Jaguar E-Type – The History Of An Icon
March 11, 2024
When it comes to iconic symbols of classic cars, few vehicles can compare to the Jaguar E-Type. Unveiled in 1961, this masterpiece of design and
March 11, 2024
A New Arrival – 1969 MG B GT
March 11, 2024
Today, we welcomed a new arrival to our workshop in the form of this stunning dark green 1969 MG B GT. Soon the car will
More Prep And Prime
March 11, 2024
Chris has been completing more prep work on our 1963 Bentley S3 Continental. He rubbed the polyfan down again and then removed the panels and
Collection And Repairs
March 11, 2024
Our 1985 Mini Mayfair Berkeley was collected from our storage facility to the workshop. Once here, Jonn investigated a fuel leak from the carburettor area.
A New Battery
March 11, 2024
After replacing the battery on our 1969 Jaguar E-Type, it was safely delivered back home to its owner in Norfolk.
Riley Seat
March 11, 2024
The backrest of the our 1905 Riley 9HP seat is actually fitted on the body of the car and, as a result, could not be
Spitfire Bulkhead
March 11, 2024
Our 1979 Triumph Spitfire has spent a bit more time in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop.
Fabricating Devon Parts
March 11, 2024
Christian has been fabricating multiple parts for our 1951 Austin Devon Pickup. This is what he has been doing:
Delivered
March 11, 2024
After a successful final road test, our 1978 Triumph Spitfire was loaded onto our trailer and delivered to lucky winner Barry Pendleton. Molly even made
Reverse Light Switch
March 11, 2024
Jonn has fitted a new reverse light switch to our 2007 Land Rover Defender 110. He traced the position to the gearbox and removed the
Paint And Rebuild
March 11, 2024
Our 1976 Triumph Spitfire has made lots of progress recently. The wiper motor has been stripped, rebuilt and fitted. The dash bridge panel was stripped,
Painting A Stag Hard Top
March 11, 2024
Mauro has had our Stag hood in the paint shop recently. He painted the hard top before moving on to flatting and polishing it, before
Zephyr Prep
March 11, 2024
In preparation for our 1964 Ford Zephyr 4 to be won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, Jonn has been making a few repairs. Here are
The Restoration Continues
March 11, 2024
Classic car technician Paul has continued his work on our 1956 Jensen 541. Here is a list of the work completed recently:
Jaguar Rear Axle
March 11, 2024
The rear axle of our 1954 Jaguar XK120 has begun being put back together ready for the next stage of its restoration to start.
Our S-Type Is Back
March 11, 2024
After recently coming into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop for an appraisal, our 1966 Jaguar S-Type returned to us for work to begin on it.
C – Type Refit
March 11, 2024
Jonn has been refitting our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica. He tried to fit the front suspension brace but the brackets were too small. He polished
Jaguar E-Type – The History Of An Icon
March 11, 2024
When it comes to iconic symbols of classic cars, few vehicles can compare to the Jaguar E-Type. Unveiled in 1961, this masterpiece of design and engineering has been the classic of choice for many collectors, enthusiasts, and petrolheads for decades.
Its blend of beauty, performance, and innovation not only set new standards throughout the automotive industry but also cemented the E-Type’s place as one of the most significant vehicles in automotive history.
Conceptual Beginnings
The creation of the Jaguar E-Type can be traced back to its predecessors, most notably of which, was the Jaguar D-Type, a Le Mans-winning race car. The E-Type’s creation was guided by the vision of Malcolm Sayer, an aerodynamicist who applied his expertise to craft the car’s distinctive shape.
Meanwhile, Sir William Lyons, the founder of Jaguar, oversaw the project, ensuring that the final product not only excelled in performance but also in aesthetics. The combination of Sayer’s aerodynamic design and Lyons’s attention to detail resulted in a car that was as fast as it was beautiful – a perfect example of the innovation that Jaguar has become known for.
The Jaguar E-Type made its grand debut at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961 and it caught the attention of the entire automotive world!
Design and Engineering Of The Jaguar E-Type
The Jaguar E-Type is known for its stunning aesthetics. From its long bonnet, sleek lines, and distinctive shape, even Enzo Ferrari himself is rumoured to have called it “The most beautiful car ever made.”
However, beyond its beauty, the E-Type was an engineering masterclass too. It featured a monocoque construction, a rarity at the time, which contributed to its strength and lightweight structure. Under the bonnet, the E-Type was fitted with a powerful XK engine, initially a 3.8-litre inline-six, which was later expanded to 4.2 litres.
The E-Type’s independent rear suspension was another groundbreaking feature, enhancing its handling and ride quality, and setting a new standard for sports cars.
Jaguar E-Type Variants
Over its production span, the Jaguar E-Type evolved through three main series.
The Series 1 (1961 to 1968) is often considered the most desirable for its purity of design and performance. It featured glass-covered headlights, a smaller grill, and toggle switches on the dashboard.
