Is anybody here also a series 1 E type owner?

There was a similar thread a few years ago. I previously owned a '66 S1 Roadster and have always regretted selling it! My wife and I drove it from Southern California up the coast for the 2011 Monterey Historic Races at Laguna Seca and had a blast.
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/308-328-sponsored-yellow-compass-group/347625-e-type-308-a.html
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Just an FYI, the dash switches in the E type are the same as the 308 console.

 

Last weekend was a British car show in Van Nuys Ca., its an annual and had a great turn out.

Some wonderful cars from Mini's, Lotus's, Jags and even a Peerless among others were shown.

Have to say a '67 4.2 roadster would be a fantastic car to have just for its sheer beauty. Not sure about the maintenance though,..

Once sorted are Jag's reasonably easy to live with?

Half way through the show Jay Leno showed up in a remarkable open car, looked to be 20' long with 4' tires.

Got to love this guy, once driving next to me with his Steamer he lets the whistle go and later on his Harley just blasting along in Beverly Hills.

He really seems to love all motoring for sure.

 

Very close friend has a 65 hard top. Black/red.

I have probably driven it more than he has. I have even taken it back and forth to Atlanta and run it (carefully) on the track.

It gets a lot of attention.

 

I owned a 66 E coupe years ago and both my bride and I loved the car. As far as I could remember there is a significant difference from that car and my 77 308 GTB. IMHO the ride and handling were much better then the 308 and the acceleration was also better but you had 265HP vs 240HP so I would expect more. The E type was a more refined car while the 308 was more raw. My wife's cousin has a garage queen now and someday he'll pull the cover off and sell it.

 

Is the Jag about the same as maintenance as the 308?

 

I own a Series 1 coupe. it is a very comfortable touring car, lots of leg room and plenty of umpf if you need to go quickly. Only real maintenance is if you let current gasoline stay in the carbs too long (Don't drive it) because it will mess up various seals and you end up rebuilding the carbs. Oh, and adjusting the carbs for the perfect idle but that's more challenge than service.

I REALLY like mine.

 

I owned a 69 S2 4,2.
No where close to as needy as the 308. Easy access to everything, just lift the bonnet and everything is right there. It does have leaks and drips as they all do. Ceramic headers are cool, they glow at night. Carbs easy to tune because of ease of access.


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I've owned two 66 coupes. One was RHD, one was LHD. Great machines. Frequent but straightforward maintenance (clutch replacement isn't fun). Bulletproof and iconic engine. No worries re cam belts or sodium valves. Prone to rust and pricey to restore well. Sturdy but balky gearbox prior to 1965. Surprisingly compliant ride.

 

Which is interesting considering there were 38,000 series 1, 19,000 series 2 and 15,000 series 3 that were built. I remain convinced that 3x8s are still grossly undervalued.

 

Can any owners advise me on the room in the Jag vs a 308GTB?

I own a lovely 308GTB but I plan on selling it since I don't fit in the damn thing (I'm 6 foot 4).

I'd love to have a properly sorted out Series I roadster, but I don't want to make the same mistake twice. I'd like to see if I fit before I buy one!

Any insights from informed parties would be most appreciated. Best regards to all.

Rob

 

S1 E types are also short on head room unless you buy the 2+2.

 

Was your friend's S1 a 2+2?

 

I own both a 4.2 E-Type roadster and a 328 GTS. My wife and I have put about 40K miles on the E-Type over the last 34 years. We have a luggage rack on the back. I have also owned a Series 1 E coupe, which is more comfortable for long runs, but really requires A/C. Our main objection to the E-Type roadster is the wind buffeting when the top is down. And rain will always find a way in. As such, the 328 is a nicer car for traveling. More comfortable. Please note the we are now "Senior Citizens". Another note: We are going on a long distance sports car rally this fall and will be taking our DB9 coupe. That should tell you something....

As to maintenance, the E-Type is a fraction in cost/ effort over the 328 and I do my own maintenance. I guess if you take your cars to a dealer, you will feel pain either way.

All in all, the 2 cars are very different. I have enjoyed both types for many years. And as of now, I can't see selling either one.

 

I have a 66 Series 1 4.2 Roadster, and an 85 GTS QV.
I'm 6'1" and the Jag is a challenge. I removed the driver's visor for visibility, and I simply don't like driving it with the top up. But I guess that goes with the 308, too. Both cars, my hair will "graze" the top and that is annoying.
The seats are more comfy in the Jag, and plenty of leg room, but it doesn't track/handle nearly as well as the 308 in the corners.
The most interesting thing, I guess is the cache of the Ferrari. At half the price of my Jag, the Ferrari gets Tons more attention.

Oh, and the Jag is much easier to drive around town--stop and go--than the 308. The 308 is so much happier at speed.

 

77 GTB and a 64 3.8 OTS

Whenever I drive the E-type I'm always impressed with it's road manners. Very docile with the comfort and refinement of a touring car. Modern traffic is its biggest prohibitor. With stock brakes and cooling system, you have about half the stopping power of modern vehicles and have plan drives around traffic conditions. Hit an unexpected jam and you've got a few minutes minutes of idling before the temperature gauge creeps up toward 110 and you're screwed. It's best suited to back-road Sunday drives.

The 308 feels like a 70's racing car with a thin layer of civility added. The Jag is much more archaic and antiquish by comparison while the 308 largely drives and handles like a modern car, the extra 20+ years of development is very evident. The 308 is firmly planted at all speeds while 60 mph around a gentle curve feels like race day in the XK. Biggest draw backs to the GTB: High noise levels (yea sounds great for the first 30 minutes, then it wears on you). Cabin heat on longer drives. Subpar seats with an unorthodox driving position further fatigue you on extended drives.

Overall, I enjoy driving the 308 more, but it still feels like a toy reserved for weekends/car shows. Reason I adore air-cooled 911's is because they're uniquely special but still soothing to drive and comfortable in all applications.

 

Own both a '66 E-Type FHC and '84 308 QV GTS.

Completely different experience, amazing what 20 years did in terms of improvements. E-Type is far more intimate than you might think, but not cramped by any means. Performance is quite good, but you know you are driving a 60's era car. I drove my Dad's / brother's '61 Corvette back to back with the E-Type, huge difference. The Corvette was like a truck compared to the nimble Jag.

But comparing the Jag to the 308 isn't really fair. 308 is like a go kart, so much more fun. The Jag is good for arm-out-the-window driving at moderate speeds. The 308 wants to GO!

Like comparing a Harley to a sport bike. The Jag isn't ponderous like a Harley, it's just not quite as eager as the 308.

I'd say 6 out of 10 times, when I go for a drive, I pick the 308. FWIW.

 

I will have to disagree with one point here Sir.

Granted my E is no longer totally stock, as I have replaced the radiator and have installed an electric fan but I have no problems in traffic nor with high ambient temps. I drove in a rally around Austin hill country with temps hovering around 100 F a few years back. Without A/C it does take it out of you but it's doable. I have also installed heat shielding EVERYWHERE in the E; floor, firewall, trans tunnel, both inside and out.

But very few stop you and ask about your car... ;-)

Lester