1:24 Revell Jaguar E-Type

[Six97s]

On 02/04/2025 at 18:00, CrazyCrank said:

But, if you have already a resin printer, you can download a STL file to print some nice wheels for this car on Grabcad.com: Here

 

He's gone a bit overboard with the spokes there!  I counted 48 too many.  😵

[Six97s]

19 hours ago, Navy Bird said:

Oh, by the way, the starboard, er, right (it's not an airplane Bill) side of the block has the Jaguar logo embossed along with characters for "3.8 litre." Nice touch. Which, I suspect, won't be easily seen once everything is together. I wonder if the actual block had this embossing?  

 

Cheers,

Bill

 

It did indeed.  Might be hard to see on the finished article, but you'll know it's there...

[Navy Bird]

On 04/04/2025 at 01:52, YellowHound said:

Have you seen the 'superdetail' build on the Modeler Site?

 

I have not. Do you have a link?

 

On 04/04/2025 at 03:49, Chief Cohiba said:

The Alfa  was the one car which got permanently keyed, dented, scratched, whatnot. It really was a magnet for morons, a nightmare...

 

Ouch! Over here I've heard that red cars are involved in more accidents, but I haven't heard about vandalism. I don't understand why anyone would do that.

 

On 04/04/2025 at 13:35, Six97s said:

He's gone a bit overboard with the spokes there!  I counted 48 too many.  😵

 

All on the same wheel? Yikes.   

 

On 04/04/2025 at 13:38, Six97s said:

It did indeed.  Might be hard to see on the finished article, but you'll know it's there...

 

Thanks!

 

*****

 

I'm getting ready for the model show in Buffalo NY tomorrow, so forgive me if I don't have the time to take any pictures and post my progress. Soon though!

 

Cheers,

Bill

 

PS. It almost takes as long to fill out the entry forms as it does to build the model...

[YellowHound]

Have a look here:

https://www.modelersite.com/en/113025/revell-jaguar-e-type-38-series-i--1-24-scale

[ElectricLightAndy]

On 4/1/2025 at 5:20 PM, 81-er said:

Exactly. If you only own something because you see it as an investment to be wrapped in cotton wool, you're doing it wrong

As some of you may know, I spent the best part of a decade as a coachbuilder and engineer at a very high end restoration company in the cotswolds, the majority of the customers only chose cars based on the value post restoration... not because they loved the cars, some of them sold them immediately after you'd poured thousands of hours of love and skill into them, earning themselves a pretty penny even after an absolutely ludicrous restoration fee. (One American had a porsche 356 speedster restored... it turned out he couldn't actually drive, so someone had to give him a spin in it 🙄)

 

I'd much rather chat to the guy with a grotty marina that actually uses it than Mr millions with his ferrari 250 that never even sat in it. They just drive the prices up so us mere mortals cannot afford them. 

 

Just to get back on topic, a series 1 4.2 roadster in green was the first car I ever drove about 21 years ago... followed by an Aston martin DB6 volante... nice!

 

Can't wait to see this get the Navy Bird treatment.

 

Andy.

[Chief Cohiba]

5 minutes ago, ElectricLightAndy said:

chose cars based on the value post restoration...

It's a thing. I remember that investment craze starting some 30 years ago, and as I had the chance to follow some of those investments I found that most of them haven't made that kind of a fortune. Sure, the Alfa Montreal I could have bought some 20 years ago for 20k would now fetch some 70k, or a Countach could have had for 100K some 15 years ago, while currently the market lists them north of 500, so it sounds like a huge deal.

 

But then, take those costs for a restoration into account, usually deep in the six-figure range, annual service costs in the ten thousands, not to mention all the infrastructure you need, like a dry garage, and so on  - not that much left. And, still is the rule; the lesser you drive a car, the higher the workshop costs.

 

So, if one doesn't drive those cars, and doesn't have the emotional gain, the chance of a loss or poor investment is high. 

 

Like Whisky, it's made for consumption, not to be stored! 😉 

[Blacque Jacque]

3 minutes ago, Chief Cohiba said:

Like Whisky, it's made for consumption, not to be stored! 😉 

The same applies to kits etc. Having been involved in the Tamiya RC scene for many years, there were Sand Scorcher kits NIB changing hands for 2k or more, those same kits have been slashed in price recently, no doubt in part due to Tamiya's re-release. but tbh, if you want an objet d'art go buy one of the exorbitantly priced Franklin Mint things, otherwise just build the darn kit & get the enjoyment from doing so. That's priceless.

