70 Jag .... Yea or nay

MisterB · 05-21-2012, 05:40 PM

I am currently looking for an interesting car and ran across this...would this be a mechanical nightmare?

Jaguar 1970 e type 2+2

BE911SC · 05-21-2012, 05:44 PM

Proceed with caution. Seems about 1/3 of the price of a good one and there's a reason, maybe several, for that.

nynor · 05-21-2012, 05:50 PM

my experience with a 70's british motorcycle was.... um.... interesting. i am betting that thing will be a money pit and a nightmare for part$.

fred cook · fred cook's Garage

The 2+2 cars generally bring less than the regular coupes and convertibles. When the body was lengthened to make room for the rear seats it distorted the original lines. Also make absolutely certain that the clutch is in good shape. Replace the clutch will require pretty much dismantling the entire front of the car to remove the engine and tranny. Also, the color combination is not one of the real "eye" catchers.

sammyg2 · 05-21-2012, 06:00 PM

If you wronged a whole bunch of people in your younger years and the guilt is pushing you towards paying penance for your evil ways, a 70 jag would be just the trick.

notfarnow · 05-21-2012, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BE911SC

Proceed with caution. Seems about 1/3 of the price of a good one and there's a reason, maybe several, for that.

I dunno, I've been watch etype prices since January and that seems just about right for a 2+2. Heck, I've seen some great, restored s1 2+2s for under 25k.

Pretty tempting, but the lines of a coupe are hard to beat.

HHI944 · 05-21-2012, 06:22 PM

Just do it......

Nostril Cheese · 05-21-2012, 06:28 PM

You've never worked with Strombergs before, have you?

Tobra · Tobra's Garage

The 2+2 lines just look wrong to me

nynor · 05-21-2012, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tobra

The 2+2 lines just look wrong to me

+1. like it is pregnant or something.

Cannonball996 · 05-21-2012, 06:42 PM

I have done the vintage jaguar thing in the past, and I enjoyed all of them, but they can get frustrating

onewhippedpuppy · 05-21-2012, 06:44 PM

Do it! Life is too short to drive boring reliable cars.

intakexhaust · intakexhaust's Garage

Scout current and back issues of Hemmings. You can find some really super nice and correct cars for $25k and so whatever looks wrong with your find, back off the G's. I like E-types but not the 2+2and remember you can never own one cheap enough. Good luck.

mikeesik · 05-21-2012, 07:06 PM

Nice machine. Period.
You already know it will cost you to own........but it is nice -extended or not-pretty cool.
AND I hate saying cool!!

epbrown · 05-21-2012, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by intakexhaust

I like E-types but not the 2+2and remember you can never own one cheap enough. Good luck.

Ever sat in one? At only 6'1" and 200lbs, I'd have to go with a 2+2 (or the V12 for a vert, which are all based on the 2+2)) to own one. I'd probably even go so far as getting automatic, to have enough room for my size 15 feet.

stomachmonkey · 05-21-2012, 07:20 PM

2+2, meh, don't like the lines.

HardDrive · 05-21-2012, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sammyg2

If you wronged a whole bunch of people in your younger years and the guilt is pushing you towards paying penance for your evil ways, a 70 jag would be just the trick.

LOL! Too funny man.

aigel · aigel's Garage

If you go through the expense and hassle, why not buy a more desirable model from the 60s? At least you won't throw good money after bad. They have the nicer lights, the nicer engine etc.

And I agree with the posters above. $18k is no steal for that "driver" condition car in that color.

JMHO.

G

Heel n Toe · 07:38 PM

Go look at it. Drive it. Smell it. Ask to see service records.

Look to see where it's parked every night to see if there's lots of oil on the floor.

If it still blows your skirt up, have a PPI done by a highly recommended reputable mechanic (not one that works on it now unless you know the guy won't snow you as a favor to the owner) and go from there.

If $18K seems like a good price to him and is doable and you are okay with the lines of the 2+2, don't let it sway you that others don't like it... go for it and enjoy it.

It will probably be more enjoyable because it's not a primo car you paid $50K for. Know what I mean?

DARISC · 05-21-2012, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by epbrown

Ever sat in one? At only 6'1" and 200lbs, I'd have to go with a 2+2 (or the V12 for a vert, which are all based on the 2+2)) to own one. I'd probably even go so far as getting automatic, to have enough room for my size 15 feet.

I had a 6' 4" buddy with a coupe, fit in it ok, I'm 6'2", drove it numerous times, don't remember it being that tight...but then my shoe size is only 11.

.

The 2+2's are ungainly, unbalanced, ruined XKE lines.