Enzo Ferrari called it "the most beautiful car ever made" - E Type Jag

azapa

azapa

Member
Messages
1,300
These things have always seemed utterly lovely to me, and, despite imperial nuts and bolts and British reliability, I am thinking about one.

Also, at about 50 years old, a new law here means I can import one from the US, where the prices seem reasonable, and the LHD suits.

Any forum members had one? What would be 'the' model to purchase (not one -offs or rarities). The Manual V12 S3 makes sense, but those awful US spec bumpers would have to go.

Any tips or experiences very welcome.!
 
philw696

philw696

Member
Messages
25,476
Owned a few Jaguars but never an E type.
Love the XK Motor especially 3.8 and 4.2 and by today's standards very simple to work on. The V12 is a nice motor and worked on a few but not much room around them but everything is doable just takes time.
Still a Great Looking Car and in the day were exceptional value for money.
Yeah I would love one too.
 
outrun

outrun

Member
Messages
5,017
I bought and sold a 1971 fixed head one, made a few quid. It looked great, went like stink in a straight line but in the end it's a very old car and felt it. They all feel old! If you have the budget, look at companies like Eagle and the changes they can make to help make them more useable. Better braking, cooling and power steering are all worthwhile.
 
lifes2short

lifes2short

Member
Messages
5,834
get a flat floor roadster, fixed head don't do it for me, values have shot up on these over the last couple of years, wish I bought one years ago
 
whereskeith

whereskeith

Member
Messages
821
The desirable one is a series 1 roadster with matching numbers as you will see with the retail prices . It is considered more beautiful at the front and rear.
One that has been fully restored in the past 10 years would be advised so that bits like engine oil seas have been changed. (They like to leak oil)
Cooling system may need an upgrade depending on the climate where you live.
A friend purchased one from RM auctions in the states and considering how much was spent on it, he got a great bargain.
Fantastic cars
 
azapa

azapa

Member
Messages
1,300
Thanks for the excellent advice and opinions. What Jag forum would you recommend?

I am certainly not thinking of the car for its performance, and the compact size just adds to its bueaty, IMHO.

The one on Richard Grace's page is a lovely example, interestingly enough, sourced in the US.

Are they unusually rust prone?
 
philw696

philw696

Member
Messages
25,476
Most cars from that era were rust prone sadly.
But if they are from a warm and dry environment they can be remarkably sound.
As ever a good inspection by someone who knows the marque well.
 
Hurricane52

Hurricane52

Member
Messages
1,211
My late mum bought two Jags in the mid eighties - a 1964 S Type 3.8 for my Dad and an E Type V12 for herself. We kept them for twenty years because they were nice to look at. The XK engine in the S Type made a great noise, it handled well for a big car and had a lovely interior which smelt and looked perfect. The E Type was powerful and so smooth. Not much fun to drive though and how the quality had dipped over the 8 years between the two was sad. Just check out the ashtray in a V12 to see what I mean. With hindsight, one early E type shared between them would have provided more smiles per mile and the quality feel of all the tactile bits would have been close to the S Type.

Dad persevered with his Jag addiction with a V12 XJS and a V8 XK8, neither of which set the world alight. He finally gave up on his 76th birthday and now drives an Abarth 595. Scarily, he drives it like a teenager would.

017.JPG017 (2).JPGJaguar S Type (5).JPGJaguar S Type (7).JPG
 
Goodfella

Goodfella

Member
Messages
735
Please bring another one over from the US the more on UK roads the better as I get to see them.

The only time I have come close to rear ending someone was staring at a E type and the car in front had stopped.. and I was in a Range Rover, opps....
 
philw696

philw696

Member
Messages
25,476
The S type gangsters favourite and often seen in the Sweeney.
My Mum had a Primrose yellow 420 on chrome wire wheels loved driving that at 17.
 
zagatoes30

zagatoes30

Member
Messages
20,949
Love Jag saloons of the late 60s early 70s, a 3.8 S Type would be high on my wishlist although a S1 XJ6 might just pip it for top saloon spot.

Never been a big E type fan but if I had to take one it would be an early S1 or S1.5 FHC, I have never liked the convertible it always reminds me of one of those old roller skates.
 
Oneball

Oneball

Member
Messages
11,126
Hurricane52 said:
Dad persevered with his Jag addiction with a V12 XJS and a V8 XK8, neither of which set the world alight. He finally gave up on his 76th birthday and now drives an Abarth 595. Scarily, he drives it like a teenager would.
Click to expand...

It's a small Fiat, that's the only way to drive them!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.