Overview

Spec	Value
Production Years	1961-1975
Body Styles	2-seat roadster (OTS), fixed head coupe (FHC), 2+2 coupe
Engine(s)	3.8L XK I6, 4.2L XK I6, 5.3L V12
Displacement	3781cc (3.8), 4235cc (4.2), 5343cc (V12)
Power	265 bhp (3.8/4.2 I6), 272 bhp (V12)
Torque	260 lb-ft / 353 Nm (3.8), 283 lb-ft / 384 Nm (4.2), 304 lb-ft / 412 Nm (V12)
Transmission	4-speed manual (Moss or Jaguar all-synchro), 3-speed automatic (2+2 only)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive
Suspension (front)	Independent, double wishbones, torsion bars, anti-roll bar
Suspension (rear)	Independent, lower wishbones, fixed-length driveshafts, twin coil springs per side
Brakes	Disc brakes all round, inboard rear (Series 1/2), outboard rear (Series 3)
Steering	Rack and pinion (manual, power-assisted on Series 3)
Construction	Monocoque centre section with tubular front subframe

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Series 1, 3.8 Litre (1961-1964)

Spec	Value
Engine	3.8L XK DOHC inline-6
Displacement	3781cc
Bore x Stroke	87mm x 106mm
Compression Ratio	9.0:1 (standard), 8.0:1 (low compression)
Fuel System	3x SU HD8 carburettors
Power	265 bhp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	260 lb-ft (353 Nm) @ 4000 rpm
Transmission	4-speed Moss manual (no synchro on 1st)
0-100 km/h	~7.0 seconds
Top Speed	241 km/h (150 mph)
Fuel Economy	14-18 L/100km
Kerb Weight	1220 kg (roadster), 1260 kg (FHC)
Length	4445mm (roadster/FHC)
Width	1657mm
Height	1219mm (roadster), 1219mm (FHC)
Wheelbase	2438mm
Track (front/rear)	1270mm / 1270mm
Fuel Tank	64 litres
Tyres	6.40 x 15 crossply (original), 185/15 radial (common upgrade)

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Series 1, 4.2 Litre (1964-1968)

Spec	Value
Engine	4.2L XK DOHC inline-6
Displacement	4235cc
Bore x Stroke	92.07mm x 106mm
Compression Ratio	9.0:1 (standard), 8.0:1 (low compression)
Fuel System	3x SU HD8 carburettors (early), 2x SU HD8 (later)
Power	265 bhp @ 5400 rpm
Torque	283 lb-ft (384 Nm) @ 4000 rpm
Transmission	4-speed Jaguar all-synchro manual, 3-speed Borg-Warner auto (2+2 only)
0-100 km/h	~7.0 seconds
Top Speed	241 km/h (150 mph)
Fuel Economy	14-18 L/100km
Kerb Weight	1260 kg (roadster), 1310 kg (FHC), 1390 kg (2+2)
Length	4445mm (roadster/FHC), 4680mm (2+2)
Width	1657mm
Height	1219mm (roadster/FHC), 1270mm (2+2)
Wheelbase	2438mm (roadster/FHC), 2667mm (2+2)
Track (front/rear)	1270mm / 1270mm
Fuel Tank	64 litres
Tyres	185 VR 15

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Series 2, 4.2 Litre (1968-1971)

Spec	Value
Engine	4.2L XK DOHC inline-6
Displacement	4235cc
Bore x Stroke	92.07mm x 106mm
Compression Ratio	9.0:1 (standard), 7.8:1 (US-spec)
Fuel System	2x Zenith-Stromberg 175 CD-2SE (most markets), 2x SU HD8 (some markets)
Power	246 bhp @ 5500 rpm (Stromberg), 265 bhp (SU)
Torque	263 lb-ft (357 Nm) @ 3500 rpm
Transmission	4-speed Jaguar all-synchro manual, 3-speed Borg-Warner auto (2+2 only)
0-100 km/h	~7.5 seconds
Top Speed	225 km/h (140 mph)
Fuel Economy	15-19 L/100km
Kerb Weight	1290 kg (roadster), 1330 kg (FHC), 1415 kg (2+2)
Length	4445mm (roadster/FHC), 4680mm (2+2)
Width	1657mm
Height	1219mm (roadster/FHC), 1270mm (2+2)
Wheelbase	2438mm (roadster/FHC), 2667mm (2+2)
Track (front/rear)	1270mm / 1270mm
Fuel Tank	64 litres
Tyres	185 VR 15

Key Series 2 Changes

• Open headlights (no glass fairings)
• Larger front indicators below bumper line
• Larger rear lights with integrated reversing lights
• Rocker switches replace toggle switches
• Larger intake opening
• Collapsible steering column
• Revised brake servo

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Series 3, 5.3 V12 (1971-1975)

