Home < Jaguar < Jaguar Historical Cars

Jaguar E-type

The Jaguar E-Type (UK) or XK-E (US) was manufactured between 1961 and 1975. Its combination of good looks, high performance, and competitive pricing established the marque as an icon of 1960s motoring. A great success for Jaguar, more than 70,000 E-Types were sold during its lifespan.

Series 1

The Series 1 was introduced, initially for export only, in March 1961. The domestic market launch came four months later in July 1961. The cars at this time used the triple SU carburetted 3.8 litre 6-cylinder Jaguar XK6 engine from the XK150S. The first 300 cars built had flat floors and external hood (bonnet) latches. These cars are rare and more valuable. After that, the floors were dished to provide more leg room and the twin hood latches moved to inside the car. The 3.8 litre engine was increased to 4.2 litres in October 1964.

All E-Types featured independent coil spring rear suspension with torsion bar front ends, and four wheel disc brakes, in-board at the rear, all were power-assisted.  The Series 1 can be recognised by glass-covered headlights (up to 1967), small "mouth" opening at the front, signal lights and tail-lights above bumpers and exhaust tips under the number plate in the rear.

3.8 litre cars have leather-upholstered bucket seats, an aluminium-trimmed centre instrument panel and console (changed to vinyl and leather in 1963), and a Moss 4-speed gearbox that lacks synchromesh for 1st gear ("Moss box"). 4.2 litre cars have more comfortable seats, improved brakes and electrical systems, and an all-synchromesh 4-speed gearbox. 4.2 litre cars also have a badge on the boot proclaiming "Jaguar 4.2 Litre E-Type" (3.8 cars have a simple "Jaguar" badge). Optional extras included chrome spoked wheels and a detachable hard top for the OTS.

A 2+2 version of the coupé was added in 1966. The 2+2 offered the option of an automatic transmission. The body is 9 in (229 mm) longer and the roof angles are different with a more vertical windscreen. (this is an incorrect assumption, the S1 OTS, coupe and 2+2 had identical rake windshields). The roadster remained a strict two-seater.

Following the Series 1 there was a transitional series of cars built in 1967–68, unofficially called "Series 1½", which are externally similar to Series 1 cars. Due to American pressure the new features were open headlights, different switches, and some de-tuning (with a downgrade of twin Zenith-Stromberg carbs from the original triple SU carbs) for US models. Some Series 1½ cars also have twin cooling fans and adjustable seat backs. Series 2 features were gradually introduced into the Series 1, creating the unofficial Series 1½ cars, but always with the Series 1 body style.

Series 2

Open headlights without glass covers, a wrap-around rear bumper, re-positioned and larger front indicators and tail lights below the bumpers, better cooling aided by an enlarged "mouth" and twin electric fans, and uprated brakes are hallmarks of Series 2 cars. De-tuned in US with twin strombergs and larger valve clearances, but still with triple SUs in the UK and the much tighter valve clearances, the engine is easily identified visually by the change from smooth polished cam covers to a more industrial "ribbed" appearance. Late Series 1½ cars also had ribbed cam covers. The interior and dashboard were also redesigned, with rocker switches that met US health and safety regulations being substituted for toggle switches. The dashboard switches also lost their symmetrical layout. New seats were fitted, which purists claim lacked the style of the originals but were certainly more comfortable. Air conditioning and power steering were available as factory options. Production according to Graham is 13,490 of all types

Series 3

A new 5.3 L 12-cylinder Jaguar V12 engine was introduced, with uprated brakes and standard power steering. The short wheelbase FHC body style was discontinued and the V12 was available only as a convertible and 2+2 coupé. The convertible used the longer-wheelbase 2+2 floorplan. It is easily identifiable by the large cross-slatted front grille, flared wheel arches and a badge on the rear that proclaims it to be a V12. There were also a very limited number of 4.2 litre six-cylinder Series 3 E-Types built. These were featured in the initial sales literature. It is believed[who?] these are the rarest of all E-Types of any remaining. Graham lists production at 15,290

Production versions

Series 1 (1961–1968)

• Body style
• 2-door coupe
• 2-door 2+2 coupe
• 2-door convertible
• Engine
• 3.8 L XK I6
• 4.2 L XK I6
• Transmission
• 4-speed manual,
• 3-speed automatic
   (1966-onward, 2+2 model)
• Wheelbase
• 96.0 in (2,438 mm)(FHC/OTS)
  105.0 in (2,667 mm) (2+2)
• Length
• 175.3125 in (4,453 mm)(FHC/OTS)
• 184.4375 in (4,685 mm)(2+2)
• Width
• 65.25 in (1,657 mm) (all)
• Height
• 48.125 in (1,222 mm) (FHC)
• 50.125 in (1,273 mm) (2+2)
• 46.5 in (1,181 mm) (OTS)
• Kerb weight
• 2,900 lb (1,315 kg) (FHC)
• 2,770 lb (1,256 kg) (OTS)
• 3,090 lb (1,402 kg) (2+2
   
• Production numbers
• S1 3.8........15,498
• S1 4.2 .......16,195
• S1.5 ...........6,726
• TOTAL........38,419

Series 2 (1969–1971)

• Body style
• 2-door coupe
• 2-door 2+2 coupe
• 2-door convertible
   
• Engine
• 4.2 L XK I6
   
• Kerb weight
• 3,018 lb (1,369 kg) (FHC)
• 2,750 lb (1,247 kg) (OTS)
• 3,090 lb (1,402 kg) (2+2)
   
• Production numbers
• FHC........4,855  
• OTS ......8,628
• 2+2 .......5,326
• TOTAL....18,809

Series 3 (1971–1975)

• Body style
• 2-door 2+2 coupe
  2-door convertible
   
• Engine
• 5.3 L Jaguar V12
   
• Wheelbase
• 105 in (2,667 mm) (both)
   
• Length
• 184.4 in (4,684 mm) (2+2)
  184.5 in (4,686 mm) (OTS)
   
• Width
• 66.0 in (1,676 mm) (2+2)
• 66.1 in (1,679 mm) (OTS)
   
• Height
• 48.9 in (1,242 mm) (2+2)
• 48.1 in (1,222 mm) (OTS)
   
• Kerb weight
• 3,361 lb (1,525 kg) (2+2)
• 3,380 lb (1,533 kg) (OTS)
   
• Production numbers
• FHC........0
• OTS ......7,990
• 2+2 .......7,297
• TOTAL....15,287

Home < Jaguar < Jaguar Historical Cars