Vehicle Class:
Grand Tourer (GT)
Positioning:
Ultimate expression of Jaguar's sports car engineering and luxury for its era.
Key Competitors:
Ferrari Daytona, Aston Martin DBS, Lamborghini Miura.
Defining Characteristic:
The legendary Jaguar V12 engine combined with iconic aerodynamic styling.
Body Styles:
Offered as a two-seater coupe, 2+2 coupe, and convertible (roadster).
Manual Value Proposition:
Essential resource for maintaining, repairing, and understanding the complex systems of the Series III E-Type.
Engine And Ancillaries:
V12 Engine specifications, assembly, disassembly, cooling system, lubrication, fuel system (carbureted and early Lucas fuel injection), ignition system, exhaust system.
Drivetrain:
Clutch operation and adjustment, Syncromesh gearbox (Moss/Jaguar four-speed) repair and overhaul, Automatic transmission (TorqueFlite) repair and overhaul, Propeller shaft, U-joints, Rear axle assembly, differential, half-shafts.
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, geometry, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, steering rack, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications.
Braking System:
Disc brake system overhaul (front and rear), brake calipers, master cylinder, brake fluid specifications, brake bleeding procedures, parking brake.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, seat adjustments, interior trim, hardtop installation/removal (if applicable).
Electrical And Instruments:
Wiring diagrams, starter system, alternator, battery, lighting system, dashboard instruments, gauges, horn, wiper motors, radio (if fitted).
Climate Control:
Air conditioning system (service and refrigerant handling), Heating and ventilation system operation and components.
Maintenance:
Lubrication schedules, oil change procedures, filter replacements, tune-up specifications, fluid level checks.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Common problems, symptom analysis, diagnostic charts, specific troubleshooting steps for various systems.
Repair And Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for rebuilding engines, transmissions, differentials, suspension components, brake systems, and electrical systems.
Assembly And Disassembly:
Complete guidance on taking apart and reassembling all major vehicle components.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (factory-level detail for professional technicians and advanced DIYers).
Diagrams And Illustrations:
High-quality, detailed diagrams, exploded views, and schematics for identification of parts and understanding of assembly/disassembly.
Part Identification:
Lists specific part numbers for most components, crucial for ordering replacements.
Engine Type:
Jaguar V12 (90-degree V)
Engine Code Prefix:
7.0 Litre (often referred to by displacement, though officially 5.3L)
Displacement:
5343 cc (326 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
85.6 mm x 77.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.0:1 or 7.75:1 (depending on market/emissions)
Horsepower:
Approx. 244 hp (gross) / 205 hp (net) at 4500 RPM (depending on carburation/injection and market)
Torque:
Approx. 300 lb-ft (gross) / 275 lb-ft (net) at 3500 RPM (depending on carburation/injection and market)
Fuel Delivery:
Initially 3 x Zenith-Stromberg 175 CDSE carburetors; later models introduced Lucas electronic fuel injection for emissions compliance.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Premium grade recommended)
Ignition System:
Lucas electronic ignition (distributor with integrated ignition module)
Cooling System:
Pressurized, water-cooled with thermostatic control and viscous fan coupling.
Lubrication System:
Wet sump, gear-driven oil pump.
Transmission Type:
ZF 5-speed manual (optional, less common on US models), Borg-Warner Model 12/35 3-speed automatic (standard on many US models)
Transmission Type:
Moss 4-speed manual (rarely found on Series III, primarily Series I/II)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Torque converter lock-up on later models, providing improved fuel efficiency.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 (check specific manual recommendations for Moss vs. ZF)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron-III (or equivalent specifications for Borg-Warner Model 12/35)
Crash Test Data:
No formal crash test ratings from modern agencies are available for this era of vehicle.
Braking System Active:
Four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes, power-assisted.
Steering System Active:
Rack and pinion, power-assisted.
Seatbelts:
Lap and shoulder belts (standard fitment).
Body Structure:
Robust monocoque construction providing rigidity and passenger protection.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months (recommended).
Tune Up Interval:
Every 6,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 12,000 miles (or as per manual's specific recommendation).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 20W-50 or 10W-30 (API SF or SG service classification recommended)
Coolant Type:
50/50 mix of ethylene glycol antifreeze and distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron-III (or specified ATF).
Engine Wear:
Potential for wear in valve guides and piston rings due to age; V12 can be sensitive to overheating if cooling system is not meticulously maintained.
Carburetor Issues:
Zenith-Stromberg carburetors require careful tuning and synchronization; can be prone to vacuum leaks.
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, sills, floor pans, and boot floor are susceptible to rust.
Electrical Reliability:
Older Lucas electrical components can sometimes be a source of intermittent faults; wiring harnesses can degrade over time.
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Fram PH16 or equivalent (check manual for exact OE number).
Air Filter Part Number Example:
AC-Delco A310C or equivalent (for Stromberg carburetors).
Jaguar Legacy:
Jaguar's storied history in motorsport and luxury sports car manufacturing.
Series Transition:
The Series III marked the final evolution of the E-Type, incorporating the larger V12 engine and updated styling cues.
Design Changes Vs Series Ii:
Longer wheelbase, flared wheel arches (often), larger grille, and a complete redesign of the interior for enhanced comfort and ergonomics.
Production Period:
1971-1974
Production Volume:
Approximately 15,000 Series III cars produced across all variants.
Manufacturing Location:
Jaguar Cars Ltd., Coventry, England.
