What to look for in a restored Series 1 XKE coupe

[healey106]

What should I look for if I am looking to buy a late model series 1 XKE coupe
thanks

 

[equiprx]

That's kind of a contradiction of terms. Do yo mean a series 1.5? What ever you do, look for lots of records, no rust at all and no stories. Buy the best one you can afford and hope for the best. Coupes should demand less money than convertibles.

 

[healey106]

Actually a 65. As you can tell, I have a lot to learn about Jags
thanks

 

[healey106]

We checked the coupe out over the week-end. Great looking car, but being 6'3", my knees meet the dash. It is a tight fit!!! Does anyone have any suggestions?
thanks

 

[HEALEYJAG]

Buy a series III, you will fit better>>


Pete

 

[healey106]

Pete - thanks for the advice. I sat in a series III, yesterday. that certainly is a vast improvement. those doors are 4 " wider", also.
But I have heard now, that the series III, is more of a problem with recurring maintenance
jim

 

[HEALEYJAG]

I guess I am a lucky guy..Had my first one from 1985 to 1997 no problems. Bought my "new" one this spring. So far so good!

 

[nissanite]

Try a 68 series 1.5 or newer. The floor is recessed for more leg room.
We just got a 68 coupe. Has the same looks except for the covered headlamps (darn) aa the series 1.

 

[EV2239]

These shots might interest would be E Type owners. The car is a 1970 and it has pushed in front of my Healey in the body shop. Like so many, it's looks pretty good but is as rotten as pear. Sadly the owner is tackling the problems piecemeal.

And with repairs under way

The rear wheel can throw dirt forward and into the area behind the B post causing corrosion until eventually the hood brackets fall off as these did.

Ash

 

[sfovc2003]

I had a Series 3 OTS and while I loved it, I sold it and bought a Series 1 coupe, which I like even more. I owned the Series 3 for 10 years, at which time it became a 100 point car (actually, 99.4. Never had a problem with it at all.
If you want a 4.2, get the Series 1. Their value has increased significantly over the past two years and the gap between convertables and coupes has shrunk considerably. I perfect restored Series 1 coupe is now north of $100k.