WATCH THIS BEFORE BUYING A JAGUAR E-TYPE!

Jaguar E-Type expert Tim Griffin gives us the low down on what we should be asking when looking to buy an E-Type.
Do you know the key differences between the three different series? Do you prefer the roadster or the fixed head coupe? Should you go for the 3.8 or a 4.2? We discuss all these topics and more to help you find the right car.
Many thanks to all at CMC for hosting us and to Tim for sharing all the knowledge and E-Type wisdom.
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
10:00 - Identity
11:10 - Check the numbers
13:07 - How you use the car
14:43 - Corrosion
20:00 - Panel gaps
21:24 - Doors & latches
23:20 - Paint thickness
28:00 - What to check in the boot
33:14 - Interior - trim and instruments and fuse board
40:20 - What to look for underneath an E-Type
43:12 - Bushes, dampers and anti roll bar
43:50 - Brakes
46:05 - Engine
49:44 - Service & Maintenance
53:59 - Independent rear suspension
57:29 - Series 2
01:04:20 - Series 3
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[@61zoom61]

What a great guy. He’s being asked to give away his knowledge that’s taken time & vast amounts of money to learn. Without doubt a genuine bloke.

[@dracorpgroup]

Yes, that is so true. A fine gentleman; my sense of a fine English gentleman. He is an example of someone who has been raised well, with good character. Now, to the cars. Ever since this car first arrived in the Geneva Car Show (I believe that is where it was first revealed to the public) it has created its own standing in the world of fine cars and just general design and craftsmanship. Thank you.

[@joeking4206]

I was born in 1961, same year the E-Type was sold. It’s still the most beautiful car ever made. I’m with Enzo Ferrari. Fantastic video. I learned a lot.

[@johnnyboy1586]

There was quite a few beautiful cars made in the sixties ,lamborghini muira ,maserati gt 3500, aston martin dB 4,db5 etc😊but yes the e type is beautiful and unique with its airplane fuselage shape

[@andrewtomlinson8124]

Very good, but it was a shame the camera did not pick up a lot of the areas of the car that were being pointed at!! Also no mention of the 2+2? Other than that, a very useful video. Great to see somebody doing this type of buyers guide for classics. Thanks very much.👍

[@gazwit1603]

If I had a £ 1 for every time I heard the Enzo quote I'd have enough to buy one😂

[@AaronBalto]

I don’t even think it’s true. Has anyone ever seen the original quote properly documented??

[@hankwilliams5622]

If you had 1 euro for everytime you heard quote had to be true, you'd have zero.

[@michaelcrump1288]

i was fortunate to own all three series E types the last a V12 convertible in 1975 2 years old. Great memories in my old age without the expense of today

[@rogerpritchard]

One of the best reviews and analysis of E-types I've watched. My father Dennis, ex RAF pilot, had a 68 4.2 series 1.5. Obelescent blue. He took me to school in it. How lucky was I !! Reg OBU 608F.

[@robth4148]

Most excellent and watchable video. Having owned a 62 fhc for 25 years the advise is spot on. Buy a solid body least molested original accident free car you can, don´t be fooled by shiny paint work and you will not go to far wrong. The mechanics are robust and comparatively easy to fix and stay on top of. E types can look shabby quite quickly so best used sparingly and enjoyed like a fine wine

[@RichardMichaelOwen]

Very well done. Tim Griffin is spot on. Great to see CMC flourishing in the post Peter Neumark era.

[@marcvanweert85]

Absolutely loving the direction the channel is going on Andrew . The fleet of older vws is really appealing

[@dudley7540]

Bought the first E-type I drove. $950, no regrets. 1972 was a good year for me. Nearly 51 years of E-type ownership.

[@Jagggggg88]

How reliable was it over the years?

[@matthewasinari497]

Tim Griifin is a very pleasant and knowledgeable person and I admire his passion for these cars. These experts who are passionate and dedicated to a brand and a model are the best in the industry. So are the experts here who help with facts/corrections. Whether Porsche, BMW, Ferrari, Jaguar or any brand really, these are the guys that help other people who are passionate about a specific model. Thank you for this episode. Truly enjoyed it!

[@gregpheysey6933]

Thankyou on of he best in depth videos I’ve seen you can read loads of books but physical hands on knowledge is impeccable

[@david340r4]

Very enjoyable video. This would have saved me some time when I was deciding which one to go for! I ultimately decided on an aluminium dash 3.8 FHC, but being 6' it had to be post June '62, not only for the footwells, but also (and not mentioned in the video) for the recesses in the bulkhead behind the seats, allowing them to move further back. There were some non-flat floor cars built that didn't have this change. Mine is actually Nov '62 so has the "barley seed" pattern dash, rather than "polka dots".