The Series 1.5 (1968-1971) introduced several changes for improved safety and comfort, like open headlights, a larger grill, and improved cooling.
Lastly, the Series 3 (1971-1975) brought some big changes with the introduction of a 5.3-litre V12 engine. This offered a new level of performance and smoothness to go along with changes like a larger grille and revised bumpers.
Legacy and End of Production
The production of the Jaguar E-Type came to an end in 1975, but its legacy certainly continued way beyond that.
Today, the Jaguar E-Type holds a highly sought-after spot in the classic car market. Some examples, especially those from the early Series 1 production, are valued and sell for 6-figure prices at auctions and are considered a premium edition to any collection.
The Jaguar E-Type is an icon in the classic car world and, as it has its 63rd birthday on 15th March this year, I hope that it is celebrated as much as it deserves to be.
6 responses to “Jaguar E-Type – The History Of An Icon”
First saw the E Type in Moss,s Garage Luton just after launch.. I worked at Vauxhall just around the corner(Sales Dept) and I used to spend my whole lunch hour at this dealership just looking and admiring.( I had a Mk.V11 at the time which of course had the XK engine. I just couldn’t get over the beauty of the car although I was aware of it,s D Type heritage, this fixed head in silver blue was in my opinion the most beautiful and awesome car ever produced.This was 1961 and having been in the motor industry for 42 years have never been so impressed by any car launch since.
I saw my first E when I was 6 years old in 1967. It was being driven down East Grinstead High Street. It was an incredible sight because only superstars and famous footballers drove them.
Ever since then the E has been my ultimate dream car.I had a 1966 4.2 coup from 72 -75 then 78-84 had a 67 XKE roadster..learned allot. Best car ever owned. Yes, a little nose heavy and yes it does over heat real easy but on the road driving no car is better.
A New Arrival – 1969 MG B GT
March 11, 2024
Today, we welcomed a new arrival to our workshop in the form of this stunning dark green 1969 MG B GT.
Soon the car will go into our main workshop for our team of technicians to begin work on the car and get it back to its owner running better than ever before!
More Prep And Prime
March 11, 2024
Chris has been completing more prep work on our 1963 Bentley S3 Continental.
He rubbed the polyfan down again and then removed the panels and put them into final primer.
The car was masked up ready for final primer. It was first sealed with epoxy primer for any bare metal and then the final primer was applied.
Collection And Repairs
March 11, 2024
Our 1985 Mini Mayfair Berkeley was collected from our storage facility to the workshop.
Once here, Jonn investigated a fuel leak from the carburettor area. After a run-up, Jonn found that the float bowl gasket had split and was leaking. He removed the fuel pipes and replaced them with an E10 carburant fuel hose. After replacing the float bowl gasket.
As it was still leaking, Jonn stripped and removed the float bowl lid and checked the needle valve and debris was found inside.
After blowing this out and testing it, it was fine.
Jonn noted that the exhaust was blowing still, so he raised the car up on the ramp and removed the complete exhaust. He separated the system and cleaned the flanges and joints.
He bent the front pipe to achieve the correct alignment before mounting the front pipe and sealing it with an instant gasket. He then secured the front pipe and mounted the remaining exhaust. Finally, he positioned and tightend all clamps and mounts. Run and test. All ok now.
A New Battery
March 11, 2024
After replacing the battery on our 1969 Jaguar E-Type, it was safely delivered back home to its owner in Norfolk.
Riley Seat
March 11, 2024
The backrest of the our 1905 Riley 9HP seat is actually fitted on the body of the car and, as a result, could not be fitted until the vehicle returned from paint. Lydia placed the seat in and began to line up the pleats so that they were straight. She had to stuff the seat with additional coconut fiber to give them extra puffiness and to cover any lumps and bumps in the wooden bodywork. The most difficult part of this was deciding how to get a tidy finish on the front curve of the seat, as she couldn’t staple this to the bodywork.
After Lydia finished stapling the seat to the body, she cut away the excess and then applied piping to the back edge. The raw edges of the fabric will then be covered with a beautiful brass beading that we have bought to replicate the original.
Lydia also made some straps to replicate the original ones, which hold the roof bars at the correct distance apart. The hood has also been made with great care taken to ensure it looks as close to the original as possible.
Various components have been in the paintshop being painted in dtm black.
Spitfire Bulkhead
March 11, 2024
Our 1979 Triumph Spitfire has spent a bit more time in the Bridge Classic Cars paintshop.
Fabricating Devon Parts
March 11, 2024
Christian has been fabricating multiple parts for our 1951 Austin Devon Pickup.
This is what he has been doing:
- Right-hand step
- Right-hand rear lower section of cab
- Step
- Remove right-hand B pillar and fabricate new one
- Brace body and remove part of A pillar
- Fabricate new panel and weld in
- Fabricate new door mounts
- Welding in A pillar panels
Delivered
March 11, 2024
After a successful final road test, our 1978 Triumph Spitfire was loaded onto our trailer and delivered to lucky winner Barry Pendleton.
