Buying an E-Type: The Hidden Cost of “Cheap” Projects vs Restored Cars

Rotten E-Type Project vs Restored 1961 Example – Which One Will Destroy Your Wallet? At RM Sotheby's in Paris this January, we found two Jaguar E-Types that perfectly expose the biggest mistake buyers still make in today’s classic car market. Together with Richard Michael Owen, I compare: 🔥 A totally rotten E-Type project — structurally corroded, missing major components, and sold as a “cheap entry” ✨ A fully restored 1961 E-Type — ready to drive, but built with aftermarket parts and someone else’s decisions On paper, the project looks like a bargain. In reality, it can become a six-figure financial disaster. Because here’s the uncomfortable truth: A cheap E-Type shell with missing parts almost always costs MORE to finish properly than buying a completed car at a known price. In this episode we break down: ▶ Why “project cars” are usually the most expensive way into classic ownership ▶ How missing parts silently destroy your budget ▶ What restoration invoices really look like in 2026 ▶ Why buying restored isn’t always safe either ▶ How originality (or lack of it) affects long-term value ▶ And what the actual Paris auction results tell us about where the E-Type market is heading This isn’t a romantic barn-find story. This is real-world math. So the big question: Is it smarter to build from scratch — or buy a finished car and start driving? If you’re thinking about buying an E-Type, restoring one, or investing in classics, this is a decision that can save — or cost — you tens of thousands. Watch before you buy. 👇 Drop a comment: Would you start with a rotten project… or pay more upfront for a restored car? Maikel Lemke Car Promotion Averdiekstr. 28 49078 Osnabrück Germany M: [email protected] W: https://www.etypes1.com M: +49.176.10415053