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The market in classic cars is booming like never before. Paul Hardiman, a former deputy editor of Classic & Sports Car magazine and one of the sector's most experienced journalists, picks five of the very best Click to view Top 5 Classic Cars.
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Best UK roadster (Jaguar E-type) |
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 Is there anywhere in the world that an E-type could go unrecognised? With its sleek looks, long nose and short tail it’s become the definition of a classic car, and the barometer of their values. Prices are steadily on the rise, back to pre-boom and bust 1989 levels, and now good roadsters command £50,000 and up. |
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| Derived from the legendary Le Mans winning D-type, the E-type coupled tremendous, near 150mph go with that fantastic, timeless Malcolm Sayer styling. If you want a classic roadster that's a celebration of the best British engineering and style - and an investment with good prospects - this is for you. When, in a magazine poll, it was pipped to first place only by the swoopy '30s Bugatti Atlantique as the most beautiful car in the world, former General Motors styling chief Chuck Gordon said enviously: "The smooth, voluptuous envelope body shape and flowing upper edge makes my mouth water." The respected journalist and former Le Mans racer Paul Frere described it as "almost a D-type for the road". |
Development |
| The very first car, a coupe, was driven overnight to the Geneva Motor Show in 1961, and it's still around. In a continual process of development, the E-type got a larger engine (up to 4.2 litres from 3.8 in 1964), better headlights and creature comforts with the Series II mid-way through 1966 and, in 1970, changed character again when the traditional straight-six was replaced by a creamy V12, though purists don’t like the flared arches and big grille of these later cars, which are also bigger – they share the 9in-longer wheelbase of the 2+2 models. |
Upgrades |
 Sympathetically upgraded cars make better drivers on today's roads: that means alternators instead of dynamos on early cars, better brakes (Coopercraft calipers are the norm) better electric fans to keep the engine cool in traffic, and brighter headlights. In standard form, the SII is the best to drive. E-type specialist Eagle Racing will completely rebuild and modernise an E-type for you – starting from £150,000 – but you can pay as little as £25,000 for a moody roadster that might once have been a coupe. This price bracket is a dangerous area, says Eagle boss Henry Pearman: "You need to spend £50,000 to get a really nice original car."
Driving the most beautiful roadster in the world brings plenty of plusses; just one is that pre-'66 cars park for free alongside the Lavant Straight during the Goodwood Revival, a must-do event for classic car fans.
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Pros - The ultimate British classic car
Stunning styling and real performance
Cons - Buying at below £50,000 can be risky |
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Typical Prices - up to £150,000
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