Edited on 2012-06-24 0:27:33

I just bought a 1971 Series 2 E-Type FHC (6 cyl/4-spd). While I've owned XJ sedans before, this will be my first E-Type. It's currently in Houston being retrofitted with a reliable AC and I will pick it up in about a month. From there, I plan to drive it back to my home in Key West.

Since I'm an E-Type rookie, what do I need to know about the care and feeding of this car? It's in excellent condition overall--body, interior, engine, undercarriage. What problems specific to the E-Type should I be aware of? How about rust? (it currently is rust-free) What if anything can I do to prevent it?

And does anyone know of a reliable mechanic between Fort Lauderdale and Key West who is familiar with E-Types?

Any help from E-Type veterans would be greatly welcomed.

Submitted by jaglover6864@y… on Mon, 08/20/2012 - 23:39

Mike, I would probably replace the distributor rotor with the highest quality one you can find, along with the points. I was driving a Jaguar 420G from Seattle to Houston, and about 400 miles out of Seattle, the rotor broke, and fell down into the distributor hit the mechanical advance and blew the side of the distributor out. Ended up shipping the car back, and my wife and I flex back to Houston. I regret not replacing the rotor before leaving. In the past there were some pretty bad rotors sold.
I hope you have a GREAT trip back home.
Charlie Jacobs

Submitted by joeldbnson@hus… on Mon, 08/20/2012 - 02:47

Edited on 2012-08-20 2:52:03

It is a high performance reliable car but on the other hand E-type jaguar has got some really serious problems to deal with. These mainly include Cooling System, Clutch, Fuel Pump, Oil Leaks Starter and some body part problems.

Submitted by darqside@comcast.net on Thu, 06/28/2012 - 20:47

Pete--Love to hear the story from Key Largo. I did own a 1995 XJ6 and I now have a 2008 XJ8. Never an E-Type, though.

Bill--Emotional is the word. I've wanted an E-Type ever since I first saw one in 1962. Now, for the first time, I can finally afford one.

Submitted by NE40-48370 on Tue, 06/26/2012 - 11:55

Tough call Mike - seeking wisdom from E-type owners. To buy one is usually to let your head rule your heart, and a good thing too.

Welcome to the E-type madhouse - you'll be on familiar territory in large measure, especially if you had a Series 1 or 2 XJ. If we ever meet up, remind me to tell you my unprintable Key Largo story from the Cafe Carribean, when I rode an old Sportster down to Key West the day after Clinton got elected.