Speaking Of Simplicity

Drive Time

Harking back to last Saturday’s post, here’s one way to “simplify” a classic car:

Looks purty, dunnit?

Of course, this E-type’s about like Washington’s axe — all that’s left is the name (in this case, the body) — but at least this new version has a cold-start percentage greater than 30% (the old E-type’s average) and the lights and windshield wipers can work simultaneously (to mention just some of the features).

The price paid for this restomod actually set a new record for nosebleed — although it’s in the same range as all other E-type restomods — but even if I had the money, I think I’d prefer something else.

I remember once thinking that the ultimate restomod would be a Dino body stretched over a Porsche Cayman, but that would probably cost less than a restored Dino, from what I’ve seen.  (Nearly half a million bucks for Ferrari’s “entry level” car from the late 1960s?  Are you kidding me?)

And returning to the above XKE, I have to think that I’d prefer to lose the rocket launch geegaws and stick with the original six-cylinder 3.8-liter Jag engine.  But that’s just me.

4 comments

  1. I found what you need.

    https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/93641a89-816f-42ad-9798-f94aa40b8ee1/

    appears to have the original 3.8 L six and possibly the original tires but what do you want for only $ 19.5 K
    Of course, it looks like it’s been in storage for a while and no word on condition of the running gear. It looks like the tires are still holding air ( for at least as long as it took to take the photos).

    Since you probably don’t have the space in your kitchen area to do the full engine rebuild yourself and I’m assuming the new wife would likely disapprove. I can recommend a competent independent shop to do the needed work. I would budget $ 200 K over 3 years. ( as a starting point ) YMMV

  3. A 60ish year old car with a Lucas electrical system? A Spitfire taught me to stay far away back in the late 70’s with a 8 year old electrical system.

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