E type drop to

[theposhboy]

Afternoon, I'm possibly in the market for an E-type drop top and have seen a series 3 V12 that looks a good example. I'm capable of looking over the car both cosmetically and mechanically but what I'm looking for is knowledge of the E type range. Through the different models where in the desirability stakes does a 1971 series 3 come? It's in a good colour combination with sensible amounts of history including recent major work. Any thoughts welcome

[anonymous-user]

Depends whether you like your E-Types bloated and Americanised or whether you prefer them sleek and elegant.

It's open top sports by the way old chap. Drop top sounds so Del Boy.

[XJ Flyer]

The difference is that the V12 E type has the potential to provide up to 427 Cobra levels of performance whereas the XK engined ones don't.

[mph]

The V12 is an altogether softer car than the Series 1.

It really depends on what you want the car for.

The V12's make good touring cars, they're a bit longer in the body and have power steering. On the downside they're not really a sports car, more a GT, and the fuel consumption is rather heavy.

The S1's are much more of a sports car and, if it bothers you, they are more desirable and hence will prove a better investment.

The S2's are more "user friendly" than the early S1's but far less desirable and hence cheaper.

If you're of a mind you can modify the V12 cars to instil a bit more sportiness and improve fuel consumption.

[mph]

XJ Flyer said:

The difference is that the V12 E type has the potential to provide up to 427 Cobra levels of performance whereas the XK engined ones don't.

So what ?

Edited by mph on Wednesday 4th December 14:13

[Riccardino]

Personally I do not like the big grille of the V12 and just because of that I would not buy the V12. An S1 would be the one I would be looking for also in terms of desiderability and value and if you are good in working on it then it might be ok even if requires some work

[XJ Flyer]

mph said:

XJ Flyer said:

The difference is that the V12 E type has the potential to provide up to 427 Cobra levels of performance whereas the XK engined ones don't.

So what ?

It all depends on how much speed matters when choosing between the two.

[a8hex]

XJ Flyer said:

mph said:

XJ Flyer said:

The difference is that the V12 E type has the potential to provide up to 427 Cobra levels of performance whereas the XK engined ones don't.

So what ?

It all depends on how much speed matters when choosing between the two.

Beecham will do you an E-Type with the engine from an XKR, you can have Cobra eating perf if you really want.

[sjmmarsh]

An E-Type is just an E-Type as far as most people are concerned - they all look stunning (even FHC and 2+2).

One other thing it consider is your size. If you are much over 6', you'll find a S1 or S2 a very tight fit.

Steve

[Ian350]

I had a S3 first but then changed to a S 1.5. The driving experiences are totally different so I'd suggest you try driving both. The earlier car is great fun whereas the later one was extremely smooth and effortless. In particular I didn't like the very light power steering on the S3.

[e600]

Don't be caught out by shiny shiny. These can be a money pit if rot is hidden and you have to fix it. Also ensure what you are looking at started out that way. It is very easy to convert a series 3 2+2 into an OTS and change from Left to RHD, all of which devalue the car by comparison to a genuine example.

If of larger stature then a LWB example will be more fitting, a flat floor FHC is not for everyone!

MPG on a v12 will be around 12-15 mpg if this is a concern for you, 6 cyls should be low 20's.

My advice would be to drive a few and when decided take someone who knows the marque to inspect it properly, it could save you as much as the purchase price again.

Best of luck.
E600

Edited by e600 on Friday 6th December 14:32