[Chief Cohiba]

40 minutes ago, Blacque Jacque said:

just build the darn kit & get the enjoyment from doing so. That's priceless.

Nothing to add here!

[johnlambert]

On 01/04/2025 at 17:09, 81-er said:

Ooh, a Jaaaaag! Very nice choice, Bill. What you have is a Series 1, the prettiest of all E-Types. As an aside, a friend's father owns a E-Type that he's had for decades, back from when there weren't worth anything. He's always getting disgruntled comments from the carpeted garage brigade because his car has dirt on it (especially the engine bay). He loves telling them that's because he actually drives his car, apparently the looks of horror they give him in return are quite a thing  

 

James

 

On 01/04/2025 at 17:14, Alan R said:

What is the point in owning a classic car like the E-Type or any other classic and NOT DRIVING THE BLOODY THING!!!

These idiots don't deserve such iconic beautiful cars.

 

Sorry, I'll turn the heat down a bit now...

 

Cheers,

Alan.

 

I consider myself lucky enough to have driven several Jaguar E-Types. There are some old cars that are best admired as static objects, but the E-Type is not one of them. The 3.8 fixed-head is, in my opinion, the best of all (allowing for the fact that all the six-cylinder E-Types I've driven were coupes and both the V12s were open). The 3.8 on the correct Dunlop crossply tyres has a delicacy to it that makes it feel almost alive. It's true that the Moss gearbox is slow and a non-synchromesh first gear isn't for everyone. The Dunlop disk brakes need a firmer shove than drivers of more modern cars might find comfortable. But those are best viewed as part of the car's character. If they really bother you, go for the later 4.2s which came with the Jaguar gearbox and Girling brakes.

 

I look forward to seeing this build.

On 01/04/2025 at 17:09, 81-er said:

Ooh, a Jaaaaag! Very nice choice, Bill. What you have is a Series 1, the prettiest of all E-Types. As an aside, a friend's father owns a E-Type that he's had for decades, back from when there weren't worth anything. He's always getting disgruntled comments from the carpeted garage brigade because his car has dirt on it (especially the engine bay). He loves telling them that's because he actually drives his car, apparently the looks of horror they give him in return are quite a thing  

 

James

 

On 01/04/2025 at 17:14, Alan R said:

What is the point in owning a classic car like the E-Type or any other classic and NOT DRIVING THE BLOODY THING!!!

These idiots don't deserve such iconic beautiful cars.

 

Sorry, I'll turn the heat down a bit now...

 

Cheers,

Alan.

 

I consider myself lucky enough to have driven several Jaguar E-Types. There are some old cars that are best admired as static objects, but the E-Type is not one of them. The 3.8 fixed-head is, in my opinion, the best of all (allowing for the fact that all the six-cylinder E-Types I've driven were coupes and both the V12s were open). The 3.8 on the correct Dunlop crossply tyres has a delicacy to it that makes it feel almost alive. It's true that the Moss gearbox is slow and a non-synchromesh first gear isn't for everyone. The Dunlop disk brakes need a firmer shove than drivers of more modern cars might find comfortable. But those are best viewed as part of the car's character. If they really bother you, go for the later 4.2s which came with the Jaguar gearbox and Girling brakes.

 

I look forward to seeing this build.

[Chief Cohiba]

On 4/6/2025 at 2:55 PM, johnlambert said:

I consider myself lucky enough to have driven several Jaguar E-Types.

Lucky you are! Having had my experiences with various incarnations of more modern L6 powered cars, mainly AJ6 and AJ16s, I am a big fan of Jaguars six cylinder engines. Those early E-Types, which I haven't driven myself, must be  very puristic thing to experience, and I can see when you are talking about those "coming to live".  

 

I have driven some V12s and that is the one thing that I never experienced in any of them. Don't get me wrong, it's a great engine, especially in it's late 6.0l incarnation, but it's best in pushing a big saloon along a German Autobahn. But for an early sunday morning drive I'll take a straight six anytime.    

 

In the meantime I stumbled across this very kit myself, when it was offered by an online shop almost 40% off. A temptation I couldn't resist. 😉 

 

So, back here for some more inspiration!