[@barta844]

Very well done! I owned a '63 FHC years ago, and the only car I have ever missed. The only one I would go for a drive, just for the pleasure of driving. I wish he had covered mods required for modern fuel. At current prices, most will not care, but worth noting that Adjusting valves is a pain, done with shims, clutch change reqires jacking car, dropping engine & gearbox as a unit, and to change the darn parking break pads, you need to drop the rear end. Oh, the power steering racks used to fail often. I worked at a Jag dealer in the early 70's, so not much I don't know about these wonderful cars

[@kurtbrueske]

Thank you, very informative video. Funny when I heard the “how tall are you?” response, I first thought it was a polite colloquial Brit way of asking “how much money do you have?” which, if not the first question, is probably the second. I’ve owned an early 68 Series II FHC for about four years now, absolutely love it, so different than American cars of the era. The smell of the interior alone is worth the price of admission…love the way it drives, nimble with incredible road feel and completely analog. A very special car!

[@richardcarter1000]

Wonderful cars. Had my 65 E for nearly 25 years now. Still just wonderful. Great touring car.

[@williamingleton7980]

A really good film, helpful and informative.

[@deangraham6691]

What and excellent and informateive video! Thank you for putting this together

[@JaguarEType]

Tim, very well explained. All three models in such a short time. This is a very good guideline for someone who starts looking into E Type. It also shows what else to look out for and that buying an E Type for your personal preferences is not something you decide over night. It is a process !!! That is why most of us have several of them :-)

[@johndavey72]

Well those who can afford several Maikel !😅😅😅

[@3ducs]

A must watch for anyone contemplating an E-Type. I did rotisserie body restorations on three Series 2 E-Types back in 1998, I learned quite a bit from this video. I am contemplating a Series 3 XJ6, there are some points that apply to those cars.

[@abelallen8743]

That is invaluable information, I'm not sure you could get that many details from any Jaguar enthusiast...Thank you for sharing this !

[@larrygerfen2801]

I wish all the car journalists would provide some judgement on cabin space available for tall or large body people. I’m just 6 ft 2 in and have been disappointed frequently checking out most classics that just don’t fit. Glad this video presenter discusses this aspect to the E type.

[@robertscheinost179]

As computer search engines do, I had this video pop up on my screen after doing an "E-types for sale" search today. I had a '66 Series 1 and a '70 Series 2, both FHC's around 1980. They were absolutely lovely to drive. Around 1983, the collectors started to raise the value of these beautiful cars. Being a working man who drove my Jags year round as my only cars, I decided to sell. It was probably the dumbest move I ever did. Now that I'm retired and figuring what I'm going to do "when I grow up", I am refreshing my brain on the E-types again should I take the leap. I know, I know; that's a hell of a lot of money to spend but then again, you can't take it with you. A properly restored example Series 1, 4.2 liter costs around the same as a nice house! I must be crazy! I know that the bleeding of money just starts once you own one. Maybe the best thing to do is spend the money and build a vault out of plexiglass and display it in my living room as a decorative piece. The Jags I had sucked a large sum of money out of my wallet just on taxes, insurance and maintenance but they were sure fun to drive. They did everything I asked of them and would have done more! Fantastic cars, fantastic cars. By the way, nice SU's on that Series 3 in the video. Yeah, I noticed.

[@olewurtz7625]

Very informative indeed. From 2010 to 2017 I restored an S3 OTS and wish I had seen this before setting off on that adventure. One comment - the S3 exhaust was as far as I know with four tail pipes on the 71-72 models and changed to two on the 73-74 models. Making the red S3 a 71-72 or a 73-74 model with a non original final muffler with four tailpipes. Proper nerd stuff, I apologise.😊

[@SkepticNerd]

Glad I saw this before I purchased a Jaguar E-Type (I lied, I'm poor).

[@adamcampbell-jones7621]

They were dirt cheap a few years ago

[@conceptalfa]

Great analyses!!!👍👍👍

[@512bb]

Absolutely a superb investment in your time to watch this...And much to my surprise his choice in favorite E types are exactly mine, funny enough I'm just a uniformed American. Thank you gentleman for your expertise & time!