Spec	Value
Engine	5.3L SOHC V12
Displacement	5343cc
Bore x Stroke	90mm x 70mm
Compression Ratio	9.0:1
Fuel System	4x Zenith-Stromberg 175 CDSE carburettors
Power	272 bhp @ 5850 rpm
Torque	304 lb-ft (412 Nm) @ 3600 rpm
Transmission	4-speed Jaguar all-synchro manual, 3-speed Borg-Warner Model 12 auto
0-100 km/h	~6.8 seconds
Top Speed	237 km/h (147 mph)
Fuel Economy	18-25 L/100km
Kerb Weight	1435 kg (roadster), 1540 kg (2+2)
Length	4680mm
Width	1683mm
Height	1226mm (roadster), 1283mm (2+2)
Wheelbase	2667mm
Track (front/rear)	1365mm / 1346mm
Fuel Tank	82 litres
Tyres	205/70 VR 15 (ER70 VR 15)

Key Series 3 Changes

• 5.3L V12 engine (only engine option)
• Wider track front and rear with flared arches
• Cross-drilled ventilated disc brakes
• Power steering standard
• Automatic gearbox most commonly specified
• No fixed head coupe variant, roadster and 2+2 only
• Larger grille with chrome surround
• Anti-roll bars front and rear
• Longer wheelbase across all body styles

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Engine Variants

XK 3.8L DOHC Inline-6

The legendary XK twin-cam six in its 3.8-litre form. Triple SU carburettors feed 265 bhp through a characterful and responsive engine. The short stroke and high-revving nature give it an eager feel, though the 3.8 relies on revs more than the torquier 4.2. Oil leaks from cam covers and rear main seal are standard. The aluminium cylinder head is prone to warping if overheated, never let the temperature gauge climb.

XK 4.2L DOHC Inline-6

Enlarged bore takes the XK to 4235cc with a significant gain in mid-range torque. Same power output on paper but a much more flexible engine in practice. The 4.2 pulls strongly from 2000 rpm where the 3.8 needs winding up. Came with the all-synchro gearbox, which is a major improvement over the Moss unit. The definitive XK engine for road use.

5.3L SOHC V12

Jaguar's all-alloy V12 with single overhead cams per bank. A masterpiece of smooth power delivery, it's one of the most refined engines ever fitted to a sports car. Four Zenith-Stromberg carburettors, twin distributors, and a complex cooling system create maintenance demands that the XK six doesn't have. Fuel consumption is staggering by modern standards. When running well, the V12 is magnificent. When not maintained, it's a money pit.

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Transmission Options

Moss 4-speed manual (3.8 cars only)

Heavy, agricultural, no synchromesh on first gear. You double-declutch or accept the crunch. Ratios suit the 3.8's power band but the shift quality is poor by any standard. Robust enough, they rarely break, but unpleasant to use in traffic.

Jaguar all-synchro 4-speed manual (4.2 cars and Series 3)

A dramatically better gearbox. Synchromesh on all four gears, a cleaner shift action, and ratios that suit the 4.2's broader torque curve. This box transformed the E-Type's usability. In the Series 3, it's paired with the V12 but was less commonly specified than the automatic.

Borg-Warner automatic (2+2 and Series 3)

A three-speed automatic offered on the 2+2 from 1966 and on the Series 3. Competent but unexciting. Saps some performance but suits the grand touring character, especially with the V12. Most Series 3 V12s were sold with the automatic, and it's a good match for the engine's torquey character.

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Production Numbers (approximate)

Variant	Numbers Built
Series 1 3.8 Roadster	~7,800
Series 1 3.8 FHC	~7,700
Series 1 4.2 Roadster	~9,500
Series 1 4.2 FHC	~7,800
Series 1 4.2 2+2	~5,600
Series 2 Roadster	~8,600
Series 2 FHC	~4,900
Series 2 2+2	~5,300
Series 3 V12 Roadster	~7,990
Series 3 V12 2+2	~7,300
Total (all variants)	~72,500

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Notable Features

• Monocoque with subframe: The centre tub is a stressed monocoque (steel unibody), while the front subframe is a tubular steel structure carrying the engine, front suspension, and steering. The subframe bolts to the monocoque and can be removed as a unit.
• Independent rear suspension: Jaguar's innovative IRS with lower wishbones, fixed-length driveshafts acting as upper links, and twin coil springs per side. Complex but effective, it gave the E-Type handling poise that live-axle competitors couldn't match.
• Inboard rear disc brakes (Series 1/2): The rear discs are mounted inboard, adjacent to the differential. Reduces unsprung weight but causes heat soak from the diff. Series 3 moved to outboard rear discs.
• Bonnet assembly: The entire front of the car (bonnet, wings, inner structure) tilts forward as a single unit, providing extraordinary engine access. Beautiful engineering, but the assembly is heavy and the hinge mechanism complex.
• Heritage Certificate: Available from the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust. Confirms original build specification, engine number, colour, destination, and build date. Essential for any serious purchase.