Jaguar E-Type Series I and II Technical Specifications

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Jaguar E-Type

The Most Beautiful Car Of All Time



1961 - Geneva. The collective jaws of the motoring press dropped to the floor. Elegant, beautiful, sleek, formidable - the superlatives could go on. That it continues to take out most surveys when people are asked to nominate the car they think to be most beautiful says it all really. Jaguar had departed from the traditional design of the XK120 and XK150 when it developed the D-Type, however this car was strictly a racer. Few thought it would form the basis for a new type of sports-car, probably many thought it not possible.

But the lads at Jaguar stuck with the D-Type’s formula, that being a central steel monocoque with front subframe supporting the engine and independent front suspension. The engineers ensured the centre section was extremely strong so that torsional rigidity would not be compromised. The only real down side to all of this was the cost of repairs. By using the driveshaft as an integral part of the suspension, the Jaguar designers were able to maximise the rear space. But the beauty of the car was up front, with the long curvy single-piece bonnet that draped the competition XK150s performance engine.

While the original cars used a less than friendly non-synchro 4 speed gearbox, importantly the inboard mounted rear disc brakes used on the D-Type were carried over. (An unfortunate side-effect with early E-Types was overheating brakes under extreme conditions). The E-Type was originally available as either a Fixed Head Coupe or Roadster. In 1964 the car underwent it’s first upgrade, which included the introduction of a larger 4.2 litre engine and, thankfully, a “Moss” all-synchro gearbox. In 1966 Jaguar released a 2+2 Coupe, necessarily longer, it is arguably a little less elegant than the DHC.

The Series 2 was introduced in 1968, the new model featuring quite a number of upgrades, most particularly so that it could meet the ever stricter safety and emission regulations. It was the safety requirements of the day that deemed the covered headlamps to be a hazard, and so this makes spotting a Series 2 quite easy, as they will have open headlights.
Jaguar E-Type
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  • Years of Manufacture (Series I & II): 1961 - 1971
  • Number Built: 72,507 (all models)
  • Price at Introduction: £1,550 (in UK, for basic DHC) + tax
  • Chassis/Body: Central steel monocoque with front subframe
  • Exterior Dimensions (Roadster & DHC):
    • Total Length, Series I: 175 in.
    • Total Length, Series II: 175.3 in.
    • Total width: 65.2 in.
    • Height at kerb weight: 48.1 in.
    • Wheelbase: 96.0 in.
    • Front Track: 50.0 in.
    • Rear Track: 50.0 in.
  • Exterior Dimensions (2+2):
    • Total Length: 184.3 in.
    • Total width: 65.2 in.
    • Height at kerb weight: 50.1 in.
    • Wheelbase: 105.0 in.
    • Front Track: 50.0 in.
    • Rear Track: 50.0 in.
  • Kerb Weight:
    • Series I Roadster: 2,770 lbs.
    • Series I DHC: 2,900 lbs.
    • Series II Roadster: 2,750 lbs.
    • Series II DHC: 3,018 lbs.
    • Series I & II 2+2: 3,090 lbs.
  • Transmission (driving rear wheels):
    • Series I to 1966: 4 speed manual, non-synchro
    • Late Series I and Series II: 4 speed manual, all-synchro "Moss" type
    • 1st: 11.18:1
    • 2nd: 6.16:1
    • 3rd: 4.25:1
    • 4th: 3.31:1

  • Clutch: Dry plate
  • Rear Axle Ratio: Hypoid bevel differential
  • Maximum Speed: 130+ mph
  • Fuel Consumption: 17.9 mpg (15.8 litres per 100 km)
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 14 Imperial gallons / 63.6 litres
  • Performance (0-60 mph):
    • 6.9 seconds
  • Engine:
    • Six cylinder, inline
    • Capacity: 3781cc / 230.6 ci
    • Type: Conventional, watercooled four stroke, reciprocating piston type, double overhead camshafts, two valves per cylinder
    • Configuration: Front mounted, longitudinal
    • Head: Pushrod and rocker actuated ohv with two valves per cylinder
    • Fuel System: Triple HD.8 SU carburettors
    • Bore and Stroke: 87 mm x 106 mm (3.42 x 4.17 in.)
    • Power: 260 bhp @ 4,000 rpm
    • Torque: n/a
    • Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
  • Ignition and Electrical:
    • 12 volt
    • Coil and alternator
    • Battery 57 Ah.
    • Headlamps 60-60 watt bulbs
  • Exhaust:
    • Single tail-pipe
  • Suspension:
    • Front: Independent, unequal length A-arms, torsion bars, tube shocks
    • Rear: Independent, transverse tubular and trailing links, twin coil springs and telescopic dampers each side, anti-roll bar
  • Steering:
    • Rack and Pinion
  • Turning Circle:
    • Series I (all models) and Series II DHC: 37.0 ft.
    • Series II Roadster: 39.8 ft.
    • Turns, lock-to-lock: 2.75
  • Brakes:
    • Hydraulic with vacuum servo, separate systems front and rear
    • Front: Dunlop Disc, 11 in. diameter, swept area 242 sq. in.
    • Rear: Dunlop Disc (inboard), 10 in. diameter, swept area 219 sq. in. (340 sq. in. per ton laden).
  • Tyres:
    • 6.40 x 15 in. Dunlop R.S.5
    • Optional: Front 6.00 x 15 Dunlop R.5: 35, and Rear 6.00 x 15 Dunlop R.5: 40
    • Pressure (Normal)
      • Front: 23 p.s.i / Rear: 25 p.s.i
    • Pressure (Fast Driving)
      • Front: 30 p.s.i / Rear: 35 p.s.i
    • Pressure (Optimal)
      • Front: 23 p.s.i / Rear: 25 p.s.i
  • Options:
    • Wire wheels
    • Dunlop racing tyres

Also see:
Jaguar E-Type Review
Jaguar E-Type Series III Technical Specifications
Jaguar E-Type Series I Brochure
Jaguar Heritage

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