Wanting to test drive a Series I e-type convertible | FerrariChat
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Wanting to test drive a Series I e-type convertible

Discussion in 'British' started by fasthound, Sep 30, 2012.

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  1. fasthound

    fasthound Formula Junior
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    #1 fasthound, Sep 30, 2012
    I'm looking to replace my 2005 F430 with a Series I Jag E-type OTS. Not tracking the 430 anymore, and can't drive it anywhere near it's limits on the street (well, not if I want to stay out of jail), so looking to go back to my youth and get an early E-type. I had a 1971 E-Type coupe I bought used a few years out of college. Also got to drive a Series I convertible in high school (owned by the father of a hot blonde I knew....but that's another story), but it's been a VERY long time since I last drove an E-type, and want to make sure it's what I really want. I've also been testing a few older Ferrari's (thanks to an incredibly generous friend who actually trusts me with his 1960's Ferrari's). I've driven a 330 GTC and a Daytona and a 365 GTC/4....and enjoyed them all, but I still think my heart belongs to an early Jag.

    That's the back story, and now I'm trying to find someone in the Potomac/Rockville/Gaithersburg area (or somewhere reasonably close to DC) who would be willing to let me drive his/her Series I convertible. Of course I'd want them in the passenger seat with me...not looking to joy ride someones car.

    I'm looking for a restored car, but am willing to drive any Series I convertible in almost any condition just to get a feel for the car and make sure it's what I want. Not lopoking to buy his/her/your car, just want to test drive it.

    So, can anyone out there help me out?

    Thanks,
    Kevin

    Potomac, MD
     
  2. EarlyCat

    EarlyCat Moderator
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    #2 EarlyCat, Sep 30, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    :) I got to do just that today. A 1961. I was the driver for a professional video, it's going up for sale soon. I don't know how much though. Really a cool car. If you liked it years ago, you'll like it now. People of any age gravitate towards an E type. And it's all positive. I'm guessing the Series 1 is lighter, and the engine has more hp with the 3 carbs. This one pulled much stronger than a later 12 cylinder 4 speed that I drove, or a 70 6 cylinder. All roadsters. These are my pictures, not any of the professional shots.
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  3. kevfla

    kevfla Formula 3

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    #3 kevfla, Sep 30, 2012
    No other car typifies "sex on wheels" as good as a XKE OTS!
     
  4. fasthound

    fasthound Formula Junior
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    #4 fasthound, Oct 1, 2012
    The car you pictured is exactly what I'm looking for in terms of color combination. I think you are correct....if I liked it then, I'll like it now. But then was a long time ago and I've driven a lot of cars since then, so just want to check it out before pulling the trigger on something.

    That's a very pretty car.

    Thanks.
     
  5. toggie

    toggie F1 World Champ
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    #5 toggie, Oct 1, 2012
    You'll like being back in an E-type.
    Like you, I had a 1970 series II E-type.

    Just remember a few things that go with an old car:
    - Carb means 3 types of starting procedures: cold start, hot start, and still-kind-of-warm start.
    - Skinny ply tires with inner tubes. I swapped for 1 inch wider Dayton wire wheels with modern Pirelli P4000 tires. Wow, what a great change to the ride and handling!
    - Poor sound quality to radio.
    - Weak a/c, if any.
    - Lap belts only.
    - The occasional electrical gremlin.
    - Squeeky brakes occasionally.
    - Expensive clutch job.
    - Expensive rear brake job.

    All of the above is part of the charm! :)
    There is nothing like driving a well-sorted E-type.

    Good luck.
    .
     
  6. mcimino

    mcimino Formula 3

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    #6 mcimino, Oct 1, 2012
    Also keep in mind, the early 3.8 cars (up to mid '64) had the Moss 'crunch' gearbox.
    The later '64 and on models (w/4.2 motors) had syncho transmissions.
     
  7. fasthound

    fasthound Formula Junior
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    #7 fasthound, Oct 1, 2012
    Yes, I remember the crunch box....but I view it as a good excuse to double clutch. Either box would be OK. I definitely don't want anything newer than 1966. I actually think I'd prefer an early one with flat floors. But I don't want a REALLY early one with welded louvers and outside latches. I'm thinking a later 3.8L or early 4.2L. Prefer the early 4.2's as the metal dash and center console on the 3.8's is a bit much in my opinion.

    But, it's still a gorgeous car no matter what.

    I like the idea of the wider wheels and modern tires.
     
  8. toggie

    toggie F1 World Champ
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    #8 toggie, Oct 1, 2012
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    IMO, the wider wheels and tires looked great on my series II car too!
    Makes the car look slightly more aggressive and "just right". :)
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  9. rockminster

    rockminster Formula Junior
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    #9 rockminster, Oct 1, 2012
    This thread is timely for me. I've been working with an acknowledged Etype resto shop to source and then restore a series 1 OTS for me.

    The market for numbers matching series 1 cars is very strong right now. We searched throughout the country and found and purchased a car in NY last week. Based on my experience, a complete and running but unrestored '67 OTS is now in the mid to high 40's, perhaps higher if the buyer is looking at the car as a driver as opposed to a resto candidate. My guy who is in the business says that prices are up at least 10% on series 1 cars in the last 6 months and he says that finding good cars is getting harder.

    When you look at the car for what it was,what it is, and what they trade for now, I feel confident that within 5 years a restored S1 OTS in the right colors is comfortably a $200k+ car.
     
  10. rockminster

    rockminster Formula Junior
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    #10 rockminster, Oct 1, 2012
  11. rdefabri

    rdefabri Three Time F1 World Champ

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    #11 rdefabri, Oct 1, 2012
    I have a S1 FHC - might not look as nice as the OTS, but drives fantastic.
     
  12. Edward 96GTS

    Edward 96GTS F1 World Champ
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    #12 Edward 96GTS, Oct 1, 2012
    @ rockminster. Which shop are you using for the restoration?
    Ed
     
  13. rockminster

    rockminster Formula Junior
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    #13 rockminster, Oct 1, 2012
    David Ferguson in Campbell CA.

    I don't want to hijack this thread so will start another in this forum as I would like some input on color selection.
     
  14. nathandarby67

    nathandarby67 F1 Veteran
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    #14 nathandarby67, Oct 2, 2012
    I am of the opinion the FHC is the better looking of the two. Of course, we are splitting hairs here. It's like saying one Victoria's Secret model is better looking than another.
     

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