Segment:
Luxury Sports Grand Tourer
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, owners, restoration specialists, vintage car collectors
Competitors Era:
Ferrari 365 GTB/4 'Daytona', Lamborghini Islero, Maserati Ghibli
Design Philosophy:
Evolution of the iconic E-Type design with a focus on V12 power and grand touring comfort
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners with the knowledge to perform maintenance and repairs, avoiding costly dealership errors and ensuring vehicle longevity.
Engine:
Complete overhaul, tuning, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system (carburetor and early fuel injection systems), ignition system, exhaust system
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission repair and overhaul, clutch operation, driveshaft and rear axle assembly
Brakes:
Hydraulic system diagnosis and repair, brake caliper overhaul, disc brake service, parking brake system
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, steering rack and linkage, power steering system
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting system, ignition switch, dashboard instrumentation, wiper system, horn
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, hood and trunk latches, interior trim, convertible top mechanism, chassis lubrication points
Cooling System:
Radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat, hoses, coolant specifications
Fuel System:
Carburetor overhaul (Zenith-Stromberg CDSE), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, lubrication schedules
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common problem identification and solutions for engine, transmission, brakes, and electrical systems
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, assembly, and installation
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values, engine timing settings
Parts Identification:
Illustrated parts catalog with part numbers for major assemblies and components
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers from basic owner maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostics and specifications.
Engine Type:
V12, SOHC, 60-degree V-angle
Bore X Stroke Mm:
85.6 x 77.0
Compression Ratio:
8.0:1 (standard)
Horsepower Bhp:
272 (gross)
Torque Lb-Ft:
304 (gross)
Carburetion:
Twin Zenith-Stromberg 175 CDSE carburetors
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91-octane RON or higher recommended)
Oil Capacity Liters:
7.5 (with filter)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 20W-50 (API SF or SG)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Manual (with overdrive on 4th gear)
Transmission Type:
3-speed Borg-Warner Model 12 Automatic
Clutch:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch
Rear Axle Ratio:
2.88:1 (typical)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 Gear Oil (SAE 90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Vehicle predates modern standardized crash testing regimes)
Brakes:
Four-wheel disc brakes (Girling servo-assisted, ventilated front discs)
Steering:
Power-assisted rack and pinion steering
Seatbelts:
Standard fitment front seatbelts
Windscreen:
Laminated safety glass windscreen
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first
Tune Up Interval:
Every 12,000 miles or 12 months
Lubrication Interval:
Every 6,000 miles (chassis lubrication points)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
Power Steering Fluid:
Automatic Transmission Fluid (Dexron III or equivalent)
Engine:
Carburetor synchronization and tuning, potential for coolant leaks due to aged hoses and seals, V12 engine complexity for inexperienced mechanics.
Electrical:
Aging wiring harnesses, Lucas ignition components can be temperamental, occasional starter motor issues.
Chassis:
Rust susceptibility in common areas (sills, wheel arches), potential wear in suspension bushings.
Founder:
Sir William Lyons
Brand Focus:
Performance, elegance, and luxury sports cars
Predecessor:
Jaguar E-Type Series II
Key Changes From Series Ii:
Introduction of the 5.3L V12 engine, longer wheelbase for Series III, revised grille, and standard power steering.
Production Years:
1971 - 1975
Production Volume:
Approximately 15,287 units (all Series III variants)
Manufacturing Location:
Coventry, England