The Jaguar "E" type (also known as E-type
or XK-E) is one of the greatest cars ever built. It has
style, performance, and pedigree: its shell was designed
by an aerodynamics engineer, it was propelled by a
high-spec version of the famous XK engine, and was based
on the 50's Le Mans winning D type race car. Best of
all, unlike other 'supercars' of its time, it was a
mass-market product: over 70.000 have been built. Sadly,
yet again, it is a car prone to rust, so heavy
restoration is often required.
The car was launched with much excitement
in the Geneva show of 1961. Unlike other road going
Jaguars, access was perfect, with the entire hood
lifting up and exposing not only the engine but the
running gear. Initially the car was fitted with a 3.8
engine, but over the years the size increased to 4.2 and
finally the new 5.3 V12 was crammed into the engine
space. I feel that in many ways, the 3.8 was the best
balanced but I am sure some will disagree.
|
1961 3.8 E type |
|
Wheelbase |
2438 mm |
96 in |
|
|
Track |
front |
1270
mm |
50 in |
|
|
rear |
1270
mm |
50 in |
|
|
Length |
4375 mm |
172.2 in |
|
|
Width |
1657
mm |
65.2
in |
|
|
Height |
1225
mm |
48.2
in |
|
|
Ground clearance |
140
mm |
5.5
in |
|
|
Kerb weight |
1234 kg |
2721 lb |
|
Weight distribution
(Front) |
49.60 % |
|
Fuel capacity |
63.6
litres |
14
UK Gal |
16.8
US Gal |
|
engine |
|
Manufacturer |
Jaguar |
|
Type |
S-6
|
DOHC
12 valves total
2 valves per cylinder |
|
Bore × stroke |
87.00mm × 106.00mm |
|
3.43 in × 4.17 in |
|
Bore/Stroke ratio |
0.82 |
|
Displacement |
3781 cc
(230.731 cu in) |
|
Unitary capacity |
630.17 cc/cylinder |
|
Compression ratio |
9.00:1 |
|
Fuel system |
3 SU carbs |
|
Aspiration |
Normal |
Max. output
(Gross) |
268.7 PS (265.0
bhp) (197.6 kW)
@5500 rpm |
Max. torque
(Gross) |
353.0 Nm (260 lbft)
(36 kgm)
@4000 rpm |
|
Coolant |
Water |
|
Specific output |
70.1 bhp/litre |
|
1.15 bhp/cu in |
|
Specific torque |
93.36 Nm/litre |
|
0-50mph (80 km/h) |
5.60s |
|
0-60mph |
6.90s |
|
0-100mph |
16.20s |
|
0-Quarter-mile |
14.70s |
|
Top speed |
241 km/h |
|
Power-to-weight |
214.75 bhp/ton |
|
chassis |
|
Engine location |
Front |
|
Engine alignment |
Longitudinal |
|
Steering |
rack & pinion |
Turns
lock-to-lock |
2.500 |
|
Turning circle |
11.30 m |
|
Suspension |
Front |
I.W.TB. |
|
Rear |
I.TransTrailLi.CS.ARB. |
|
Wheels F/R |
/ |
|
Tyres F |
Dunlop RS5 6.40 x 15 |
|
Tyres R |
Dunlop RS5 6.40 x 15 |
|
Brakes F/R |
Di/Di-S |
|
Brake ∅ F/R |
279/254 mm |
|
Transmission |
4M |
|
Drive |
RWD |
|
Top gear ratio |
1.00 |
|
Final drive ratio |
3.31 |
|
|
|
