Can you backdate a Jag E type?

[notfarnow]

I've been lusting after e types for years. When I was in NYC last month I went to Gullwing Motors, and they had a handful of decent, if tatty, Etypes. Much to my surprise, a couple decent coupes for 25k ish, seemed mechanically sound.

One in particular was rust free (ish) and started nicely with no nasty smoke. 28k, huh... it's been on my mind since.





I believe that car was a 68, and I would, could, should love it as it is, but I've been wondering whether they can be backdated the same way we do it with 911's... specifically the headlights, tailights and bumpers.

Anyone know?

Not that I could buy one right now, but it's been gnawing at me enough that I might start saving for one.

[MMARSH]

That's not a 68. 68 has early style tail lights with exposed headlights with small turn signals and no side marker lights I'm thinking that is maybe a 69 or 70.

This was my mothers 68. You can just make out the lights in the pictures.

I love these cars.

[LakeCleElum]

Go for it Jake....Biggest mistake of my life was selling my '62 in the early '80's for a price of $8,500.....

[s_morrison57]

I'd get an E -Type sooner than later, IMO these are beautiful cars that are under priced. I have a 71 with the 12 banger and love everything about it - except the gas mileage
I'm thinking of putting the weber convertion on mine, 6 - 2 barrel down drafts, the only thing that stops me is the 8K they want for it.
If you can find a rust free example then go for it.
Finn

[fred cook]

If you do buy an E-Type, make certain that it has a new or at least good clutch. Replacing the clutch pack requires removing the bonnet and radiator and pulling the engine/transmission. Major job! Also check the brakes. The rear brakes are mounted inboard and require lots of disassembly to replace the rotors. The electrical system? Well, it's by Lucas, so just be prepared! Still, in spite of these and other things, the XKE Jaguar is hands down the sexiest car ever designed, especially the coupes (not the 2+2 models). Oh, and yes you can "backdate" the front by replacing the entire bonnet with a pre 1968 version. Just be prepared for writing a major check for the parts! Just for the record, a 1961-1967 E-Type coupe is the one car (other than my 911) that I have lusted over for many, many years! Hopefully I will be able to have one someday.

[targa911S]

I think I would rather be nailed to a cross than own another Jaguar.

[cairns]

Better to have owned a Jaguar and lost money than to never have owned a Jaguar at all.

[notfarnow]

Just to be clear, I'm not in a position do buy one yet... I just bought a 911 and I would have a hard time justifying buying another car. I'd have to have a pretty great year at work to pull it off, but it's never to early to start saving.

My biggest concern and motivator is this:

Originally Posted by s_morrison57

I'd get an E -Type sooner than later, IMO these are beautiful cars that are under priced.

By the sounds of it, changing a bonnet to "backdate" would cost as much as buying an earlier car, but those are certainly a stretch price-wise.

That car pictured above was just PERFECT for what I'm looking for... presentable "driver"... not rusty, but paint was a bit faded, some dents, interior was complete but a bit worn. A car that I'd be glad to drive and wouldn't be too anxious about bruising when it's USED.

[jyl]

A series 1 E coupe has been on my automotive bucket list since I was a small boy. Along with a Porsche 911, a BMW R90S, and a Maico 450. Go for it!

[notfarnow]

ha, anyone remmeber the Peter Egan column about the arrangement he had with a friend, where if either of them were ever tempted to buy an e-type, they'd call the other one to be talked out of it?

[ZOO]

You might not need to backdate -- this is one hot Jag, and I usually don't care for the later cars.

[recycled sixtie]

When I was a teenager in the 60's I lusted after the e type among other things. Of course I did not have the money for such an exotic car. Shortly after I had a TR3, MGB, old Austin Mini etc with Lucas components, su carbs and I really believe I have graduated to better things. Now in my 60's I have my first Porsche - a Boxster that is practical, reliable(so far) and fun to drive year round. An E type might be fun for a while but would likely be a garage queen for me. I have graduated from one lust to a more practical lust! Good luck with your endeavors.Funnily enough the 0-60 times for the e type and Boxster are virtually identical. Jag? You got to want to do it

[notfarnow]

I think I'd learn to hate the e type if it was anything other than a car that I use sparingly, on days when I the mojo was just right. I'd be happy just to have a coffee and stare at it, to be honest. I don't need it to be reliable or trustworthy, I'd want one just to own something that stunning.

The 964 C4 is a PERFECT compromise in terms of fun to drive/practical. The other day I had a 3 year old and an infant, a load of groceries and 3 bags of salt for the water softener. I was driving through the snow with my kids laughing, thinking that it was a pretty damn smart purchase.

An e type would be for those perfect summer evenings, driving along the river with the sun just ready to set, slowly drifing to the shoulder as the car sputters and wheezes... very romantic.

[Zeke]

I'm not sure why you'd want to go to the trouble. E-types are sexy enough compared to their impact bumper brethren. Series I seems to be the coveted model with its non synchro 1st and smaller motor. For something I'd want to drive, that's not going to make me open my wallet any wider.

I think someone makes a kit for the head lights. I could do that and install H1 halogens.

[1990C4S]

Having driven one I am not interested.

[m110]

I have seen a car with the headlight kit and some sort of smaller front bumper arrangement and it made a big difference to lighten the front end aesthetically.

I think they are a lot of fun to drive, both 6 and V12 for different reasons. I can recall my old shop replacing all the coolant hoses for the V12 once and having a wheelbarrel full of them!

There was a burgundy Series 1 convertible parked in Palm Springs a few weeks ago and it is truly beautiful (BC plates).

Funny story: There was a prominent body shop in Vancouver in the 70s and the owner's son bought an E-type new ($5595 at the time). While the son was away the father drove the beloved car and crashed it. He had the car towed to the shop and in typical old-school European manner said to everyone, "stop what you are doing, we are not leaving until this is done". Apparently they fixed and painted it in a few days so well the son never found out until the next owner asked about it. Don't count on that service today.

[intakexhaust]

To me, any color on the E-type works but this one is truly beautiful. Even in this days crazed values for the collector market, its odd to see these vintage Jags so affordable. The history - both company and racing, performance, looks, hand built quality, materials and regardless of a 12 or 6 it's still a capable cross country driver. Aside the petty issues, all cars have them.

Wifey went nutz for this one and on the want list:

[Jagshund]

Originally Posted by ZOOMiata

You might not need to backdate -- this is one hot Jag, and I usually don't care for the later cars.

Aw, schiznit. Don't go posting pics of jags like that; I'm having enough trouble with my Porsche addiction.

[Zeke]

Wonderful how they incorporated the drop head's lines into the coupe's fender line, especially at the door.

[Laneco]

Originally Posted by ZOOMiata

You might not need to backdate -- this is one hot Jag, and I usually don't care for the later cars.

Oh good heavens.... WANT!

I'd even look past that its the 2+2...

angela