Classic Car Hire in Yorkshire by Reflections

Along with the design and elegance of our classic E-Type Jaguars for hire, these sports car classics were at the forefront of mechanical engineering. To provide for the demands of the big saloons the 3.8 litre engine was increased to a 4.2 litre by enlarging the bore to 92.07mm. This gave the same power output at 265bhp but upped its torque by seven per cent. However performance was affected adversely because the larger XK engine was unable to rev as fast as the original 3.8 litre, but this only cost about 5 m/hr at top speed. This new classic sports car E type went into production for all models from October 1964 with an improved syncromesh gearbox, which basically meant changing gears was a lot easier in this car than others of the time.

In march 1966 the non-convertible E-type was stretched a little to accommodate two rear seats and produced alongside the original two seaters. The longer car was known as the 2 plus 2. The extra room also allowed for automatic transmission to be offered as an option, but this variant was heavier and bulkier and its top speed was reduced to around 130m/hr. However, this model became popular, particularly in the United States, as most people driving their classic E-Type sports car on the roads would not take it up to top speed anyway so having the extra seating was a big enough payoff against the loss of high end mph.

In the mid 1960s American safety and emission regulations began to impinge on car designs, so Jaguar had to accommodate these changes. The E type's enclosed headlights were exposed and raised which, along with less noticeable alterations and anti-emission devices, changed the model's appearance. They were known unofficially as the ‘series 1 and 1/2'.

In October 1968 Jaguar introduced the series 2, having a larger air intake, twin fans and various emission control devices for the American market. However, the engine ran hotter and needed better under bonnet air circulation. The emission devices restricted the amount of available power and the performance of this E-type dropped to a maximum top speed of 135m/hr. However, Jaguar remained one of the top sports cars as the competition was equally affected.

Soon power needs and emission controls meant that the introduction of the V12 engine became paramount, especially as the saloon cars would also benefit from the extra power. The E-type engine suffered further power loss to 177bhp due to ever more stringent emission controls. So the E-type assumed a softer, less aggressive image. The V12 was introduced in 1971 and it was tried in the E-type before being used in the new range of  XJ saloons.   NEXT E-type racing history