Is It Worth It? *DELETED*

[Johnny]

Post deleted by Johnny

 

[John S Farrington]

Re: Is It Worth It?

If a 4.2 liter Etype in restored condition is a roadster, the value could be from $40K to $50k. If it is a coupe (two seater) it could be $25K to $35K. If it is a 2plus2 it will never be worth over $20K. Deduct more if it has an automatic transmission. This sounds like a fair buy from the proverbial barn storage sight. I would pass it if it is a rustbucket. If not, it is a cheap way to buy into an E type. Dont expect to make a profit after restoration. Hope this helps your thoughts.

 

[90 XJ-S]

Re: Is It Worth It?

Definitely worth the trip. Like John said, if it is a rust bucket...Pass. Otherwise, odds are its worth it. But, once again, your not going to get rich off a 2+2

Mike

 

[Johnny]

Re: Is It Worth It?

Thanks to both of you for replying. I've decided to at least go view the car. I agree that if it is too rusty I'll have to pass. What does the 1.5 mean? I mean I know that is between a series 1 and a series 2, but why would Jaguar make a car and call the Marque series 1.5?

 

[Steve]

Re: Is It Worth It?

The 1.5, or Series 1 1/2 as it is usually known, was a transitional model. The Series 1 had the faired-in headlights, and the 1 1/2 did not, as the USA had outlawed the faired-in lights by then. This was a stop-gap version, as the Series 2 was not ready by that time. There are other differences, but I am not an E-Type expert, (though I should be, if for no other reason that they are wonderful cars, not to mention drop-dead gorgeous!).

As regards value, I have read that the 2+2 prices have been creeping up, owing to the fact that this is now the only really affordable way to get into an E-Type, and that the prices for roadsters and coupes are towing the price for the 2+2 along with them. The 2+2 can carry kids along with a modest amount of luggage, so is in many ways more practical than either of the other models. If the body is in good shape, then go for it. That's where restoration costs can start to get silly, and if the work is already done, then you are ahead of the game. Good luck, let us know how you get on!

 

[90 XJ-S]

Re: Is It Worth It?

Jaguar didn't, people did. Some people felt there were significant enough differences to call them "1.5s" I don't recall, off the top, what they were. (I'm at work, with no reference material) But, I'm sure someone can chime in with thw difference(s) between a series 1 and a series 1.5 E-Type.

Mike

 

[Steve]

Re: Is It Worth It?

Quite correct. This wasn't an official Jaguar designation, but a "popular" one. Forgot to mention that.

 

[Randy Harris]

Re: Is It Worth It?

S1.5 E-types were from the outside identical to the earlier 4.2 models except for the lack of covered headlights as mandated by the Feds. The engine however is quite different in that the S1.5 had the same 4.2 XK engine but it had been neutered to some extent by the same Fed- mandated 1968 emissions regulations. The S1.5 motor has dual Zenith-Stromberg carbs instead of the triple SUs. It also has a heat exchange crossover pipe that pre-heats the fuel/air mixture prior to combustion.

By most estimates, the S1.5 motor was robbed of 10-15% of its power due to this setup. The good news is that, for a significant financial hit, you can retrofit the S1.5 engine to pre-'68 specs with the addition of triple SU and manifold and attendant hardware and bits. I did this and I now have a VERY fast and very smooth S1.5 roadster.

The other differences were in the interior appointments. The toggle switches were also mandated out of existence and replaced by rocker switches. They work the same and are in the same locations but they are less reliable (and less British looking)in the long-term than toggles. The S1.5 had no armrests on the doors, the S1 did. The S1.5 had a locking glove box, not the S1.

In terms of handling dynamics, mechanics, suspension, smile factor, the S1.5 is identical to the S1. Although I would like to have the covered headlamps because they look cool, they were inferior to the S1.5 open lights because they distorted the light beam and gave out a less focused and dimmer light. Thus, another Fed-mandated safety issue that actually meant something. Other safety related S1.5 differences included using brushed chrome on shiney chrome surfaces to reduce sun glare. The wipers are brushed chrome and horn push bezels on S1.5 are blacked out. Oh, the knock offs lost their ears in '68 too - safer they said.

There you go. More than you ever wanted to know probably. BTW, if you wanna see my car, and other neat stuff too, check out my new (under construction) site at https://www.cooperguitars.com
Best to all
Randy Harris '66 BJ8, '68 OTS /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/savewave.gif

 

[90 XJ-S]

Re: Is It Worth It?

Wow, Randy,
Information overload!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazyeyes.gif

Seriously, though, thanks for filling in a couple of gaps in my E knowledge bank.

Back to not so serious... So, if i put my ankle up against those de-eared knockoffs at say 120MPH it will hurt me, how much less than the eared variety? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Mike

 

[John S Farrington]

Re: Is It Worth It?

I own a series 2 and work on all types of E types. I have found that there is no specification that describes a series 1.5 (which was never a Jaguar model). The best way to describe what a 1.5 is, is to have a list of parts available on the assembly line at Coventry at the day of manufacture. The no glass cover headlights are a dependable characteristic of the 1.5 but the rest is hit or miss. After all of the owner and restoration derived deviations, the 1.5 gets more obscure than when originally manufactured by the random Coventry parts pool. Dont take the 1.5 configuration seriously. Just like what you see or change it. There are some 1.5s that have the front and rear side running lights that are mounted to the body but never have been hooked up to the lighting system by wires?? Good luck on your trip to the barn and best regards.

 

[Johnny]

Re: Is It Worth It?

Thanks again to all responding, especially Randy. I now have enough information to make a somewhat intelligent (knowledgeable) decision. I agree, if it's all rusty I'll have to pass. I am a little concerned that it has zenith stromberg carbs, I have a '75 MGB with a single zenith and don't care for it. I'll let all know about the car, maybe even furnish a picture or two upon returning next week.
Thanks again, Johnny

 

[Bruce Bowker]

Re: Is It Worth It?

[ QUOTE ]
Oh, the knock offs lost their ears in '68 too - safer they said.

[/ QUOTE ]

I remember well when all these changes were mandated by the U.S. I had always thought and still do that most were to get rid of as many foreign cars as possible and it succeeded in doing so to quite a few.

The knockoff safety issue was apparently for pedestrians. Yes - nothing like getting hit by a car with knockoffs at 60 mph and making sure the spinner did no more damage.

Regardless many many good points you made about the two different E Types.

Bruce

 

[Charles #677556]

Re: Is It Worth It?

[ QUOTE ]

Back to not so serious... So, if i put my ankle up against those de-eared knockoffs at say 120MPH it will hurt me, how much less than the eared variety? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Mike

[/ QUOTE ]

Mike;
The "idea" behind the "earless" knock-offs asn't that you'd get your ankle next to it at 120 MPH, but your ten foot long "Aviator Scarf" (a La WWI Pilots) would get wrapped-up in the "eared" knock-off, thus dragging you out of the open cockpit and breaking your neck /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/angel.gif.. I wonder how many times this happened to prompt such legislation?? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Bugeye58]

Re: Is It Worth It?

Isadora Duncan comes to mind, but she wasn't in an LBC!
Jeff