Mondial vs. E-Type V-12 2+2 Coupe - Trading One Headache For Another?

I was hoping I could get some info on a 1973 Jaguar E-type V-12 2+2 Coupe vs. my current 1986 Ferrari Mondial 3.2 Cabriolet. If I were to consider a trade, what would I be getting into with the 12 cyl E-type? It seems like parts are more readily available and cheaper for the Jag. I'm growing a little tired of "you can't get that anymore" for the Mondial and the astronomical price for parts you can get. It seems like they made enough E-types to make it profitable for companies to make reproduction parts. Would I just be trading one headache for another, or is a Jag somewhat easier to find parts for and keep running? Obviously I know very little about the old Jags - except that I always thought they were stunning to look at. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

one thing in their favour is they built 100,000s 0f the V12 cars and their running gear including motors,brakes ect.
Huge after market for bits ie brakes,suspension,radiators,wheels.
Body panels in ready supply.
google its their anything you would want for a E-type including trim kits.
Tyres not a issue ie 15 inch 205s/70s.
I love my old E-type so much I sold my Boxer512 and preferred the jag.
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Wow - that is a beautiful E-type you've got there! (Series 1 3.8 liter?) Any downside to the V12 vs. the 3.8 and 4.2 (aside from their being more collectible than the V12's). I'm not a big fan of the exposed headlamps or the grill on the V12, but mechanically are there any major issues to look out for?

 

early 4.2 year late '64.
V12 is a softer car to the early ones but with aftermarket springs,shocks,torsion bars and sway bars you can tighten them down.
If I had a V12 car and it was tired in the motor I would swap for a late injected motor.
Go to www.classicthrottleshop.com.au cars for sale they have V12 coupe with that conversion.
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The V12 2+2 coupe was the worst looking E-type they made. It looks like the car from the ambiguously gay duo. It is far to narrow for its length. I would keep the Mondial.

 

Mondial is not a winner in the beauty stakes

 

I think the problems that you'll have with the 12cyl Etype is oil leaks. Mainly from the valve cover gaskets. Also the differentials leak as well. Then eventually everything on the jag that has oil, will leak it.

 

true,but does it matter unless your into Concours.

 

Thanks guys. (Ambiguously gay duo...ha ha!) Seriously though, BlackJag's car certainly has a leg up on the V12 in the looks dept - IMHO. Just a matter of taste I guess - not bashing the V12's by any means. As for the looks of the Mondial - it's another acquired taste. (Usually acquired by always wanting a Ferrari, finding out you can actually afford one if it's a Mondial, buying one, and letting it grow on you!) Seriously though, I think I'll hold onto the Mondial for a while longer. (I found the relay that was loose and caused it to run rough the other night. I think threatening it with trading it for a Jag was the trick!)
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Absolutely true. The first thing to accept is that individual Ferraris are scient beings, somehow.

 

I used a 71 XKE 2+2 as a daily driver in Montana for about ten years. I put very little money into it and sold it for way more than I paid for it. As long as your car is not an automatic I would go for it. Way better looking than a Mondial and I don't think any XKE is ugly and I've owned several of them of various years. The V!2 jag engine is a *****cat however. Don't think just because its a 12 it has grunt.

 

P-u-ss-y cat!!!

 

I'm a little biased but I'd look for a late Series I 6 cylinder car instead of the V-12. Less headache, better looking, better performance.

 

FHC is my pick,great little car and plenty of bits/go fast for sale.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't a late Series 1 car going to be worth substantially more than a Mondial? I mean heck, I'd prefer a XJ120 vintage race car, but now we're talking apples and oranges. It seems to me the 12 cyl is the E-Type that would be attainable in great condition for around 40k - in the same neighborhood as the Mondial. Again maybe I'm wrong - but I thought excellent condition Series 1 cars would be out of that ballpark.

 

Yes Birddog - you're right. If the Jag is in great shape. Here's one that hasn't been restored http://www.hymanltd.com/search/details.asp?stockno=3857&recordCount=32 - but seems like it could be a good entry point if it's what you really wanted.

 

I agree that it is not the prettiest Ferrari and that the series 1 inline 6 E-type Coupe (not the 2+2) is one of the best looking cars ever made. The V12 made the car longer and then the 2+2 made it even longer and it stopped looking right.

I just would not want to drive a car that looks like a penis.

 

That's pretty.

 

get one like this.
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Trade

 

Nice. Slap some gumballs and racy wheels on a car and I'm a sucker for it. If it were BRG I'd be drooling!

 

To me, a die hard Jaguar fan, i would go for any E Type even if its the V12. Parts are plentiful and quite cheap as you can order direct from UK or the US distributors for such. Series 1 would be the best if you can find one, either nicely restored or you start your own project and build in some updates to make it more enjoyable for everyday/modern driving. A Mondial , is not in my opinion as a true F. E Type is already a collector item, V12 or not. BRG, lavendar or the primrose yellow would be my color. My father owned a XK 150 in the 60's.

 

Geez - take it easy. I kinda like the Mondial I currently own...you know? Thanks for your opinion about the Jags though.

 

The audience for Mondials and Jaguars is a shade different. I think if you have a 3.2 and have the new fusebox, it would be very sound decision to keep it. The Mondial's strength is in its subtlety and restraint...and metallurgy.: Nikasil cylinders and Zinc coated body.

I love Jaguars, but they are one of the few car companies that can build a worse electrical system than Ferrari.

 

Well if you trade, i have a complete set of IDA(s), man., linkage and modified dizzy, (already jetted and tuned), i can unload to you CHEAP. Would wake that cat up. The factory carbs you would be getting on that car are alittle lacking. Go for the trade, you can always sell the jag and get yourself another Mondy if you don't like the car.