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E Type Purchase Question

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Randy Harris

Randy Harris

Jedi Warrior
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I'm doing some homework for my father who has an ongoing 40 year bug to buy an E Type roadster. Having perused the auction sites, Jag lists and the resellers sites, I am totally without a clue as to what we can expect.

His purchase price limit is $50k. He wants a late Series 1 or Series 1 1/2 roadster. Coupes are out of the question as are later models. He's not a wrench and would only buy a car in excellent physical and running condition. It does not need to be a show car but must be totally sorted out. So the question is what can we expect to find for $50k?
Thanks Coop ('66 BJ8 Healey owner)
 
You should be able to find a good car, not a 100 point show one but a good older or amateur restoration. Auction site prices tend to define the higher end of the market, if they're really selling the car. However I can't stress enough that unless you or your father are very familiar with the cars have whatever you look at inspected by someone who knows E-types. Poor quality bodywork under shiny paint or machanicals that are worn can eat up large amounts of cash and leave you upset with the experience. There are good cars out there but there are also those who only want to part you from your money. So be patient and don't rush into a purchase.
 
In my opinion you should be able to buy a well-restored car for $50K. I suspect you don't even want a concours example, if it's going to be driven regularly (which is, after all, what they're for).

Specifying a late Series I or "Series 1 1/2" means you'll spend more $$ (everybody wants those) but if you can overlook the ugly lights and accept a Series II, you can get a pretty cherry example for your money.

Since you dad's "not a wrench", it would be well worth it to pay a person knowledgeable of E-Types to thoroughly check out whatever car you decide on. They are not mechanically complex, but the body and engine subframes can soak up a lot of money if there are problems (read "rust" or "accident damage") ANYWHERE.
 
Congratulations to your Dad on even considering to scratch a 40 year itch and pick up an E type.

Its a good idea hire someone knowledgable to inspect the cars you are considering..

Have fun living a dream..

Way to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Thanks for the advice folks. Having gone down the restoration road with my own cars ('61 MGA &
'66 BJ8)I'm eyes wide open when it comes to another Brit classic. An expert's inspection is a must!

The search for my Dad's E Type Roadster has taken me to a fellow in No. Calif. who owns a beatifully maintained & restored Primrose E-Type. We are talking, but I'm skeptical that he is really serious enough to part with the car. The guy is in his late '70s and he admittedly drives the car less than a couple hundred miles a year. Having owned it for 30 plus years, I fear he is just too bonded to let her go - at any price. Frankly, that may be a good thing. Recently observing my 79 year old father handle his much more forgiving Mercedes sedan gives me pause to consider whether this is such a good idea at all.
Hmm............
R Harris
 
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