The Jaguar E-Type (XKE) series 1 (and 1 1/2) 4.2

Years 1964-1968
See also XKE Series 1 3.8 liter 1961-1964
Notes In line with the engine changes made to the MK X sedan, when it was fitted with the 4.2 liter version of the XK engine and became the 420G, the E-Type was also changed in 1964.  The changes involved fitment of the 4.2 engine in place of the previous 3.8 liter unit, and an all synchomesh 4 speed gearbox.   Inside the car the seats were improved, and the aluminum trim on the center dash, and transmission tunnel was replaced with black cloth.

A new third model also appeared at this time. To broaden the appeal of the E Type it was decided to build an extended wheelbase version of the FHC which allowed placement of two small rear seats. The resulting car appears to have been given various names in the brochures and advertisments of the day   - The XKE Sedan, the XKE Family Coupe and the Fixed Head Coupe 2+2. The latter name is used in these notes.  In line with its role as a more touring type car, it was available with optional 3-speed Borg Warner automatic transmission. As well as the extra length the roofline was raised by 2 inches, and the bottom of the windshield moved forward. All of these changes added up to considerably more space inside.

During 1968 various changes were made to all three models but these changes did not come all together. Their purpose was to adapt the car to the requirements of the American Government. These requirements included standards which had to be met for crash worthiness, and emissions pollution. Rather than do all the modifications at once, cars built for the 1968 model year phased them in gradually.  The series II cars of 1969 and on were federalized from the start. The very first change made was the elimination of the sloping glass cover over the headlights. (It appears this was done during the 1967 model year to otherwise standard Series 1 cars. Later changes involved the intake manifold and carburetors. The previous triple SU setup was replaced by a 2 carburetor layout employing Stromberg CD2SE's.  The federalized 4. 2 engine can be recognized by the carburetors, and the use of the new cam covers with raised fins. Inside the car the previous toggle switches were replaced by rocker switches which would be less of a hazard to the occupants in the event of a crash. A collapsible steering column was alkso fitted.   The one interior change perhaps most worthy of note was the demise of the famous Jaguar starter button on the dash. It was replaced by the standard key start.

Jaguar never officially referred to the late 1967 and 1968 cars as anything other than Series 1. The "Series 1 1/2" has become an unofficial way of referring to them.

Description 2 door sports, available in three body styles
  • Roadster
  • Fixed Head Coupe
  • Fixed Head Coupe 2+2
Colors See the E-Type (XKE) colors page
Picture S142rdstr.JPG (33061 bytes)

Series 1 4.2 liter Open Two Seater (OTS) Roadster

Engine
Model Engine Bore/Stroke Power
E-Type 4.2 Series 1 4235 cc 6 cyl twin overhead camshaft 92.07 x 106 mm 265 bhp @ 5400 rpm
246 bhp @ 5500 rpm (Federal)
Carburetors
Three SU HD8   (2 Stromberg CD2SE - federalized version of late 1967/68 - so called series 1.5)
Engine was the  Jaguar XK type DOHC inline 6.
Brakes 4 wheel disc (Dunlop), with servo assist
Production
(Various sources differ, slightly and these numbers are close estimates)
Roadster 
Fixed Head
Fixed Head 2+2
9548
7770
5598
Total 22916
Weight
Roadster 2770 pounds
FHC 2900 pounds
FHC 2+2 3090 pounds
Length 14 feet 7 1/2 inches  (Roadster and FHC), 15 feet 4 1/2 inches (FHC 2+2)
Height 3 feet 11 inches  (Roadster and FHC), 4 feet 2 1/2 inches (FHC 2+2)
Width 5 feet 4 1/2 inches 
Top speed 150 mph  (with manual transmission)
Wheelbase 96 inches  (Roadster and FHC), 105 inches (FHC 2+2)
Transmission 4-speed manual. All synchromesh. Optional Borg Warner auotmatic transmission on the FHC 2+2 model.
Suspension
Front Independent. Torsion bars, double wishbones and anti-roll bar
Rear Independent, coil springs. Mounted in separate subframe.
Chassis Numbers
Roadster 1E1001 and up (RHD models) -  first "Series 1 1 /2" 1E1864
1E10001 and up  (LHD models)  -  first "Series 1 1 /2" 1E15980
Fixed Head 1E2001 and up (RHD models) -  first "Series 1 1 /2" 1E21584
1E30001 and up (LHD models) -  first "Series 1 1 /2" 1E34583
Fixed Head 2+2 1E50001 and up (RHD models) -  first "Series 1 1 /2" 1E50975
1E75001 and up (LHD models) -  first "Series 1 1 /2" 1E77709
Engine Numbers
All models 7E prefix. then 4 digit engine number. (engine numbers appear to have made it to 5 digits that is engine number 7E10000 by around March 1967)

Sometime around mid 1966 the 2+2 model appears to have been given its own engine number series starting at 7E 50000

For further details, refer to the XKE engine numbers page

Standard Equipment Leather seating on all models, Wire wheels 72 spoke, 15" rim x 5" wide (silver colored). Chrome wheels of the same dimensions were optional extras.
Options Chrome wire wheels. Various radios, fog lights,   White wall tires. 3 speed automatic transmission on 2+2 model
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