[@rustybearden1800]

This is probably the best, no BS, comprehensive guide on these beautiful vehicles. I'm American so I'm not sure if that has anything to do with my preference for the Series 3 in either body style. When I was a teenager a friend's father had a black on black 1974 Series 3 2+2 with the beautiful wire wheels. AC, auto transmission and 8 track stereo. He used to sneak it out occasionally and we would cruise around and listen to The Who and Led Zeppelin and The Beatles. It was a spectacularly sinister and beautiful beast when he would pull up to my house slowly at night in the rain. Just gorgeous. I've always had a soft spot for the Series 3 but the E Type in any form is my fantasy car.

[@robertkraft8828]

What a great trip through the E-Type history ! I have a '62 OTS #875071 and learned a great deal about its strengths and weaknesses. I'm still a fan of the "early" XKE but was really surprised to hear that the host's favorite was the V-12 ! He spends so much time around them that I suppose he knows what he's talking about !

[@DavidVenables-hr9iu]

I really enjoyed listening to Tim’s wealth of knowledge and learned a lot. Don’t know if I’ll ever take the plunge to buy one. I’m past it now.

[@JesusHernandez-ll5ok]

Thank you for your information that help me made a wise decition, I went for a Toyota Corolla now I can say "you got it Toyota"! 😊😊😊😊

[@mikedx2706]

Did they mention that there is always so much engine and transmission heat radiated into the cockpit of coupes that you will think the heater is always on?

[@hugomiller1025]

Having just restored a Series II roadster (imported from a dry US state so no rust), I am amazed by just how labour-intensive these cars are to build. Or rather, I should say I am amazed that they were so cheap to buy, considering the amount of labour that goes into putting them together. "80 to 100 hours to paint and fit a bonnet" for example. I heard that it took two men three days to fit a bonnet on the production line. And yet they sold for £2,000 - half the price of an Aston when they came out.

[@jrgb9945]

My aunt had one when I was little. Silver. The first time I saw her open that hood I felt like I had seen the star ship enterprise up close.

[@carsandstuff365]

Series 2 also had different door trims , the door handle location , and it had a glove box door with a lock as well as the block rocker switches. Series 1 4.2 also had reclining seats though

[@robertgough5804]

Nice very informative

[@ynot5105]

Thank you kindly, for this placement. Although I'm not in the market for one, my ultimate would be a Series 3 Fixed Head Coupe and if I could arrange that, with the Series 1 bumper/taillights setup (just looks so much more sleek). Thanks again to both of you, for documenting this; I most certainly learn quite a bit! It also helps me with "background" knowledge, as I'm following the 2 x E-type builds, currently under way, at Retropower!

[@anthonycicarelli588]

I had a 63 e, I’m 6’4. I took the lower seat cushion and put a pillow there and I loved it. Wish I still had it.

[@mikedx2706]

Exactly. If you are 6ft or more, the headroom is non-extent for you in Series One FHC's with stock non-reclining seats. I have one too, and it is a literal pain in the neck to drive it any distance from bending down my head and neck.

[@johndavey72]

Overall, a very detailed and explicit description of the do's and dont's of the perils of "e"type ownership/ purchase . The opening shot of a series 2 being described as a series 1 was a bad error. As a panel beater of 53 years + of experience, to suggest that you can tig weld the lower rear repair section and planish it without using filler whilst replacing the sill is at best optomistic ! It may be worth mentioning that Sir William purchased a mig welder specifically to weld the outer "A" post panel on the car in production . And the series 3 illustrated was furnished with S.U's . The production cars were fitted with Strombergs . And finally ! .... The series 3 was not exclusively fitted with the V12 and press photo's show the 4.2 engine fitted . In reality it's probable that no 4.2 's were supplied to the public . I know it's easy to be a "film critic" but my observations are given as constructive not as deliberate critisism. Overall , the most detailed and helpful video for any potential buyer l've seen . Thankyou .

[@Lawson7086]

As a car sprayer of 40 years i agree with your comment where he says he says he would tig weld the lower rear repair section and planish it without using filler whilst replacing the sill is indeed being at best optomistic

[@jagvette1]

As a current owner of an E Type this was an amazing video, PLEASE do exactly the same on a Jaguar MKII, I have one of those as well, It's a sickness :)

[@tris7]

Amazingly useful video! - Can you do one for a MK2 Jag??? Pleeeease

[@tacfoley4443]

I spotted a William Townes-designed 'Hustler' in the background - a one-time neighbour of ours built the six-wheeled version - it seemed to be a glass box on wheels!

[@barryobrien7583]

Fantastic. Thank you. Would love to see a similar tour for an xjs celebration. Gee - I wonder what car I have?

