I'm currently in the market at purchasing an E type. My knowledge mostly is from Ferrari, as an owner. I found a 1966 E type jaguar, 4.2L 6 cylinder engine with 57K miles for under $30k. Originally the car came with manual transmission but the previous owner changed it to automatic. Was automatic transmission an option in the 4.2L? What are the major differences between 3.2 (or 6)L or 4.2L engines?
What about the interior? Type of gauges, wheel, dash panel...? Any information is greatly needed! Is this a good investment?

 

In my opinion, when it comes to Jaguar E-types you have to first decide what you want to ultimately have. A driver that looks good, or a fully restored period correct car that may be too expensive to drive for fun. Prices for E-types have been climbing in any condition but there are some people predicting the price bubble to burst so make sure you love the car before spending any money. The example you describe seems odd to me since the trend is to move from auto to manual. Three thing to watch out for: rust, rust and hidden rust.
Have fun shopping.

 

Rust--what rust-you mean the whole car!
Lap spot welds are sponges to moisture and apparently the rarest option on the e-type was a rust coat on interior of panels.
Good new panels are available and really not that expensive,BUT cost to have the work done is and often you will need a dedicated jig for the OTS and at least a rotisserie for a quality resto and paint job. The 4.2 did have an automatic option BUT only in the LWB of the 2+2. Some really good book out there to document originality and help with the purchase: either buy one that is done or partially, starting from scratch means usually an up front $$ outlay followed by more as you sort through what is needed, and numbers matching is a plus always

 

I would be rather hesitant about an automatic in a non-2+2 Series 1 E-Type (which I assume is what you are looking at). They did not come with an automatic, so a good bit of (possibly cowboy) hacking about of the transmission tunnel and transmission support structure may have occurred. When you buy an E-Type, you are also buying the previous owner's decisions - I would question what would possess a person to insert an automatic into a 1966, which already had the great, full-synchro manual gearbox.

Your questions suggest that you are newly interested in E-Types. Welcome to the madness! I would suggest a good bit of study of the prolific literature on the car before you even start looking at candidates. Good starting points would be: Porter's "Original Jaguar E Type" and Clausager's "Factory-Original Jaguar E-Type".

 

The vehicle im looking at is a 1966 4.2L 2+2. Apparently the previous owner had few jags with manual transmission and wanted a jag with automatic so he replaced this car with auto tranny. The car was been "restored"...the vehicle in the pictures look fabulous! I counter offered his price and he accepted. I asked him about rust which he said he didnt see any. The vehicle is in another state at a dealer which im unable to see it in person. The car is gorgeous, and the price is incredible (which concerns me now) i have about a day to take the risk or let it go....

 

....also, how hard is it to find parts for these E types? Are they a good investment? I see them from the low 30k to the high 200k and beyond...

 

Cars in general have been on a big ramp up over the last couple of years so many people feel we are near the peak and will soon head down. Unless you're a dealer, cars generally make for poor investments. E-types are desirable but are not rare with IIRC >70,000 built. All things being equal, valuations in general are OTS > FHC > 2+2 with S1 > S2 > S3. It cost the same to repair and restore the least valuable combination as it does the most valuable.

Here is the Hagerty valuation for that car...

https://www.hagerty.com/valuationtoo...port?vbe=37552

You can use it to compare the value curves of different models and years.

Parts are easy, but expensive compared to other English cars. SNG Barrett, Welsh Enterprises, XKS Unlimited all provide parts. You can all but build a whole new car if you want and have the cash.

Good luck!

Jim

 

The above raises some big red flags. A restored S1 E-Type that looks fabulous in photos, has not been seen in person, requires a one day decision, and is priced under $30K sounds like.....a scam. Just my personal opinion based on the limited info in this thread. At the least, there should not be pressure for an instant decision: an automatic 2+2 is unlikely to have flocks of potential buyers beating down the doors. I may be totally wrong, but this sounds like some due diligence is required.

 

+1
There have been quite a few scams with classic cars like this where the car is remote and money disappears, and usually all internet-based. If you can't see and test the car, or get somebody known by you to see it, then forget it or at least tread extremely cautiously as SCMike says.

 

Well, you've already bought the car, so now you just have to get, it drive it, and enjoy it...
Good luck.
Edward