Molly even made the trip to see the delivery in person!
Reverse Light Switch
March 11, 2024
Jonn has fitted a new reverse light switch to our 2007 Land Rover Defender 110. He traced the position to the gearbox and removed the multi-plug which had shorted out. A new switch was fitted and everything worked as it should.
Paint And Rebuild
March 11, 2024
Our 1976 Triumph Spitfire has made lots of progress recently. The wiper motor has been stripped, rebuilt and fitted. The dash bridge panel was stripped, recovered and refitted. The centre armrest was also stripped, repainted, recovered and fitted. The seats were recovered too.
Seat belts have been installed along with the centre armrest and trims and the left-hand seat. New covers were put on the right-hand side seat before this was put into the car.
Various parts of the seats and trim also spent some time in the paintshop.
Painting A Stag Hard Top
March 11, 2024
Mauro has had our Stag hood in the paint shop recently.
He painted the hard top before moving on to flatting and polishing it, before finally refitting the chrome parts of the roof.
Zephyr Prep
March 11, 2024
In preparation for our 1964 Ford Zephyr 4 to be won through Bridge Classic Cars Competitions, Jonn has been making a few repairs. Here are his notes:
- Attach vacuum cooling system filling tool but system won’t hold a vacuum. Check all hose clips but all old style clips won’t tighten. Remove hoses to fit new clips and found heater matrix blocked solid. Attempt to blow through but to no avail. Clean out all hoses, refit and fit new jubilee clips. Clean exhaust flanges and manifold clamp. Refit exhaust and secure. Attend to throttle linkage .
- Cut rod to length and cut new thread on ends. Attach ball joints and fit. Grease balls and tighten ball sockets. Modify bulkhead drain pipe and refit. Remove nearside front quarter light window. Remove handle from new item and clean and fit to old window and refit. Strip and fit new brake pads to nearside front. Strip rear brakes.
- Remove half shaft and hub assembly. Clean all parts to be reused. Rub down and Paint brake backplate. Press out bearing and fit new hub seal. Thoroughly grease bearing and refit. Refit backplate and hub. Fit new wheel cylinder and brake shoes and lubricate and refit hand brake mechanism. Adjust shoes and refit drum.
- Repeat whole process for nearside rear. Clean all parts etc.
- Reassemble offside rear hub and brake assembly.lubricate backplate and clean and lubricate handbrake linkage/mechanism. Fit new cylinder and re bolt handbrake to cylinder. Fit new shoes and adjust and fit drum. Refit dynamo and fit new regulator. Refit auxiliary belt and adjust. Refit wheels and get off ramp. Push forward to open both front doors and start stripping heater box for removal.
- Continue to remove heater box.
- Remove heater box from car. Strip heater box on bench.remove heater valve and foundmits he valve that is blocked solid. Strip heater valve and clean out.
- Remove heater radiator from heater box. Flush out brown dirt from inside until water flows through ok. Fit new foam strip to top and bottom of radiator and refit to heater box.
- Reassemble heater. Heater valve rubber seal split, so unable to refit heater box to car yet. Order repair kit for valve.
The Restoration Continues
March 11, 2024
Classic car technician Paul has continued his work on our 1956 Jensen 541. Here is a list of the work completed recently:
- Finish rear brake
- Fit splined hubs for spoked wheels
- Fit parts to gearbox ready to fit to engine
- Fit clutch to the engine
- Fit modified fuel filler pip
- Fabricate back plates for rear indicators and fit indicators
- Locate parts for gearbox ready to fit to engine
- Fit the last piece of the bulkhead heat shield
- Fit the gearbox to the engine and start fitting auxiliaries
- Fabricate the blanking plate to cover the fuel pump aperture
Jaguar Rear Axle
March 11, 2024
The rear axle of our 1954 Jaguar XK120 has begun being put back together ready for the next stage of its restoration to start.
Our S-Type Is Back
March 11, 2024
After recently coming into the Bridge Classic Cars workshop for an appraisal, our 1966 Jaguar S-Type returned to us for work to begin on it.
Tony collected this beautiful classic and delivered it safely to the workshop. Once it was here, Neil gave it a full service, changed the antifreeze, and adjusted the wheel bearings.
From there, John took over and began looking into the smell of petrol in the boot. The O/S tank vent looked incorrect. John dropped the fuel tank to gain access to the filler neck. He then checked that the vent was clear and fitted a new vent pipe.
A new oil filter and air filter were fitted and all points were greased.
C – Type Refit
March 11, 2024
Jonn has been refitting our 2022 Bridge C-Type Replica. He tried to fit the front suspension brace but the brackets were too small.
He polished and fitted the fuel cap before polishing the mirror bracket too. The windscreen was fitted and the ends were sanded down the ends to fit and polished both ends back to smooth.
Jonn then fitted the screen and drilled out the fixings.
Jonn used bigger brackets and fitted these to the front suspension and secured them. He then fitted the brace bar but this still requires spacers. The remaining windscreen screws were fitted and tightened.
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