[@geoffreystearns1690]

I've owned a '61 flat floor and a '65 E-type. Did my own upkeep work and thoroughly enjoyed them. You used to be able to pick them up for a song back in the late 60's, early 70's...and then the dilettante collector/investors got into the market and drove the prices out of sight. Ruined things for we DIY-on-a-budget Jag owners.

[@guantou2520]

As Clarkson once said, you can fit into any car you want to. I make my 6 foot 15st frame fit into my Series 1 Roadster. That same frame refuses to fit into my wife's Yaris.

[@nulle.k]

Damn! Was planning on buying one but I guess I’ll settle for a Honda civic instead after seeing this video

[@mglamarmd1]

Bought a 1971, Jaguar E-type/XKE, Series 3, V12, auto trans, 2+2 in BRG w a biscuit interior. People drool over it!

[@Kyle74TR]

Everybody always talks about the footwells in the 3.8, but the addition of the fear bulkhead scoops is just as important for leg room in the 3.8s (I believe they were introduced in April 62).

[@mtacoustic1]

Buying a vintage E-Type is way more of an emotional decision than a practical one!!

[@johnbutler3141]

Great show guys. From valuation , desire and resale , what is your opinion on the series 3 V12 automatic versus manual.

[@jamesstratton4488]

Thanks!

[@h.hafner1110]

😊top Garage..super Work

[@philipshilling8665]

The CMC specialist, Tim, tells us at the end that the Series III is his choice for nice long drives because it is supposedly the most rugged/trouble-free. Most classic Jaguar mechanics disagree with that revisionism. Most will tell you that the Series II is the most reliable/trouble-free, because it is the six cylinder car evolved and developed over many years, whereas the Series III V-12 saw a much shorter life. By the way, whilst Series II cars had front bumpers raised by about an inch, the XK SS-style rear wrap-around bumper was NOT raised.

[@strictlygrey]

As a budding voice actor on less than 20k a year, I'm very glad for this information 😉😂

[@Uswesi1527]

If I’ve the money , first I’ll buy the E-Type, then I would follow your advice. Thanks

[@briantheodoreb2764]

Can you please do a buying guide on the Aston Martin V8 Vantage (2005 -2017) and the Audi R8 (2006 - 2015) ?

[@davidauerbach2626]

I had a e type in 1972 for a few years it was a thill from beginning to when I sold it a true joy minus the oil leeks

[@zzhughesd]

Where do we start. Indeed. Beautiful. Hard describe the design is just achingly beautiful. Somethings I agree Enzo famous statement other times other designs , later designs ,barely barely better looking. Hard call. Top 3 best looking cars ever.

[@Riso-Musik]

I used to say to my dad when I was a kid, when I grow up I'm going to buy an E-Type and take you down to Brighton. My mum would say what about me> I'd reply what about you :)

[@CaSuMog]

There‘s zero mentioning of the 2+2 ? What a pity, as these can often still be bought for „normal“ money compared to a 3.8 OBL…

[@antonyjones4259]

V12 E-Type every time for me !!!

[@thomaspalmer3923]

Excellent, but 3.8 and 4.2 had the same stroke but different bore sizes,and were there not a few 6 cylinder seies 3?

[@sylviageldeard1639]

The 4.2 Litre XK engine has the same crankshaft stroke as the 3.8 litre at 106 mm. The cylinder bore is larger at 92 mm.

[@leeaw1638]

Memories of 50 Various complete factory front ends at M Kaplans (B'ham) at the end of production. Just dings and dents stored during production and sold off as job-lot. What would o/e fronts be worth today as unobtainium?

[@markeagleton8144]

I have 3 e-types they are original numbers cars but I have made body and upgrade modifications which I believe made them better. 2 of them have wone 1st place in Houston Autorama in their class. I want some advice in selling them. The restorations were done by top level mechanics and body shops.

[@michaelmanke8656]

Great!

[@MrPikeboy]

Well mine seems to tick all the boxes drum roll please 😮 RHD series 1 2+2 automatic with weathershield sunroof😮 which at the time was the most expensive derivative of the mark and only 3 left on British roads to my knowledge how times have changed 😁 but really they are all gorgeous and would gladly own any version 😀 👍🇬🇧

[@douglasthompson9482]

Good information. I had a xj8 for a while but may go to the xke. Presently I drive a Mercedes’ 300 sl. I love both car makers but find Mercedes’ interiors are better quality.

