Reasonable budget for a useable 2+2?

[Cossington]

I've had a couple of modern Jaguars as every day cars, in the past. I am now looking for a weekend 'toy'. It needs to be able to accommodate my two children - an E type 2+2 seems to tick rather a lot of boxes. Happy to consider 6 or 12 cylinder models, but would prefer a manual gearbox.

Is £20k a reasonable sum to buy a 'useable' example, that won't turn into a total money pit? (I will get any car professionally inspected, rather than trust my limited knowledge). Or is there another price level which would get a decent useable example, not requiring major restoration in a couple of years - eg £25k or £30k?

If anyone has seen any decent examples in their travels, I'd welcome any suggestions or links for possible cars.

Many thanks,

David

[greensimonc]

Hi David,

I guess it depends on what model you'll be happy with? I started off looking at Series 3s as I thought that was all I'd be able to afford, but I really prefer the Series 1 styling that I ended up with - blew my initial budget considerably though, but I don't regret it!

I found it quite difficult to put a value on a car - prices vary considerably depending on condition and history and it's not until you delve deep do you really find out what has been done/needs to be......

Money pit? - Well, I've taken a long term view but have upgraded the front brakes and just had an expensive stainless steel exhaust fitted - but that was my choice. It's offset by very cheap classic insurance and of course no road tax.

You said you'll get an inspection which is very wise - if the chosen car has no rust and a decent or re-built engine, you should expect to gradually upgrade or replace bits and pieces. Make sure the car has matching numbers.

For something to look at, this is the place I bought mine from - very nice genuine chap:

http://www.peterjarvis.net/index.php?op ... &Itemid=72 . You might see what I mean about a range of prices!

Best of luck - go for it!

Cheers, Simon.

[raysearles]

Hi David,

Go back 15 years and I made the same decision, paying £15k for a half decent (she was) Series III 2+2; just remember that children get bigger! And the 2+2 is not a four seater!

I would do lots of research - I spent a year looking at cars, from dealers such as Peter Jarvis to private ads in the JEC Magazine. I would make sure you see at least half a dozen cars before settling on one.

£20k should buy you a reasonable example going by adverts in our magazine, but you have to be prepared for bills over the life of ownership, some small, some large. Inspecting underneath and under carpets is crucial to avoiding the pit.

Best question I have been asked is when will you finish the car! You never finish thats the problem, you will always find something to fettle, improve or tinker with - that's part of the joy of owning a 40-50 year old icon of motoring.

Good luck with your search, their are lots of experts, both owners and professionals around the JEC who can help and advise - and remember the best adage of all, if it looks too good to be true - it IS to good to be true.

Don't know where you are based but on Wednesday I think H&H Classics have an auction in Buxton, might be worth checking what E Types they have for sale, not necessarily to buy but I did a lot of research early doors at various auctions as it gave me a view of roughly where the market was at the time for cars in different states of repair.

Hope this helps, don't forget to post a picture when you eventually take the plunge.

Good Luck

Ray

[Geordie]

Hi David,

IMHO you should budget about £22-£25k for an A+ condition Series 1 2+2 4.2L manual.

I bought mine from an acquaintance at under market price as he wanted it to go to a good home and to be taken out in it periodically! He had completely rebuilt the car in the early ninety's and it had done less than 2000 miles since then. The car was valued by JEC for insurance at £25k. A history file with the car is essential and plump for a UK RHD build with matching numbers and heritage certificate, whichever series you get.

Make sure you get it professionally inspected, despite being cared for fanatically, mine still need some minor works, before it sailed through its MOT having been SORN for the previous 2 years.

Personally I think 2+2's are under rated, they are far more practical for good weather use and the Series 1 has a more reclined front screen than the Series 2 or 3 as the roof line doesn't come so far forward leaving a 6 inch bulkhead (located in which are the washer jets) in front of the screen and the start of that long bonnet.

Whichever you get, if you choose carefully, you will get immense pleasure from driving it

[Cossington]

Simon, Ray, Geordie,

Many thanks for your replies - they are helpful and give me hope that my budget can get me something reasonable. I'm used to 'upgrading' and large service bills (I've just sold my Maserati), as time goes on, so not put off by that.

I think there is plenty of reading, listening and looking to be done, to build up my knowledge base. The learning process and search should be a fun ride, in itself.

I'm based in the Midlands (Leicestershire) and have spotted one or two cars not too far away, to go and have a look at.

Right, back to research....

David.

[jBlackwell]

Hi David,
Worksop is not too far from you. I believe Ken Jenkins may know of a couple of 2+2's for sale judging by a conversation I had with him the other day. His contact details are in the magazine or on the forums here.
Ken is our chief technical expert, and very useful to have go and visit a car before buying.

Regards

James
JEC Office

[Cossington]

Stenatko,

Thanks for the tip. I shall have a chat with Ken and agree if the car(s) are anywhere near him, he would be a good guy to inspect them.

David

[raysearles]

David

Might be presuming, but had you noticed that Geordie who posted on this thread re the budget is now selling his E Type 2+2; apologies if you had - he has listed it under the Buy and Sell topic lower down on this forum. Seems like there might be a conversation there..


Ray

[Cossington]

Hi Ray,

Well spotted. Geordie and I have exchanged messages. At the moment that is stretching my budget a little. It does look like a beauty, though...

Thanks for the prompt, it is appreciated.

David