A total restoration was required, but then again it is 40 years old.
If you're going to buy one of these machines, rust is your enemy. It can be eradicated, but expect to spend time/money to do so. And there is no such thing as "just a little rust." If you can see it, there's 10x that hidden away.
If you're buying a restored car, for the the love of everything sacred have it checked out by a respected specialist who has zero interest in the sale.
Do not listen to the shade tree mechanics and the 19-year-old "managers" at the local parts shack... the mechanical pieces of the car are well made and long lasting--and easy to get. If they do need remedial attention, they may be a bit more expensive to work on than the engine in your Chevy, but the mill is the heart and soul of this car. The howl of the engine at full boil will eliminate any need for Viagra.
Even the infamous electrics are reasonably reliable IF NO ONE HAS MESSED WITH THEM. It's true--really!
The Series 1 E-Type is a stunning automobile which still looks fresh and modern today, though some of the details give it away as being much older than it appears at first glance.
One of the joys of the E-Type is that a majority of the Series 1 cars were built before safety legislation was enacted, which means that much of the detail on the car is art rather than function--just look at those lovely bumpers and slim windshield pillars. The interior is the most dated part of the car, but it is still a luxurious and reasonably comfortable place to be... though taller drivers will have issues with the top up and may end up looking over the windshield rather than through it.
Mechanically, it's a gem. The six cylinder engine is smooth and powerful and makes a great sound. The gearboxes on the early cars are strong enough for commercial duty, but are definitely an acquired taste. Later cars with the 4.2 engine benefited from a better, if less characterful, gearbox.
The suspension was very sophisticated for its day and the basic design was used well into the 90's. It's a smooth riding car, nothing like being in any other old British sports car.
Time has taken its toll on the performance figures, which were nothing short of amazing in 1961 and which still allow for spirited driving today. However, 0-60 in six plus seconds is what a lot of family sedans are capable of now.
If you're going to buy an E-Type, take your time, budget enough money, and think about why you want one. If your goal is to out-drag nitrous-powered ricers at stoplights, another car might be a better choice. But for plenty of smooth, sexy power in a gorgeous (did I mention one of these beasts is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art?)
How many cars have you owned where you can have as much pleasure sipping a cool drink and simply staring at your car in the driveway as you can driving it--and driving an E-Type is a magical experience.
Approach this car expecting it to be a 2004 Honda and you'll be disappointed. Ownership is a commitment, but one that will repay you in spades.
A thorough restoration will cost $30-$100,000 depending on how much you do yourself. It is cheaper, and easier, to buy someone else's finished restoration for a fraction of that. Just make sure they did a good job.
Purchasing an E-Type is not something to rush into. Get to know as much as you can about the cars before you even look, take a friend who knows what to look for, and if you can find them in your town, take a look at properly restored or original examples so you know what you should be looking for.
This is my second E-Type and once you've fallen for them you cannot give them up for any length of time.
A surprising number survive. You can see a number of them at at xkedata.com.
I have owned a series 1 4.2L FHC for about 15 years. Totally agree with everything in this review, especially the part about the sound of the engine and the enjoyment of simply looking at the car (including the engine with its triple SUs all in a row!). The more restoration work you do yourself the less concerned you'll be about things that might go wrong down the road. Compared to a modern car they really aren't all that complicated.
I could not agree more. I have a 1967 Series I convertible and have had years of wonderful experiences. Few cars at under a million dollars are as beautiful and fun to drive. Sitting in the driver's seat and looking over the guages, toggle switches, and long curved bonnet is difficult to describe. And best of all, the parts are a snap. The next step in sheers beauty, history, and pure nostalgic grace is a Ferrari GTO at ten million.
Good review & some good advice too. I have a S3 open which is truly reliable, evident when both our regular vehicles let us down in wintry weather, the Jag was off the key. However being the later S3 does not suffer with the rust problem, in fact there is hardly a spot worth mentioning.Few if any can resist this beauty from Coventry, Peeping Toms a plenty!
One of the greatest regrets of my life was not buying a spanking new red e type jag in 1961 when I had the chance for 2 thousand pounds Common sense prevailed and I bought a house and British Leyland Mini and a house instead I dont think ill ever recover from it
I have 2 jaguars for sale which were stored under care in an underground basement.
1) E-type red color convertible 1963, 4.2 cc engine, synthetic leather, shift gear, excellent condition, all parts original
price of E-type: 95000$
2) S-type saloon 1961, light green, 3.8 cc, overdrive addition, synthetic leather, excellent condition, all parts original.
Price of S-type: 55000$
Cars are located in lebanon and willing to ship anywhere,
contact me at my email aquariu5@live.com.
PS: pictures are available to send by email.
The Jaguar E-Type is one car that few own, but many dream about. My personal favorite is the Series I produced from 1961 through 1967. The earlier Series I had an easier to rev 3.8 engine, Moss non-synchro gear box for 1st gear, brakes that others complained about not this owner), an aluminum console and center instrument panel and seats that looked liked they belonged in a sports car and not in the family room. For me, I love the early Series I. I am also an owner of a early Series I produced in 1962.
As far as advice: The first thing is to buy the best car you can. The old adage that the cars needing the most work end up being the most expensive, and the cars needing the least amount of work are the cheapest is very true with the E-type. As far as OTS versus a fixed head, that's up to you.
The most important is to do your homework. Buy the workshop manual to make sure that you are up to maintaining the beast. Read, read and read about the car. Join the JCNA and the local chapter. If you cannot afford $50-100K for the entry, set your sets for a later Series E-type or walk away.
As far as an investment, if you find the right car, the initiation fee albeit high ends up a free car when it becomes time to sell.
Speaking of selling, if you want a early 3.8 car, stay aware from the go faster parts and making it into something not original to the design intent at the time. Stay aware from the morons who bemoan Lucas electrics and that a Jaguar constantly needs work to keep running. A well sorted Jaguar is one of the most wonderful experiences that any mortal man will ever enjoy. I still find myself after years of ownership shouting out, "I love this car"!
Agree with all of the above. I have owned a 1963 Series I coupe and a 1969 Series II coupe, and now own a 1999 XK8.
The XK8 is a worthy successor to the XKE, albeit as more of a lux cruiser than a true sports car, but it is an excellent driver and snaps heads everywhere.
One lesson I learned when restoring my 63 Series I. You will never get your investment return on a coupe, only a convertible. The coupe is arguably the best looking car in the world, but the OTS is more desirable and is worth almost twice what the coupe gets. Also Series I is worth more than the Series II.
I bought my 69 E-Type in 1974 and drove it for about 4 years. The sound it makes at around 3500 RPM, settling down because of the aerodynamics, is truly wonderful, nothing like it anywhere.
We had a new Series I roadster in 1961. It was so early it had the locks that used a "T" handle to open the bonnet. Major problem was that the top leaked when it rained. The rugs got so wet you could wring the water out of them.
As those of you know who own an early model E Type, the gas pedal is steel. The hinge pin on ours rusted, which we did not realize at the time, and one day when I made a right turn at a stop street and floored it (I was 17 at the time) I was climbing up the back of the woman in front of me when I finally let off. To my surprise it stayed at full throttle! Hit the brakes and shut her off. No damage, just a lot of fear and excitement. Found some string and drove it home with a string tied to the accelerator pedal, and then freed it up and lubed it with oil. Just something to remember for you early E Type owners. It was really a fantastic car.
Sam.
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