Eagle Model Guide
Model Guide
The E-Type was launched in 1961, with the Series 1 3.8 litre model.
On total, there were 4 distinct model changes, and each one superseded the last.
The S1 3.8 was replaced by the S1 4.2, which confusingly looked identical, despite some significant changes under the skin. Full details of all the E-Type models are detailed in the guide below:
March 1961 to October 1964
The first and closest to the immortal D-Type. This model features the fewest creature comforts and has the reviest engine (in standard form). Marginal brakes and slow gearchange with an original Moss gearbox can now be upgraded. The purest of the original concept.
Series 1 3.8 Roadster
Distinguishing features:
Engine number prefixed R to Mar 63, then RA. Six-cylinder twin overhead camshaft engine with 87mm bore by 106mm stroke. Three SU HD8 2in carburettors fitted. Length 14ft 7in, width 5ft 6in, weight 24 1/4cwt.
Chassis numbers:
From 850001 RHD, 875001 LHD
Numbers built:
942 RHD, 6885 LHD
Series 1 3.8 Coupe
3.8 production changes:
external bonnet locks to Oct 1961, seatbelt mountings from Feb 1962, heel wells in floors (end of flat floor), plus many body and trim detail changes (e.g. revised chrome finisher on door top) from Jun 1962, greater seat adjustment from Sept 1962, door armrests from Jun 63, centre armrest + pocket from Aug 1963, centre dash panel black leather replaces aluminium from Sep 1963, diaphragm clutch replaces coil from May 1964.
Chassis numbers:
from 860001 RHD, 885001 LHD
Numbers built:
1798 RHD, 5871LHD
Series 1 3.8 Lightweight
12 original cars were built in late 1963. They all featured an all aluminium bodyshell and hardtop.
There was also an all aluminium engine, wide angle head and fuel injection. Magnesium alloy peg drive wheels were fitted, and there was a 5-speed gearbox option.
Today, there are several E-Types built to resemble this style of car, all with varying specifications up to a pure 100% copy of an original.
October 1964 to December 1967
Considered by many to be the most desirable model, with identical body style to the S1 3.8, but with much better gearbox and improved brakes. The whole car is more comfortable and civilised, although the cooling system and brakes still can benefit from being upgraded.
Series 1 4.2 Roadster
Distinguishing features:
Engine number prefixed with 7E. Bore increased to 92.07mm. New Jaguar all synchro gearbox fitted. Axle ratio normally 3.07:1 (was 3.31:1). U.S. cars fitted with low 3.54:1 ratio. Trim changes include much better seats. Change to alternator and pre-engaged starter motor.
Chassis numbers:
from 1E 1001 RHD, 1E 10001 LHD
Numbers built:
1182 RHD, 8366 LHD
Series 1 4.2 Coupe
4.2 production changes:
Self- locking scissor-type prop replaces rod for coupe rear window from Nov 1965,Dunlop SP41 185HR15 tyres plus lower ratio steering rack from Mar 1966, green instrument illumination replaces blue, sunvisors standard on open car from Sep 66. Weight 24 1/4 cwt / Roadster, 25 cwt / Coupe.
Chassis numbers:
from 1E 20001 RHD, 1E 30001 LHD
Numbers built:
1957 RHD, 5813LHD
Series 1 4.2 2+2
Introduced to widen the Es appeal, with added small rear seats, higher roof line and longer doors. Length now increased 9". Only auto option on 6 cylinder range. Chrome strips on doors, and glovebox lid fitted. Weight increase to 27 3/4 cwt.
Chassis numbers:
from 1E 50001 RHD, 1E 75001 LHD
Numbers built:
1378 RHD, 4220 LHD
December 1967 to October 1968
This unofficial designation marked the deletion of the glass headlight covers on the Series 1 bonnet. These are all still S1 models from factory designation. This is the rarest model E-Type, with most U.K. models being identical to the S1 4.2 in all other detail.
Series 1 1/2 4.2 Roadster
Distinguishing features:
Exposed headlights with chrome top finisher, anti-burst door lock, matt-finish steering wheel, adjustable seat squabs, recessed inner door handles, flush choke and heater controls, steering column/ignition lock, ribbed cam covers were all added during the production run.
Chassis numbers:
from IE1864 RHD, IE15980 LHD
Numbers built:
Included in S1 totals.
Series 1 1/2 4.2 Coupe
S1 1/2 production changes:
US market has twin Stromberg carbs and rocker switches in main panel from start of Series 1 1/2. Other markets gradually adopt rocker switches. From July 1968, vertical flow radiator replaces crossflow, with changed expansion tank, water pump, thermostat housing etc, Dunlop SP Sport tyres adopted.
Chassis numbers:
from IE21584 RHD, IE34583 LHD
Numbers built:
Included in S1 totals.
October 1968 to September 1970
This model is the ultimate development of the 6 cylinder E-Type and is extremely popular today. The benefits include much improved cooling system and brakes, reclining seats and more suitable gearbox ratios. With many other minor improvements, this is the most practical and civilised model in the range.
Series 2 4.2 Roadster
Distinguishing features:
Engine number prefixed with 7R. Headlamps further forward with larger chrome finisher above, large combined sidelight/indicator units below front bumpers, large combined rear light units on chrome/stainless crosspanel below higher-mounted full-width rear bumper, more prominent grille crossbar, much-improved Girling brakes (three-pot front-two-pot rear)
Chassis numbers:
from IR1001 RHD, IR7001 LHD
Numbers built:
775 RHD, 7852 LHD
Series 2 4.2 Coupe
S2 production changes:
Gas-filled bonnet stays from Jun 1969, engine no. by dipstick + head-rest provision from Aug 1969, 12V clock replaces mercury cell type from Oct 69, larger torsion bars on RHD OTS and FHC from Aug 1970. Weight 25cwt / Roadster, 25 1/2 cwt / Coupe
Chassis numbers:
from IR20001 RHD, IR25001 LHD
Numbers built:
1070 RHD, 3785 LHD
Series 2 4.2 2+2
S2 production changes:
Features and production changes as per other S2 models. Windscreen base moved forwards to increase rake and offer a more balanced look. Weight 281/4 cwt
Chassis numbers:
from IR35001 RHD, IR40001 LHD
Numbers built:
1040 RHD, 4286 LHD
March 1971 to Febuary 1975
The V12 is a different type of car to the 6 cylinder E-Type and was developed more along the lines of a comfortable and fast touring car. They were all built on the longer 2+2 wheelbase, therefore offering better access and legroom with the roadster, which was also available for the first time with an auto gearbox option. Wider wheels and track give a slightly more modern look.
Series 3 V12 Roadster
Distinguishing features:
Engine number prefixed with 7S. Prominent front grille with scoop below, flared arches, rubbertipped overriders, rear impact bar, larger fuel tank, sidelights in headlights, vent in tailgate, strengthened front subframe, wider track anti-dive front suspension, larger ventilated front discs, power-assisted steering, better lock, small leather-rimmed steering wheel, 6in rim wheels with ER70 VR15 tyres.
Chassis numbers:
from IS1001 RHD, IS20001 LHD
Numbers built:
1871 RHD, 6119 LHD
Series 3 V12 2+2
S3 Production changes:
New footwell air vents added from April 72, revised water pump Oct 72, coil and ballast resistor relocated and Borg Warner Model 12 auto gearbox from Feb 73. Two pipe exhaust outlet replaces four pipe from Nov 73. Weight 28 3/4 cwt / Roadster, 29 1/2 cwt 2+2.
Chassis numbers:
from IS50001 RHD, IS70001 LHD
Numbers built:
2115 RHD, 5182 LHD
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