[@prakashnarismulu3332]

I wish the photographer spent more time on the cars and less on the two gents talking . The commentary from the expert was valuable though and could have been overlaid over the images of the cars

[@billhadgkiss1570]

YES

[@Justplast]

Thank you from OZ

[@adamcampbell-jones7621]

im in E-Type heaven !

[@pauldavies3764]

Is it feasible to convert a series 3 to HE spec?

[@robharding5345]

The most iconic sports car ever designed.

[@robertdore9592]

IMHO, the e-type is THE best looking car sports of saloon of all time.

[@kaki4846]

The maroon car on the right behind the owner could it be a Pegaso Z102?

[@Ada..D]

Amyam allright. Any chance of a version of this in English ?

[@ianalderton6683]

brilliant film, enjoyed all as I am in the market for an E type but I definitely don't want a red one- so many red cars . . . . . ; ))

[@Pitti_Piotr]

So much details.

[@chrish5794]

I Want one, Bad !!

[@deanosaur808]

I was about to rush and buy one. then I woke up 😅

[@terryloftus3207]

STILL the worlds most beautiful car,even after 60+ years

[@brucky1890]

Proper car nerd stuff. Very interesting please can we have more of this, only true petrol heads will relish this.

[@housepumpinpc3983]

Any car that sits is going to leak. A car by its age will leak. So I figure, unless you are wealthy, drive your car. It will give you a return. This was a nice go thru.Wonder how I can get those side mirrors? Oh and I have the red headed stepchild series 3.

[@maliwilliams7262]

My Dad had a 4.2... I visited him as he was Dealing with Alzheimers...A dude was Buying his Car, and Initially I was Pissed,(But then Again, I Lived in Cali, and I Knew the Crank, Tranny, was GONE!).He'd been using UNLEADED Fuel on a '69!! (ALZHEIMERS!) So, as I Thought, there was No WAY I was going to Drive to Cali from Chicago!! Anyway, LOVED That Car, Many Memories.. (Which is why I've owned at Least 4 280Z's!!) Try to Buy One of Those, Now Days!!

[@simon-oy6um]

When i remember back in the early 70's i could have got one for 1500 quid 😢😢

[@AlastairCox-bh3xn]

No mention of the 2+2 which is probably the cheapest and the best for tall drivers

[@timothyrogstad5577]

I love this shit. What a bunch of nerds we are...lol

[@maskawathrasha8676]

This comment section is CLASS. (Well, at least it was before peasants like me started leaving peasant jokes)

[@badATchaos]

Pro tip: Open the aperture a little bit to open up the depth-of-field.

[@billhadgkiss1570]

Opening the ap reduces the amount in focus.

[@johnbriggs3916]

Close the aperture (amateur tip.)

[@davidgardner8364]

What type or year would work for me...I'm 6 foot 2 inches....Convertible....recommendation please...David

[@johnbriggs3916]

It depends where your height is: is it in the legs or the back? This affects driving stance as well as legroom.

[@rickwilliams5141]

They are drop-heads and not roadsters. Roadsters do not have wind-up windows. Otherwise an excellent, informative episode of a truly beautiful automobile.

[@laurentTru7450]

Funny to be more enthousiastic about a car made 60 years ago than actual cars (that are dull)....

[@caymanblack9567]

No mention of the 2+2 ? most of these restored cars do no miles per year which he says is bad but that won't change.

[@stephendavidbailey2743]

XK-E

[@paulmarriner5906]

Actually, some of the first series, 3 cars had 4.2 engines.

[@bpastorb]

"Do you know the key differences between the three different series? Do you prefer the roadster or the fixed head coupe? Should you go for the 3.8 or a 4.2?" I doubt it was meant this way but that line of questions is funny considering it narrows out series 3 2+2 as a car you most definitely do not want. haha probably accurate - Worst combination by far (no offense to anyone who owns one).

[@JesusHernandez-ll5ok]

Corrotion and cheap wiring are common on british cars!

[@philipgreer9811]

Unless upgraded they don't and never did drive well straight line performance yes handling and braking nope I have a bmw e9 csl that would drive the arse of an etype another thing is there is loads of them but still a lovely looking machine

[@martinnicholas9867]

Funny how an exspert .Doesn't know that 3.8 and 4.2 both had 106 mm stroke.The 4.2 had larger pistons.

[@billharding8978]

Completely inaccurate. You are confused by the 2012 Carrera Club Coupe (13 units Brewster Green) the rarest production 911 and the 2015 Carrera GTS of which 59 were made painted in Club Blau. It is the 2012 model that commemorates 60th anniversary of Porsche Clubs