E-Type valuation thread

buy a series 1 or 1.5.

 

I an not looking for a garage queen. Got a bunch of them.

 

suggesting to buy the purist design regardless of level of restoration.

 

Good advice. I am a beginner. Doing my research but from what I have learned so far, you are 100% right Would you know the price range for either one?

 

My personal favourite (and my own current car - see below) is the 3.8, in FHC form. Series 2 is arguably the better car (and can be bought more cheaply today), but lost it aesthetically IMO. Series 1 4.2 is a good compromise - still had the looks, but also more comfortable seats, better brakes, all-synchro gearbox, torquier motor, alternator, one or two other improvements. Are you wanting a convertible, 2-seater FHC, or a 2+2?

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I don't know much about values in the US. This might be a sensible place to seek advice: https://forums.jag-lovers.com/c/e-type/8

 

I’m a big fan of the earlier Series One 3.8 liter E-types (1961-1964), especially the open two-seater (“OTS” in Jaguar-speak):

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Your timing is pretty good...E-type prices have softened in the past year, but the best ones will still cost you upwards of $150k. Mechanical work and parts prices are ‘reasonable’ by Ferrari standards, but a rusted or bent monocoque will cost you a bundle to put right. A nut&bolt restoration will cost $200k+, so it’s better to spend $150k on a properly done car.

I’ve owned an E-type for 42 years so pepper me with questions via PM’s if you like.

good luck!
Alan
N.J.

 

https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6652-1962-jaguar-xke-roadster/?utm_source=eblast&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=vehicle_6652

 

Hi Alan. You are the exact person I am looking for. I will reach out tomorrow. Thank you for your response.

 

Appreciated. I think I want something that I can drive without too much mechanical issues. Maybe a series 2 or 3 would be more reliable. still trying to figure out

 

I should avoid a S3 if I were you - overly complex V12, which doesn't really suit the car as well as the straight 6 either.

 

So you recommend the 6 cylinder engine?

 

Yes. By the mid '60s, the XK engine was approaching 20 years in production in a wide range of cars, from large and small saloons through sports cars to Le Mans winning racers, with all the development advantages that implies. The V12 was brand new when it appeared in the S3 E type. Plus there are twice as many of most things to need attention.

If you are happy withe the aesthetics, a S2 may suit you. Widest choice of variants, too - 2 seater OTS and FHC, or 2+2, even an auto if that grabs you. And significantly cheaper to buy than a S1.

 

Prefer a very clean driver under $100k. Not sure if I can get a series 1 for my budget eventhough in this market it might be possible. That leaves me with a series 2 choice most likely.

 

This looks nice:

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1967-jaguar-xke-coupe-17/

It would be interesting to see what it fetches - might give you an idea on pricing.

 

Recommended reading to help you decide:

https://porterpress.co.uk/products/e-type-definitive-history-second-edition-standard

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Original-Jaguar-Type-Restorers-Guide/dp/1870979125

 

Looking for an open top 2 seater

 

I comminsioned a full restoration on a 1971 Series II OTS - https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/hey-i-bought-an-e-type-in-boxes.550146/

Took 2.5 years... My opinion? It is the one to buy & own.

Yes I have pals that bark out "welded louver" and "flat floor" and "series 1" but do they buy those? No, they don't. They drive Audis. Those words are all great catch phrases but when it comes down to it ~ the Series II is a better ownership experience.

Mine is show worthy. 100% redone. But I drive it like it was my daily. And why not? Its a friggen Series II. It drives nice, and looks all the business. I never worry about it overheating, or giving me any trouble. Plus it is considerably more comfortable than the earlier cars.

I am driving this thing & enjoying it. There are a lot less Series I drivers saying that I can assure you. Find one & start enjoying the experience.

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^^^ yours is beautiful. I had already decided on Series 2 after several conversations with a very knowledgeable person her .

 

Where are we at these days? Seems to be some very nice S1 roadsters in the $120-160 range.

 

I have a series 1 3.8 OTS ,50,000 miles in around 16 years of touring.

IMO the best standard model to buy is the Series 2 FHC , 6 inch rims ,better brakes , cooling fans and the larger water radiator with a header tank .
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Currently on BAT.
Seems there's a leetle concern about the rake/bend/rise in the rear section from the seats on back ...

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1966-jaguar-xke-roadster-38/

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How weird. Compare that with this and it is obvious that the rear end is seriously distorted:

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Rear bumper should be exactly horizontal and upper wheel arch curvature should be symmetrical.

It doesn't even square with it being a conversion from FHC given a false identity:

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Listing on BAT withdrawn...I assume due to controversial appearance + comments on same.
HTH could something like this happen??

 

That is so odd, because every dollar spent following the horrendous misalignment of those two sections was a waste. Having restored an E type over a 2 year period about 6 years ago, it was/remains one of the most complex automotive designs of all time. You either get stuff straight or you just don't do it.

And not to minimize anyone's job nor cast blame, that body line running parallel to the ground is like THE one you get right to which most others use as reference.

I honestly cannot even visualize the scenario that would lead to that weird 5-10 degree angle 'Brazilian butt lift'. And reportedly, that car had been done by someone who knew what they were doing. The undoing of that will be costly, and now, thanks to the wonders of online merchandising, that car will forever be the one that was disfigured, then hopefully refigured. A shame really.