1971 | Jaguar Type E V12 (2+2)

• 1972 Jaguar E-type Series III “E-Type Restomod”
• Huge spec includes 6.1-litre V12 with 405bhp
• Custom interior with electric seats
• Getrag five-speed gearbox and Classic Fabs exhaust

The Series III Jaguar E-type is already a fine Grand Tourer, but this particular example has been extensively upgraded in order to offer even more performance. It has been finished to an extremely high standard and features numerous modifications to ensure that it handles as well as it goes.

Beneath the long bonnet, the V12 engine has been bored out from 5.3 litres to 6.1 and now features fast-road camshafts from renowned engine specialist Rob Beere Racing. JE pistons have been fitted, along with Cometic head gaskets, Jenvey throttle bodies and an Emerald K6 engine management system.

An aluminium flywheel was specified and the big V12 drives through a Getrag five-speed gearbox – a popular upgrade among E-type owners and a big improvement over the standard Jaguar four-speed unit. Ancillaries include a high-torque starter motor and uprated alternator, while maintenance is made easier thanks to the presence of a spin-off oil filter.

An alloy radiator and electric fans help to keep everything cool, and the engine is fed via an uprated fuel pump.

The sports exhaust system features tubular manifolds and was fabricated by well-respected Scottish specialist Classic Fabs. Not only does it help the engine to breath more efficiently, it ensures that this E-type Restomod sounds superb.

Gold Fosseway brakes have been fitted front and rear, as well as Gaz adjustable dampers. Uprated anti-roll bars are used, while the torsion bars have also been uprated and Polybushes have been employed throughout. The handbrake, meanwhile, is now electrically operated.

The E-type runs on 16in centre-laced wire wheels, while the bodywork has been debadged, the front bumpers modified and the overriders deleted, and even the front grille has been altered. Inside, the bespoke cabin featured electrically operated leather seats from the Jaguar XK8, and the E-type Series I dashboard has been fitted with magnolia gauges and flush push-buttons on the centre section in place of the original toggle switches. LED lighting has been used throughout.

Everywhere you look, the finish on this Jaguar E-type Series III is superb and it really needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. Now being offered for sale by The Classic Motor Hub, this E-Type Restomod is a unique take on this powerful and stylish British Grand Tourer.

 MODEL HISTORY 

Since its launch in 1961, the Jaguar E-type had been powered by the famous six-cylinder XK engine, but for the Series 3 an all-new V12 engine was developed.

During the 1960s Claude Baily and Bill Heynes had designed a V12 for use in the stillborn XJ13 sports prototype, but their 5-litre, quad-cam powerplant was purely a racing design. It was therefore left to Harry Mundy and Walter Hassan to develop a V12 that would be suitable for use in a road car.

They came up with an all-alloy, single-camshaft-per-bank, 60-degree V12 with a capacity of 5343cc. Hassan explained that Jaguar’s intention was to sell a lot of cars in America, so they felt that the new powerplant should be ‘something rather better than the run-of-the-mill V8 engines that are in common usage over there’. He added that the V12 was ‘light, powerful, we’ve proven its reliability and in our opinion it’s well engineered’.

It was originally stated that the Series III would continue to be offered with the 4.2-litre six-cylinder XK engine, but it’s thought that only three such cars were built.

The two-seater Fixed-Head Coupé model was dropped from the E-type line-up and the Series III – which was launched in 1971 – was offered in just Roadster and 2+2 form. Both used the longer wheelbase of the latter, meaning that all Series IIIs provide occupants with more room inside than earlier E-types.

Although the basic layout of central monocoque with front subframe remained unchanged, the subframe itself had to be modified in order to accept the V12. Styling changes, meanwhile, included a new grille in a larger front air intake, plus flared wheelarches to accommodate the wider track.

With sales falling away and an Oil Crisis not offering the ideal conditions in which to offer a 5.3-litre V12, the final E-type was built in September 1974. The new XJ-S – which retained the V12 engine – was launched the following year.