I purchased my first e type around 1975, it was a '70 model (series 2). a couple of years later I found a nice '67 model. Subsequently I started collecting Shelby's and K code Mustangs. Mainly as daily drivers. Although now retired, I still am manufacturing a chassis improvement part I designed for the early Mustangs:
Z's 1965-66 low profile street-competition engine crossmember - Vintage Mustang Forums

Due to several motorcycles accidents in my wilder years, I started looking for a ride a little easier on the spine than the '60's era Fords and Shelby's, but still something having some horsepower and just as importantly, a good measure of styling. (As far I'm concerned, for the most part, styling is sorely lacking from todays crop of automobiles). After a long deliberation I settled on the early XKR's as being best suited to meet my expectations.

January 3rd I drove about 450 miles from my home in NE Oklahoma up to the frozen land of De Moines, Iowa and did the best examination of a clean looking 2002 XKR that I could manage in 0 degrees F weather. It passed muster, and with 120 lbs. of sand bags in the trunk for a little better traction in the snow, I drove back to Oklahoma that night. A pretty long day behind the wheel for this 66 old geezer.

This '02 XKR is pretty solid (I hope). Relatively low milage @ 116,000 miles, It's already had the pesky water pump and cam chain tensioners replaced, as well as some suspension bushings and the rear brake rotors. Anything else I should be looking at regarding diminished durability ?

Attached photo is my first e type, circa 1970, right after I replaced a head gasket. The following day I drove from Norman Oklahoma to Santa Monica California, pretty much non-stop, averaging close to 90 mph. At that time, the e type was just another fast used car. Not considered to be a delicate garage queen like they are treated today.

The other photo is my latest '66 Shelby GT-350, taken about 2009.

Looking forward to getting some sage advice from those more experienced with the XKR's than I am.

regards,

Z. Ray

 

oops ! correction, the e type photo was taken about 1979, not 1970.

(are the posts editable ?)

Z

 

Welcome to the forum zray,

Good to have you with us at Jaguar forums.

(members have approximately 20 minutes to edit posts after which they are locked. Any moderator can edit a post without a time restriction if there's a factual error needs correcting)

Follow this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xk8-xkr-x100-17/ to the XK8/XKR forum for help, advice and information. The 'HOW TO' thread at the top is a good place to start for information on regular issues.

Please remember to add vehicle details to your Signature to help others to give relevant advice. Go to the User CP button on the left of the top menu bar, then Settings & Options under Your Control Panel. Select Edit Signature and enter the details.

You can also visit the US Southwest Region forum by following this link https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/us-southwest-37/ to find other members in your region.

Enjoy the forums.

Graham

 

Hello, Z,
You replaced a V12 head gasket in 1979? Good Job!!
Welcome to the forums from ElinorB.
(';')

 

welcome to the forum - enjoy!!!

 

Welcome aboard.

 

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

Welcome to the Forums.

 

Welcome to Jaguar Forums zray,

Good to have you with us.
Enjoy the forum.

If you haven't done so already you should add your car details to your signature to help others to help you.
If you need help with getting around and using the forum follow this link for some help Forum Help