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Inspecting an XKE

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HEALEYJAG said:
Its a non running V-12 coupe!!!....Have had 2 roadsters that were a delight. I couldn't imagine tackling this EXPENSIVE project. Would be upside down at the start....


The more cars you look at the more you will learn....Run as fast as U can from this fright pig.


Pete
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Hi Pete,

The roadsters are completely out of my price range, in any state of condition, unfortunately. This car must have an intrinsic parts value, at the least. Being upside down at the outset would imply that the car is worth less than the parts value. I wonder how much that is?
 
Well, somebody has won the auction at a price of $12k.
 
SELLER WINS!!!

...I'm just pleased it weren't you, Julian. It'll break the new owner's heart.
 
I believe that is the "filtered" inlet air for the air pump. Part of the crazy emission control that Jaguar/ BL had to go with when the fuel injection planned for did not work out.

The part about it being a 2 plus 2 is OK with me. Having an OTS, and putting the top down on nice spring and fall days is to die for. The rest of the time..... Give me a coupe, and being odd, I LIKE the 2 plus 2s. No, they are not as pretty, but so what?? Can't tell from the drivers seat anyway, and you can actually carry something more bulky than a FED Ex envelop without re arranging your world.

I think you are in a decent price range for a 2 plus 2, only you should be able to find a much better car to start with. A lot of folks think that since plu- perfect early roadsters top 100K at auctions, their shabby old auto 2 plus 2 is worth a mint. After reality sets in, good buys are there to be had. Beware though, people are waking up to that, and the "unloved" E type are slowly gaining in value and popularity. I think the series 2 version is probably the best driver car for most folks. The V12s can be $$$ to put right, but they are grrrreat when working properly. The S2 cars are 4.2, and are good "developed" cars, with a lot of the (what some folks call anyway) Builn it flaws corrected. They have better brakes, bigger radiator, 2 cooling fans... All of which are correctable in earlier cars. The biggest "loss" is the change to open headlights, tail lights even morons can see, and the bigger, not as "dainty" bonnet opening. Just keep looking, and buy the best car you can find. You will be nuch happier in the end.
 
Yeah Doc, I could buy a car like that, for about 2 grand, and make a go of it. Probably you too. But 12K for a disaster?? Oh is someone gonna be sorry.
 
Don't be afraid to look at as many cars as you can. After several, you'll begin to develop a sense of what's good and what's junk. Looking doesn't cost much more than some time and maybe gas...but can save a LOT of heartache. When I was MGB hunting(much smaller magnitude, I know), by the time I found the car I bought, I knew it was "the one" because of all the others I passed on. Spend time on a thorough and intensive search, you'll find "the one" soon enough. When the student is ready, the teacher will appear! :smile:
 
Julian:

Be patient...when you least expect it your car will come along!

My last e-type took 4 years to find... bought it from the local BMW dealer who took it in on a trade...Nice solid, well running 1970 OTS needing cosmetics for $15,000 in 2004.

They are there, especially what you are looking for......



Pete
 
Just as an aside, personally I'd be wary of getting a V12. The 4.2 six is a strong motor and much less expense to maintain (note I didn't say cheap, but much less than a V12)
 
Here is another car that looks much more promising. It's a '69 XKE, not sure if it's an FHC or a 2+2. Interior is tatty, but the mechanicals are nice. Some rust apparent on left rear wheel arch. I like the underside photos.

'69 XKE
 
I asked for some photos of the floorpans - good thing I did. There is some rust through on the driver's side. How serious is this?

photo3.jpg


photo4.jpg
 
Basil said:
2+2
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How can you tell? I'm having a hard time seeing the difference externally between a 2+2 and an FHC!
 
Disagree respectfully, but it is a coupe. I see no evidence of a back seat.
Coupe looks better.... Not as bulbous.
 
jessebogan said:
Disagree respectfully, but it is a coupe. I see no evidence of a back seat.
Coupe looks better.... Not as bulbous.
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Upon a second look, you're right - it is a coupe. I saw the hinged part behind the seats and mistook that for the rear seat backs which fold down. But the coupe also has a small hinged panel behind front seats. Also, the width of the door/ window suggests a coupe. The length of the door (and window) is noticeably longer on a 2+2. The 2+2 is (if memory serves) about 9 inches longer than a coupe and a couple of inches higher. I always though a 2+2 look like a pregnant guppy. The coupe is a much better looking car (even better than my own Roadster IMHO).
 
I tell ya, if I were to win the lottery, I could have one of each, yes even the 2 plus 2.One thing I have found with the 2 plus 2s is, color is EVERYTHING. Willow green looks real good and disguises the size, primrose also. Regency red, or silver makes em look fat. I cannot imagine what a black one would look like. Might still be cool with a red interior. Still, the roadsters have a certain charm.... Decisions decisions....
 
I had a black V12 2+2 once (I don't think they made a V12 Coupe did they?). I owned it long enough to realize I did not need the headache of a V12~
 
Any comments on that rusted floorpan? Another case of "Run, Forrest"?!
 
It starts with the car purchase price and the wiggle room that it gives you for repairs so you don't go under.
 
Not so unusual, but cause for concern. First, it means that the inside got wet /damp and stayed that way. Second, price floors, and the repair. I just spent 2K on floors, front jacking points, and some misc other rust on a XJ12. Plus $550.00 for 2 floors delivered. Third, any rust would merit a much closer look at the rest of the car. Rust is like an iceberg, you usually see only the top 10%.I am taking a field trip on Friday to inspect a 70 coupe for a customer. Some rust showing... have to make sure that what I see in the photos is all that there is.
 
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