a good price and worth the time/funds to bring it up to scratch I may consider it along with a good example to use. Will update with pics of the rust bucket.
No joy with the coupé. It hadn't been used for 15 years and was recently inherited by the grandson of the original owner. It was on the forecourt as it was about to begin its restoration.
After a little digging at the dealer it turns out the previous owner was one Michael Sheen OBE. A healthy amount was spent on servicing and conversion to a 5-speed box but driven little due to constant travel I was told. It was a little cramped for me at 6.3" with long legs, but for zipping around on weekends I'll make sure I manage.
After a little digging at the dealer it turns out the previous owner was one Michael Sheen OBE. A healthy amount was spent on servicing and conversion to a 5-speed box but driven little due to constant travel I was told. It was a little cramped for me at 6.3" with long legs, but for zipping around on weekends I'll make sure I manage.
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