[81-er]

A minor detour as the V12's been mentioned, the best sounding one I've ever heard was in this. As a teenager, my parents' neighbour was a mechanic and did a lot of servicing & repair work on cars in his garage at the end of his garden. This was owned by a local garage owner who wanted it gone over to be put ups for sale (but didn't trust his own mechanics!). At idle, this thing sounded like the voice of Hades himself and just got meaner & louder as it was revved. A car you would definitely wind the windows down on whenever you entered a tunnel! As that auction listing mentions, the engine work alone was £77k. The original conversion work came to an eye-watering £160k, I saw the original sales receipt as it was with the car. Back then there were also a couple of strategically placed bolts in the numberplate so that it read “GO CAT”, which is a brand of cat food over here 

 

James

[Chief Cohiba]

2 hours ago, 81-er said:

the best sounding one I've ever heard was in this

Oh boy, these Lister XJS are known to be behemoths soundwise. 

 

Interestingly what I've learned these are said to be wonderful to drive. But quite honestly I must admit these are not what I dream of putting right in the front of my house, neither for the looks nor the growl of it. I did testdrive an early V12 facelift XJS once with pipes the size of the Titanics funnel, and while it definitely was a sensation the first ten minutes or so, it became a bit annoying pretty fast. 

 

You see me more impressed when Iain Tyrell puts a coin standing  on the corner on a running V12, demonstrating how smooth it runs, than the bark and scream of an high revved muscle engine. 

 

 I guess I'm kind of a BOF when it comes to cars. 😄 

[81-er]

As a fan of the band Behemoth, I'd say the Lister XJS sounded about as evil as they do  While I can fully appreciate the sound of a car like that, I'm not sure I'd want to daily one either. Especially as there's a lot of 50mph speed limits with average speed cameras around where I live, I think the drone of the exhausts at those kinds of speeds would rapidly become wearing

 

James

[scautomoton]

On 01/04/2025 at 16:28, Navy Bird said:

When I was growing up in the 60s, the XKE always looked to me like it was "next year's car." Sleek and sexy. I wanted one, but had to settle for a Corvair.....

And you're still alive. You must have worn the obligatory crash helmet at all times!

[Terry1954]

What's this? Navy Bird in the auto section. What a pleasant surprise, although I think I sensed a clue in your CF-105 thread when you were contemplating what to build next.

 

What a lovely choice of subject. I know an E-Type owner and it has been the love of his life for many years, and he does drive it!

 

I've been known to build the odd car, so will tag along for this one Bill. Quite looking forward to it actually.

 

Hope the show in Buffalo went ok.

 

T.

[Navy Bird]

Boy, you guys sure know a LOT more about these cars than I do! As I mentioned, my brother restored one (over here we call it an XKE for some reason) and I'm in the process of getting photos from him. In the meantime, life has gotten in the way of any significant modelling, so there hasn't been any progress. There will be, eventually, I promise...     

 

Cheers,

Bill

[ElectricLightAndy]

11 hours ago, Navy Bird said:

over here we call it an XKE for some reason

 

This is because it has the XK engine which was in the XK series of sports cars starting with the XK120/140/150 and XKSS (road version of the D type) so I guess the American Market continues this trend, Jaguars Lemans winning Race cars at the time were the 'C' type and 'D' type, Jaguar wanted to lean into this pedigree in their marketing and so E-Type in the UK and Europe! The new engine was also in their saloon cars firstly the MK7, intended originally for that, they needed something to show off this new engine, so built a 'concept' car of the XK120 for a motor show not intended for sale, but got overwhelming interest which kicked it all off really. 

[Brandy]

Well fancy seeing you here!

As for the year, indicators above the bumpers and headlight covers would be 1966 series 1 at the latest. The decal for the centre panel of the interior looks to be replicating an engine-turned panel with flip switches not rocker switches, which would mean a 3.8 litre "flat floor", latest 1963.

 

Ian

[Chief Cohiba]

On 4/16/2025 at 5:09 PM, Brandy said:

which would mean a 3.8 litre "flat floor", latest 1963.

I'm by no means an expert on E-Types, so my thoughts might be utterly glibberish, but I agree that there are some aspects of an early Flatfloor model. I agree with the switches, also the rear bulkhead (I think it's part 91, but haven't opened it yet) looks very straight, like one from a flat floor model. The floor itself, though has clearly molded-in heel wells. 

 

 

 

But it doesn't have the welded louvres, which is a sign of the very first cars as well.

