Market Position:
Iconic British sports car, considered one of the greatest automotive designs of all time. Series 3 marked a significant evolution with its V12 engine and modernized styling.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed against other luxury and high-performance GT cars of its era, such as Ferrari Daytona, Aston Martin DBS, and Chevrolet Corvette.
Key Features:
Jaguar's legendary V12 engine, sophisticated independent suspension, distinctive bodywork, luxurious interior appointments.
Engine Coverage:
V12 Engine (5.3L)
Chassis Coverage:
All chassis components, suspension, steering, brakes
Bodywork Coverage:
Exterior panels, interior trim, convertible top mechanism
Electrical Coverage:
Wiring harnesses, lighting, instrumentation, ignition, starting
Transmission Coverage:
Manual (4-speed) and Automatic (3-speed Borg-Warner) transmissions
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (Specific page count not provided, typical for parts manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Parts Manual / Parts Catalog
Powertrain Systems:
Engine (V12), cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission, clutch, driveshaft, differential, rear axle assembly
Suspension Steering Brakes:
Front and rear suspension, steering rack and linkages, brake assemblies (front and rear disc)
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top, seats, dashboard, trim pieces
Electrical And Accessories:
Wiring diagrams, headlights, taillights, interior lights, instrumentation, horn, wipers, radio components
Assembly Disassembly:
Detailed breakdown of all components for assembly and disassembly with part numbers and diagrams
Part Identification:
Identification of every part with unique part numbers, ensuring correct ordering
Interchangeability:
Potential insights into part interchangeability within Series 3 variants, though primarily focused on specific application
Technical Depth:
Highly detailed, focusing on specific part identification and relationships within the vehicle's construction. Essential for sourcing correct replacement parts.
Engine Type:
Jaguar V12 (Series 3)
Displacement:
5.3 Liters (5343 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
85.6 mm x 96.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
8.75:1 (typical)
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft) per bank, 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
Approx. 272 bhp (SAE Gross) at 5600 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 320 lb-ft (SAE Gross) at 3600 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Carbureted (typically four Zenith-Stromberg 1.75" CD-2 carburetors) or fuel injected (Bosch D-Jetronic on some later export models).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 10 US quarts (9.5 Liters) with filter change.
Standard Transmission:
4-speed Manual (Moss type gearbox, often with Laycock de Normanville overdrive on 4th gear)
Optional Transmission:
3-speed Borg-Warner Model 8 Automatic Transmission
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated
Final Drive Ratio:
Typically 3.07:1 or 3.31:1 depending on market and transmission
Wheelbase:
97.0 inches (2464 mm)
Overall Length:
173.0 inches (4394 mm)
Overall Width:
66.0 inches (1676 mm)
Overall Height:
48.0 inches (1219 mm) (approx., to top of windshield)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,200 - 3,500 lbs (1450 - 1590 kg) depending on specification.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not typically specified as a GVWR, but maximum load capacity should be considered.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. High-performance engines of this era benefit from regular oil changes.
Filter Replacement:
Oil filter: Replace at every oil change. Air filters: Inspect regularly, replace as needed (typical interval 10,000-15,000 miles).
Tune Up Interval:
Major tune-ups with spark plug replacement, ignition timing adjustment recommended every 12,000-15,000 miles.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SF or SG, viscosity 20W-50 recommended for most conditions. Consult original manual for precise specification.
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity: Approx. 20 US quarts (18.9 Liters).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 90. Capacity: Approx. 2.5 US pints (1.2 Liters).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III/Mercon compatible Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). Capacity: Approx. 10 US pints (4.7 Liters) dry fill.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (glycol-based).
Differential Fluid Specification:
API GL-5, SAE 90 or 140 hypoid gear oil. Capacity: Approx. 3 US pints (1.4 Liters).
Common Issues:
Carburetor synchronization and tuning, cooling system efficiency (original radiators can be prone to overheating), electrical system reliability, rust and corrosion on body and chassis, aging rubber components (bushings, hoses).
Specific Parts To Check:
V12 ignition amplifier, fuel pumps, radiator hoses, suspension bushings, differential output shafts.
Brand Heritage:
Jaguar Cars Ltd. renowned for its sporty luxury cars and successful racing heritage, epitomized by the E-Type.
Model Evolution:
The Series 3, launched in 1971, was a significant departure, featuring the new 5.3L V12 engine, a longer wheelbase to accommodate it, and flared wheel arches. It was initially offered as a 2+2 coupe and an Open 2-Seater (Roadster).
Production Years:
1971-1974
Production Locations:
Coventry, England
Total Units Produced:
Approximately 1,500 Open 2-Seaters for Series 3 (out of ~15,000 total E-Type units across all series).
Recognitions:
Consistently ranked among the greatest cars of all time by automotive publications. Enzo Ferrari famously called it 'the most beautiful car ever made'.
Classic Car Value Ratings:
Highly valued by collectors, with values varying significantly based on condition, originality, and specific variant.
Heritage Status:
Considered a motoring icon and a significant piece of automotive history.
