Buyers Guide - Jaguar E-type

There is a period in the life of almost every classic car when this particular model is forgotten. During those “dark times,” classic sports cars are abandoned, sold for cheap, and irrelevant to current car trends. The examples fortunate enough to survive later will become cherished collectors' cars, but most of them are sent to the big scrapyard in the sky. However, Jaguar E-Type wasn’t one of such models. 

Even after it was discontinued and even though the ‘80s when different trends ruled the industry, E-Type was recognized as one of the finest examples of the sports car ethos and treated with respect by knowledgeable enthusiasts. Of course, many cars were scrapped and broken for parts, but since the initial production number was pretty significant, a lot of E-Types survived, and every now and then, you hear about another exciting barn find. Jaguar E-Type had enjoyed steady popularity for the better part of the last 60 years and has been a blue-chip collector vehicle, which is also still exciting to drive. 

Even though you are definitely fascinated by its history, seduced by its design, and intrigued by its performance and driving dynamics, there is much more for you to know before you decide to pull the trigger on a classic E-Type. This Jaguar is somewhat of a complex machine, and the dream of cruising the California roads can turn into a nightmare if you are not careful enough. That is precisely the purpose of this buyer’s guide. 

Which One to Get

If you have read our E-Type Owner’s Guide, this model was introduced in 1961 and sold through 1975 in over 70,000 examples and in three distinctive generations. The basic layout was always the same, but the E-Type evolved over the years, and all three series (Series 1,2, and 3) have specific design and mechanical features. However, all three series have entirely different characters, prices, and appealing to different buyers types. So, which one is for you?

The Series 1 was sold until 1967 and was powered by a 3.8 or 4.2-liter XK engine with 262 hp. It was available as a coupe, Roadster, or 2+2 Coupe with rear seats and more interior space. The early models, especially those with a flat floor and 3.8-liter engine, command high prices and are considered to be purists’ choice for their vivid performance, lack of commodities, and pure driving sensation. They are rare and harder to live with than the later models. 

The Series 2 cars are distinguished by open headlights and tail lights mounted below the rear bumper. Those cars, produced until 1971, come with a 4.2-liter engine, which has the same power output as the smaller unit but more torque. The E-Type S2 is regarded as the more usable, better-balanced car, which appeals to a wider range of customers, especially in 2+2 form, which has more space in the interior and a bigger trunk. Also, E-Type S2 prices are more affordable. 

The Series 3 is a true Gran Turismo cruiser that comes with a glorious 5.3-liter V12 engine, and it is often found equipped with the automatic. It was sold only as a 2+2 coupe or Roadster and had more power than the earlier cars, but it is heavier and more luxurious, which means it abandoned the sports cars idea of the early ‘60s for a laid-back attitude of the ‘70s. Most E-Type fans think that Jaguar ruined the original concept, but the Series 3 cars are still terrific driving machines with have many fans. 

Dimensions Disclaimer

Before you even consider buying an E-Type, you have to realize that this is a small car, inside and out. Although its long hood enhances the visual appeal and suggests that the vehicle is long, it is shorter, lower, and narrower than the 2020 Toyota Corolla! However, the potentially the biggest problem is the interior space, and there is not much of it, to say at least. The early Series 1 two-seat coupe has headroom of only 35 inches, which is 4 inches less than said Corolla. You are taller than 6 feet, the only solution is a 2+2 Coupe with more headroom or Roadster, but in that case, we suggest you drive it only with the roof down.

The Rust

The biggest enemy of all E-Types is the rust and corrosion attacks, not the body but front subframe and suspension components, as well. The E-Type wasn’t galvanized from the factory, and semi hand-built production process meant that the cars are slightly different from each other. Also, during the preparation for the paint, Jaguar workers used lead as a body filler, which after decades are known to peel off and cause chemical reactions. The biggest problem with the rust is the fact that in order to repair it, the car has to be fully disassembled and thoroughly checked. If the rust has appeared on the front subframe, the chances are that it has to be changed completely, and this means cutting the car in half, literarily.

The complete restoration of the Jaguar E-Type is therefore complicated and expensive if done right. Many famous restoration shops will do it correctly but at an enormous cost because it requires welding and cutting skills and the fabrication of panels to exact Jaguar specifications, in-depth knowledge of the production process, time, and patience. This is one of the most beautiful, mass-produced cars globally and one of the most challenging to restore. 

That is why you always need to look for original and untouched cars, if available. In most cases, E-Types you will see for sale have already been restored, which is good since someone else had invested time, money, and a whole lot of nerves in that process. However, the cars you should consider are the ones restored by well-known shops and reputable specialists, which come with full documentation, photos, and receipts. Stay away from unknown restoration projects, unfinished cars, rust buckets, and barn finds. As cool as barn finds may be, neglected cars that spent decades abandoned are only good for parts. 

The Mechanics

In terms of mechanics, E-Types are dependable and well-engineered cars. Even though they feature some specific engineering solutions like rear inboard brakes, which are difficult to replace and make a simple brake job a three-day venture, E-Type is still relatively easy to maintain. Regardless of the displacement, the venerable XK engine is almost identical to the ones used in Jaguar’s sedans. The only difference is the different intake system, which uses three SU carburetors compared to sedans' two-carb setup. Even the complicated and delicate 5.3-liter V12 Series 3 engine can be dependable if appropriately maintained and kept from overheating. 

You shouldn’t have any problems finding replacement mechanical parts, new and used. There are several E-Type specialist shops (like Eagle E-Type from the UK) that are manufacturing different parts, components, and trim pieces. So, maintaining your sporty Jaguar is not too expensive or difficult. The good thing is that the clamshell hood design, which allows perfect access to the engine. 

The Originality

As with all classic cars, originality is the key and stay away from the cars with swapped engines, interiors, and examples with mismatched details. The E-Type has an identification plate with four numbers (VIN, engine number, transmission number, and body number) mounted on the firewall. Before you decide on a purchase, check with any reputable specialist if the numbers match with the year or version. The reason for this precaution is the fact that engines, details, interiors rare interchangeable, especially between Series 1 and Series 2 cars, and you don’t want an example compiled from several models. 

When we talk about originality, we have to address the fact that many owners have modified their E-Types for better handling, cooling, interior comfort, and equipment. Subtitle modifications that help dependability like extra fans and better cooling system, power steering, or enhanced brakes are welcomed as long as they don’t ruin the car's character. Original cars are great, but if you plan to use your E-Type like it is intended, you will need few mods to cope with modern traffic and driving dynamics. When looking for a perfect example, this is something you want to consider – do you want a museum piece or a driver’s car?

The Prices

Whilst the Jaguar E-Type is one of the most recognizable shapes in the classic car world and one of the cars that hold its value, the prices have been known to vary over the years. If you want to enter the E-Type world, you can find good restoration candidates for around $20 to $30,000. Decent Series 2 cars can be found for approximately $70 to $80,000, with Roadster and two-seat Coupe being the most desirable models. Series 1 and Series 3 cars are around $90 to $100,000 for well-restored examples, with exceedingly nice, original, or low-mileage cars going for significantly more. 

Even though the prices are significant and some cars are known to be sold for over $200,000, generally speaking, the E-Type process is down compared to a few years back. This means that now is the perfect time to get yourself a lovely E-Type and enjoy the best motoring experience Britain has to offer. Also, be sure that even if you pay cool $100,000 for a well-restored and nicely-sorted E-Type, the complete restoration of the barn find example would cost you much more.