Admission: I prefer the SIII E-type to the SI

"DrScientist" (DrScientist)
11/10/2015 at 00:05 • Filed to: None

it may be an unpopular opinion, especially among collectors, as evidenced by the auction sale prices, but i prefer the series 3 e-types over the original series 1 e-type.

the S3 was available with a V12 rather than the straight 6 in the S1, but that’s not the reason.

the S1 came with the super-cool toggle switch dash, rather than the dorky rocker switches in the S3, so that clearly isn’t it.

it’s just something about the body lines, the wheel arches, and the headlamps. call me an outsider, but hey, everyone has an oppopinion.

photos courtesy:

http://www.themotoringenthusiast.com/cars/74-e-type

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DISCUSSION (20)

Rico > DrScientist
11/10/2015 at 00:24

Come to the Oppo meet Sunday in jersey

DrScientist > Rico
11/10/2015 at 00:27

details?

will there be an S3 in attendance?

Distraxi's idea of perfection is a Jagroen > DrScientist
11/10/2015 at 00:32

Great, that’s one less person I’m competing with for my Series 1.5 :-).

Though more seriously, the S3 has its merits. I like the tail end treatment better than the earlier cars, and the wider track helps the proportions a lot. It’s just everything in front of the front wheels I’d have to do something about.

DrScientist > Distraxi's idea of perfection is a Jagroen
11/10/2015 at 00:38

it takes all kinds, my friend. :)

i’ll likely never have either one of these in my garage, as im much more of an A to B car enthusiast, rather than A to A car enthusiast. but a carbeurated v12? maybe i’d make an exception.

Distraxi's idea of perfection is a Jagroen > DrScientist
11/10/2015 at 01:16

A 6 pack of Webers buys an exemption to most rules, I‘m sure we can all agree on that.

McMike > DrScientist
11/10/2015 at 05:16

Most people like the S3 because of the V12, and the fact that you could (for the first time) get an automatic in your convertible.

I have never heard anyone say they like the proportions/bodylines better.

Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

McMike > Distraxi's idea of perfection is a Jagroen
11/10/2015 at 05:17

Wow. Another E owner in oppo.

‘70 OTS checking in.

http://www.xkedata.com/cars/detail/?c…

Distraxi's idea of perfection is a Jagroen > McMike
11/10/2015 at 05:52

No, no such luck. My Jags have been of the saloon persuasion. It’s my theoretical future S1.5 he’s not bidding on.

Rico > DrScientist
11/10/2015 at 08:15

Not sure about the S3 but this Sunday Oppo’s are meeting up to go cruise up to High Point State Park in NJ from 11 AM to 3 Pm. Just wanted to throw it out there because I recall you saying you're in the area. If you are in the NYC area and need a ride I'm offering any Oppos a ride to and from Manhattan or the Bronx. I'm going to be heading back to NYC at 3ish.

JR1 > DrScientist
11/10/2015 at 09:34

For whatever the reason I think the S3 is a bit more... manly looking.

DrScientist > Rico
11/10/2015 at 09:54

oh, cool. yes, youre right. i’m in nyc. if the weather is nice, that sounds like it might be an option for me. :) where is everyone meeting? or is there some message board where i can find the finer details?

DrScientist > JR1
11/10/2015 at 10:05

totally agree. the fenders on the S1 are a tad more bulbous and less muscular—compounded by narrower wheels/track.

by the way... your 1974 post got me thinking about this, but i guess i had always thought of the e type as being earlier than 74, even the s3. i think they stopped production in 74.

DrScientist > McMike
11/10/2015 at 10:11

what’s the “OTS” nomenclature?

Rico > DrScientist
11/10/2015 at 10:14

I can send your email to the Oppo coordinating everything. Not sure where the cruise will start just yet but it will end up at High Point. It’s going to be sunny but BRICK because High Point is basically the highest point of NJ so bring a jacket. They are talking about grabbing pizzas and bringing them so I might chip in on that. Hit me up with your email my email is ricorich226 at gmail, there’s like 10 people going so far on the list. If you need a ride lemme know.

DrScientist > McMike
11/10/2015 at 10:15

it’s amazing what a v12 will do to an otherwise rational person’s sense of logic ;)

i had a v12 in an xjs until a few months ago. so that box has been checked. and i would gladly accept an S3 in either 12 or 6 (did the S3 come with the 6?) but its the way the cat looks that is the decision maker.

McMike > DrScientist
11/10/2015 at 10:26

That’s what Jaguar called the body styles of the E-Types.

OTS = Open Two Seater (convertible)

FHC = Fixed Head Coupe (coupe)

2+2 = 2+2

The 2+2, which was still technically a coupe, was very different* than the FHC, so we make sure to call them “2+2” to tell them apart.

*Except for the Series3 coupes. They stopped making the FHC in ‘72 so every S3 coupe was a 2+2. They also stopped making the short wheelbase models after ‘72, so every OTS had the same LWB the 2+2 cars did.

McMike > DrScientist
11/10/2015 at 10:41

(did the S3 come with the 6?)

No. A few (< 10) left the factory, though. (not sure if on purpose)

The V12 was kind of a big lazy engine. It had the same HP as the earler (pre ‘69) cars @around 260ish bhp. The EPA choked the I6 so badly that the new OMGAWESOME V12 was a welcome replacement - even though it wasn’t that impressive compared to the original cars. S3 was a heavier car, too.

Not discouting anyone’s love for the S3 cars, they are definately more desirable than my S2.

JR1 > DrScientist
11/10/2015 at 11:17

I figured it was the 74 post. Several people mentioned the E-type. I thought it was out of production by 74 but I guess I was wrong

DrScientist > JR1
11/10/2015 at 13:11

my e9 suggestion racked up 82 likes. :)

JR1 > DrScientist
11/10/2015 at 14:38

Well it is arguably the most beautiful BMW ever so I can’t say I am surprised