 

As for the fuel filler flap; I learned very early ones had rectangular ones, while they changed it to an irregular shape later, with the leading edge smaller then the rear one. Revell's molding isn't too precise here, looks like something in between.  

 

 

This of course are all very minor things, but like the discussions on minor details over in the aerial group, I guess this nitpicking simply is part of the build and the according discussion itself - and part of the fun, as one might find.

 

This looks like the first proper E-Type we have, so thank you Revell.

 

And thank you @Navy Bird for the chance to have all this discussion during this wonderful build of yours! 🙂 

[johnlambert]

On 16/04/2025 at 16:09, Brandy said:

Well fancy seeing you here!

As for the year, indicators above the bumpers and headlight covers would be 1966 series 1 at the latest. The decal for the centre panel of the interior looks to be replicating an engine-turned panel with flip switches not rocker switches, which would mean a 3.8 litre "flat floor", latest 1963.

 

Ian

While all flat-floor E-types are 3.8s, not all 3.8s are flat floor models.

 

Jaguar being Jaguar tweaked the E-type piecemeal in its first series. The first and most collectable cars are the first 500 which had outside bonnet locks, flat floors, braised-in bonnet louvres and probably lots more things I don't even know.

 

After those 500, the cars still had flat floors for a while. I can't find a date when the dished floors were introduced. It also seems that the bonnet louvres did not change from welded to punched at the same time as the bonnet locks were changed. According to the E-type forum Jaguar made 2,615 flat-floor cars. The scalloped bulkhead behind the seats came in from May 1962 but the dished floor was introduced before then. However, Jaguar would convert flat floors to dished for people who wanted the extra room.

 

From memory, the Revell E-types are post-May 1962 3.8s because that looks like the cutout bulkhead and the 4.2 lost the aluminium finish on the transmission tunnel (amongst other changes). Despite this, Revell included a 4.2 boot badge on the kit of the E-type roadster.

[JWFP]

The postman has just delivered one of these kits to me so I will be following your build with interest. For those of us of a certain age…the E Type was the car of our dreams. Will be nice to finally have one, albeit in 1/24 scale.

 

[Chief Cohiba]

On 4/18/2025 at 11:38 PM, johnlambert said:

While all flat-floor E-types are 3.8s, not all 3.8s are flat floor models.

Well, I guess the science of dating an early E-Type can at least agree on that little thing. Things are complicated, and finding the right parts is a nightmare. 

 

What makes it even more complicated that all these flat floor features where regularily changed afterwards. That was done often by Jaguar and dealers themselves, as more modern features like those heel wells and the curved bulkhead were considered an improvement, and simply changed when possible, to make it a better and more comfortable car.

 

I've even seen a picture of a car with heel wells on the driver side, while the passenger side was still flat.

[Brandy]

I test drove a '66 Series 1 Roadster with a view to buying when I was 21. Unfortunately the asking price of £6,000 was too high as it also needed all the standard welding repairs to floor and rear sub frames which I had priced at another £2,000. I'll never forget that, even if I never drive another. The dealer called me 2 weeks later to offer me a fully restored 3.8 roadster for £12,000!

 

Ian

[Chief Cohiba]

4 hours ago, Brandy said:

I test drove a '66 Series 1 Roadster with a view to buying when I was 21

All you lucky guys - how comes I never drove an E-Type myself? I'm quite close to two currently in different state of restoration, plus a few more for regular inspection work, but never drove one myself. Aaargh...

 

4 hours ago, Brandy said:

the asking price of £6,000 was too high

Oh, those numbers are so tempting - I'm afraid we have a slight tendency to forget though, that this 6K in say 1980 (just a guess, don't want to offend anyone) is some 25K in todays money. Not your regular budget when you're 21, I guess. And that additional 2.000 for that bit of welding and stuff still translates into plus 8.500,-£ after inflation. 

 

Quite a piece of work, I'd say. Tells a bit about the state, and an educated guess, as well as experience tells us this amount might easily have doubled in the next few years. 🤑

 

Ian, this sounds like a good decision to let this wonderful E-Type pass - chances are, this would have turned out to be quite the money pit. (I hope that helps to ease the regrets of not driving one on a sunny spring day, like it currently is, at least in Vienna).  

[Brandy]

There is nothing like it..... Putting your foot down, watching that long bonnet rise up, and hearing the sweet sound of that straight 6.....

As for prices, yes it was a lot. I used the money to go to the USA and get my Private Pilot's Licence!

It was 1984.

 

Ian