🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Jaguar

Model:

E-Type

Model Designation:

Series III

Chassis Codes:

XJ12C (Coupe), XJ12R (Roadster), XJ12F (Fixed Head Coupe)

Years Covered:

1971, 1972, 1973, 1974

Generation Name:

Series III

Generation Introduction Year:

1971

👋 Introduction

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.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service Repair Manual / Parts Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Compatibility:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

Accessibility:

Searchable text, Printable pages

📖 Manual Coverage

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.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Software Requirements:

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Printability:

All pages printable

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

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

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)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

2540 mm (100 inches)

Length:

4650 mm (183 inches)

Width:

1689 mm (66.5 inches)

Height:

1200 mm (47.2 inches) (Coupe)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 130 mm (5.1 inches)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1500 - 1600 kg (3300 - 3527 lbs) depending on body style and equipment.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Not typically specified as a GVWR in modern terms, but total weight capacity should be respected.

🛡️ Safety Features

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.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory-fitted AM/FM radio with manual tuning (optional, often aftermarket replacements fitted).

ABS:

Not available.

Traction Control:

Not available.

Bluetooth:

Not available.

Air Conditioning Type:

Dealer or factory-installed optional R12 refrigerant system.

🔧 Maintenance

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).

📚 Vehicle History

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.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car Magazine Acclaim:

Consistently praised by contemporary automotive publications for its performance, styling, and the refinement of the V12 engine.

Iconic Status:

Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cars ever made and a motoring icon.