Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

lowdrag · Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 1585 Location: Le Mans

I was 100% against when it first was shown, but you know, we old timers have got to come to terms with the word "restomod", which is to say an E-type low drag with an uprated 4.6 litre engine, power steering, aircon, and whatever else the buyer wants. The Speedster is just in one way a form of americanised hot rod, just like they did and do with the 1932 Ford. If we are not to pass the same way as the dodo we have to accept that younger people want the style with the mod cons too, and who am I to ctiticize if they can write a cheque that large? I buy a new car, I choose the options, and so it is with classics now. I still have this idea to take an MG ZA Magnette and modernise it, with a Rover V8, aircon, power steering, uprated suspension and so on. Negative earth of course to cope with charging my phone, a Becker Mexico retro with GPS built in but looking like a 1960s face, and so on. Will I do it? I doubt not. There is much less steam in the boiler than there was a few years back, but if I win the lottery it'll be done.

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 6303 Location: Derby

Thanks for your thoughts Lowdrag. The comparison to American hot rods is interesting. Like you, I am torn.

What makes me laugh, however, is when we continually hear that the E Type was the most beautiful car of all time. The original concept was stunningly beautiful; no contest - and ticked all the boxes at the time.... but - as this thread demonstrates - for reasons that could have stopped production in it's tracks - Jaguar Cars went on to completely ruin the appearance of the car. To my eyes the series 2 cars are horrible to look at (better to drive) but the V12 was just a joke. Someone described it as having a grand piano up front!

kevin2306 · Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2018 4:21 pm Post subject:

Im looking at getting an XJ6, whilst the later cars are cheaper, the simplicity of the earlier models attracts me more.

Kevin

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 6303 Location: Derby

kevin2306 · Posted: Fri Aug 10, 2018 5:53 pm Post subject:

Cheers Ray

Only just started looking to be honest

Kevin

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22438 Location: UK

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 6303 Location: Derby

Many years ago my then Boss had a vivid yellow XJ6 Coupe which became affectionately known as "the custard tart" Laughing

It was an impressive looking car with plenty of poke but to say it was thirsty would be an understatement. For some reason the main agent responsible couldn't fix the problem.

There is also an inherent problem with the two door model and that is the degree to which wind noise intrudes and I think it is virtually unsolvable - that is unless anyone here knows differently.

lowdrag · Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Posts: 1585 Location: Le Mans

7gzr · Posted: Thu Aug 16, 2018 11:48 pm Post subject:

interesting thread - My S4 lotus7 was the last of the line [in fact my car is the last genuine Lotus 7 registered in UK] Lotus only made 600 odd, of which 20 or so are left on UK roads, Most people hate the S4 [but they are the people who know nothing about the S4 and just repeat the toss put out by Caterham who no longer own the rights to the S4 - Redline now own the S4 rights to produce it and parts etc] though many toad tests extoll its many virtues compared to the earlier cars.
Problem is with earlier cars s1-S3 there are many kit car copies so it's impossible to tell a real Lotus7 from a newer kit car'7' - of which there are many brands [westfield, robin hood, locust, locost birkin, etc etc]
My cars advantage over s1-s3's is that it is unmistakable as a Lotus - Whether you like S4 or not is irrelevant - though I often get asked if its a real one - If you're one of the wally's who asks that Q then you better be prepared for my verbal response Very Happy

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 6303 Location: Derby

Can you explain something to me please? (see, I asked nicely) Why does it matter if a car is a Lotus as opposed to a Westfield, a Caterham or any other brand? Don't they all do the same sort of thing?

alastairq · Joined: 14 Oct 2016 Posts: 1950 Location: East Yorkshire

I agree with you, Ray..why does it matter?
Must be up to the individual? Kudos, perhaps?

In the end, a bunch of tubes, is a bunch of tubes...perhaps?

Rick · Site Admin Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 22438 Location: UK

Ray White · Joined: 02 Dec 2014 Posts: 6303 Location: Derby

Yes Rick. Sorry for the thread drift.

Ellis · Posted: Fri Aug 17, 2018 11:08 am Post subject:

Probably a little young or modern for Kevin's tastes but A Jaguar X300 XJR would tick my boxes.

Superb cars if you can find a really good one.
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1964 Jaguar Mark 2 3.4 litre
1962 Land Rover Series 2a 88"
2002 BMW M3 E46 Cabriolet