Historical Significance:
The Jaguar E-Type is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and iconic sports cars ever produced, a blend of performance, style, and luxury in its era.
Contemporaries:
Competed with cars like the Ferrari 250 GT, Aston Martin DB5, Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray, and Porsche 911.
Design Philosophy:
Aerodynamic styling, monocoque construction (Series 1 & 2), independent suspension, powerful inline-6 and V12 engines.
Performance Heritage:
Success in motorsport, including notable performances at Le Mans and in various GT racing series.
Model Years Covered:
1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974
Series Covered:
Series 1, Series 1.5, Series 2, Series 3
Body Styles Covered:
Coupe, Roadster (Convertible), 2+2 Coupe
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 800-1200 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (PDF or similar e-format)
Engine Systems:
Engine overhaul, tuning, fuel injection (Lucas Lucas), carburetion (SU, Stromberg), cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, exhaust system.
Transmission Systems:
Manual gearbox (Moss, Jaguar 4-speed synchromesh), Automatic transmission (3-speed Borg-Warner), clutch system, driveline components.
Chassis And Suspension:
Independent front suspension (trailing links, coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar), independent rear suspension (Jaguar semi-trailing arm, coil springs, telescopic dampers), steering system (rack and pinion), wheel bearings, hub assemblies.
Braking System:
Hydraulic disc brakes (Girling, Dunlop), front and rear brake assemblies, brake hydraulics, parking brake system.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams for all models, starter motor, generator/alternator, battery, lighting systems, ignition switch, dashboard instrumentation, wiper system, horn, radio wiring.
Fuel System:
Fuel tanks, fuel pumps (mechanical, electric), fuel lines, filters, carburetors (SU HD8, Stromberg CD), fuel injection systems (Lucas Lucas).
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, seat adjustments, interior trim, dashboard layout, weather sealing.
Maintenance Procedures:
Lubrication, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, brake fluid flush, coolant system flush, general inspection checklists.
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuilds, gearbox rebuilds, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, electrical component repair, bodywork repairs.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical fault finding using wiring diagrams.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of Jaguar-specific tools required for various repair and maintenance tasks.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering from routine maintenance and adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed disassembly and reassembly instructions.
Engine 1:
3.8 Litre DOHC Inline-6
Engine 2:
4.2 Litre DOHC Inline-6
Engine 3:
5.3 Litre SOHC V12
3.8L Power:
Approx. 265 bhp @ 5500 rpm
3.8L Torque:
Approx. 260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
4.2L Power:
Approx. 265 bhp @ 5400 rpm
4.2L Torque:
Approx. 283 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
5.3L V12 Power:
Approx. 314 bhp @ 5800 rpm
5.3L V12 Torque:
Approx. 375 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Fuel System Early Models:
Triple SU HD8 Carburetors
Fuel System Later Models:
Twin Stromberg CD Carburetors (Series 2), Lucas Lucas Fuel Injection (Series 3 V12)
Engine Codes 3.8L:
3.8L: 70114, 70115, 70116, 70117, 70118, 70119, 70234, 70235, 70236, 70237, 70238, 70239 etc.
Engine Codes 4.2L:
4.2L: 4.2L: 70527, 70528, 70529, 70530, 70531, 70532, 70534, 70535, 70536, 70537, 70538, 70539 etc.
Engine Codes V12:
5.3L V12: 530001 onwards (numbered sequentially for Series 3 E-Type)
Standard Transmission Early:
4-speed Manual (Moss gearbox, non-synchro first gear)
Standard Transmission Later:
4-speed Manual (Fully synchromesh Jaguar gearbox)
Optional Transmission:
3-speed Borg-Warner Automatic Transmission
Gear Ratios Manual:
Specific gear ratios for Moss and Jaguar gearboxes detailed in manual.
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated diaphragm spring clutch (later models).
Crash Test Data:
No formal crash test ratings as per modern standards due to era of production. Manual covers passive safety features of the time.
Braking System Type:
Four-wheel disc brakes (Girling, Dunlop) with hydraulic actuation.
Seatbelts:
Lap belts standard; shoulder belts available on later models.
Body Construction:
Designed with a robust steel monocoque chassis (Series 1 & 2) and a separate steel subframe for powertrain and suspension, offering good structural integrity for its time.
Radio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM radios, often Lucas or Motorola, with manual tuning and basic speaker systems.
Dashboard Instruments:
Comprehensive analog gauges including speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, water temperature, ammeter, and fuel gauge.
Headlights:
Halogen headlights, often covered with glass or plastic fairings on Series 1. Manual details adjustment and replacement.
Wiper System:
Dual windscreen wipers with single speed operation on earlier models; two-speed on later ones.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months, depending on usage and oil type. Manual provides specific recommendations.
Tune Up Interval:
Regular checks of ignition timing, carburetor/injection settings, and valve clearances are recommended at intervals specified in the manual (e.g., every 6,000-12,000 miles).
Engine Oil Type:
Classic multigrade oils such as 20W-50 or 10W-40 are commonly recommended. Manual will specify original and acceptable modern equivalents.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant. Manual specifies mixture ratios and capacity.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 non-silicone-based hydraulic brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Gear oil; manual specifies viscosity grade (e.g., SAE 90).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron-II or equivalent ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid).
Differential Fluid:
Hypoid gear oil, typically SAE 90.
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, sills, floor pans, door bottoms, A-pillars, rear valance are susceptible to corrosion.
Engine Issues:
Carburetor synchronization, fuel injection system reliability (Lucas Lucas), potential for core plug leaks, overheating issues if cooling system is not maintained.
Transmission Issues:
Moss gearbox synchromesh wear (especially second gear), clutch slave cylinder leaks, automatic transmission seal deterioration.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings (polyurethane or rubber), kingpins, and wheel bearings can wear, leading to imprecise handling.
Electrical Gremlins:
Age-related wiring degradation, faulty switches, Lucas electrical components can be temperamental.
Jaguar Legacy:
Jaguar Cars has a long history of producing elegant, high-performance sports cars and luxury vehicles, rooted in post-war British automotive excellence.
Series 1:
Launched in 1961 with a 3.8L engine. Notable for its covered headlights and iconic shape. Introduced Roadster and Coupe variants.
Series 1.5:
Transition model (1967-1968) with minor updates, including exposed headlights and revised interior.
Series 2:
Introduced in 1968 with significant styling changes to meet US regulations (larger grille, altered lights), improved cooling, and updated interior. 4.2L engine became standard.
Series 3:
Launched in 1971 featuring the new 5.3L V12 engine, extended wheelbase (for 2+2), and distinctive flared wheel arches. Styling cues included a larger grille and wider stance.
Production Years:
1961 - 1974
Total Production Units:
Approximately 12,500 units across all series.
