When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
As this forum is populated by true car lovers... anybody ever owned a Jaguar E Type?
I am looking at a Gen 1 which has been restored, with the 3.8 Liter in line 6.
Convertible model...
Anything to avoid, look for, require?
I have always been a lover of this model, and having my first car a '64 Spitfire, I know there is "Baggage with British" especially Lucas the Prince of Darkness.
Always loved the E type. If i were me, Series 1 4.2. Series 2 came with several improvements but US federal mandates included wrap around bumpers, uncovered headlights which some purists didn't like. As always a full inspection by a Jaguar specialist is paramount as it can be a money pit. Many e type experts in the UK, not so many here in the US.
if "restored" means real, functional electrical components, and new-reproduction carburetors (vs original junk), it'll go a long way towards being a more reliable car than a more original XKE.
if "restored" means real, functional electrical components, and new-reproduction carburetors (vs original junk), it'll go a long way towards being a more reliable car than a more original XKE.
Only owners of Jaguars can truly appreciate your post. I fell in love with the XKE and bought one in 1970. It was IMO the most beautiful car on the road. After owing it for six months, I wondered how in the hell did the British defeat the Germans in the battle of Britain in 1940. Based on my Jaguar experiences I'm surprised that the British were able to get enough Spitfires airborne to defeat the Germans. On the positive side I sold my Jaguar after three years for only $500 less than what I paid for it.
I have always loved the E-Type, and when I was about 18 working as a car valet at a London Casino in the late 80’s I got to drive one. Unfortunately the drive did not match the looks!
Brings back memories. When I was in High School, a friend's Dad bought the last new E-type in Texas (was a 1974 I believe). Midnight blue with tan interior, V12. That car was always in the shop needing carbs synced or something electrical fixed. It was a work of art to look at though.
When I was a teen living in rural NJ A buddy had a 1963 that had been in a front end accident, body work only damaged.
He and his Dad bought another front clip and got it back on the road along with a $29.95 Earl Scheib frt end repaint.
I drove it a lot and it was an unforgettable experience. To this day I still think the E type is the most beautiful car ever made.
Same kid also had a Triumph roadster, a TR3 maybe?
Fast1,
Your Jag/RAF comparison really made me laugh! Good one.
I've been around a few in my day but over the past couple of years I've been fortunate to have access to a shop that restores them and other British marques.
A friend has a '70 E Type bought at an auction. I was with him but not at the auction. When later he told me I said: "You did what?" He was somewhat lucky in that the body hadn't rusted but the mechanicals needed attention. For the past couple of years the car has been on a regular IV cash drip. He's in love with it but knows better now. It has become a nice car and drives beautifully now.
I've been around a few in my day but over the past couple of years I've been fortunate to have access to a shop that restores them and other British marques.
A friend has a '70 E Type bought at an auction. I was with him but not at the auction. When later he told me I said: "You did what?" He was somewhat lucky in that the body hadn't rusted but the mechanicals needed attention. For the past couple of years the car has been on a regular IV cash drip. He's in love with it but knows better now. It has become a nice car and drives beautifully now.
10-31-2019, 10:29 AM
Jaguar E Type
