The Jaguar E-Type (XKE) series 1 (and 1 1/2) 4.2
(Specifications which apply to this project are highlighted in red)

Years

1964-1968

Notes

In line with the engine changes made to the MK X sedan, when it was fitted with the 4.2 liter version of the XK engine and became the 420G, the E-Type was also changed in 1964.  The changes involved fitment of the 4.2 engine in place of the previous 3.8 liter unit, and an all synchomesh 4 speed gearbox.   Inside the car the seats were improved, and the aluminum trim on the center dash, and transmission tunnel was replaced with black cloth.

A new third model also appeared at this time. To broaden the appeal of the E Type it was decided to build an extended wheelbase version of the FHC which allowed placement of two small rear seats. The resulting car appears to have been given various names in the brochures and advertisements of the day   - The XKE Sedan, the XKE Family Coupe and the Fixed Head Coupe 2+2. The latter name is used in these notes.  In line with its role as a more touring type car, it was available with optional 3-speed Borg Warner automatic transmission. As well as the extra length the roofline was raised by 2 inches, and the bottom of the windshield moved forward. All of these changes added up to considerably more space inside.

During 1968 various changes were made to all three models but these changes did not come all together. Their purpose was to adapt the car to the requirements of the American Government. These requirements included standards which had to be met for crash worthiness, and emissions pollution. Rather than do all the modifications at once, cars built for the 1968 model year phased them in gradually.  The series II cars of 1969 and on were federalized from the start. The very first change made was the elimination of the sloping glass cover over the headlights. Later changes involved the intake manifold and carburetors. The previous triple SU setup was replaced by a 2 carburetor layout employing Stromberg CD2SE's.  The federalized 4.2 engine can be recognized by the carburetors, and the use of the new cam covers with raised fins. Inside the car the previous toggle switches were replaced by rocker switches which would be less of a hazard to the occupants in the event of a crash. A collapsible steering column was also fitted.   The one interior change perhaps most worthy of note was the demise of the famous Jaguar starter button on the dash. It was replaced by the standard key start.

Jaguar never officially referred to the late 1967 and 1968 cars as anything other than Series 1. The "Series 1 1/2" has become an unofficial way of referring to them.

Description

2 door sports, available in three body styles

• Roadster (OTS: Open Two-Seater)
• Fixed Head Coupe
• Fixed Head Coupe 2+2

Engine

Carburetors

Engine was the  Jaguar XK type DOHC inline 6.

Brakes

4 wheel disc (Dunlop), with servo assist
Project car: Winning Makes upgraded brakes

Production

Weight

Length

14 feet 7 1/2 inches  (Roadster and FHC), 15 feet 4 1/2 inches (FHC 2+2)

Height

3 feet 11 inches  (Roadster and FHC), 4 feet 2 1/2 inches (FHC 2+2)

Width

5 feet 4 1/2 inches 

Top speed

150 mph  (with manual transmission)

Wheelbase

96 inches  (Roadster and FHC), 105 inches (FHC 2+2)

Transmission

4-speed manual. All synchromesh.Optional Borg Warner automatic transmission on the FHC 2+2 model.
Project car: Winning Makes 5-speed

Suspension

Standard Equipment

Leather seating on all models, Wire wheels 72 spoke, 15" rim x 5" wide (silver colored). Chrome wheels of the same dimensions were optional extras.

Options

Chrome wire wheels. Various radios, fog lights,   White wall tires. 3 speed automatic transmission on 2+2 model