BrandJaguar
Year1971
ColorOriginally Costwolds Blue, currently in the shop to receive a custom very light blue-green metallic
HoodMohair Blue
Interior Grey leather
Enginev12 5.3l
Timing2 Overhead camshafts
Fuel systemFour Stromberg carburetors
Transmission Mechanical 4-speed gearbox
Horsepower277bhp
Weight1200kg
Other information I've always wanted a light blue metallic Jaguar E, and now I'm getting it!
For years I'd known about the superb headlamp globe kit designed by Stephan Wahl in true respect of Malcom Sayer's lines, and which, according to Stephan, should have been fitted to the European version of the E serie III had it seen the light of day.
But as the USA was the main market for the aging E, and BLMC was in financial agony, we were only allowed to buy the US version. Its bulging eyes and layers of chrome never really convinced me. On the other hand, I've always been thrilled by the V12, for its smoothness, its extreme flexibility - you can pull away in 3rd gear - its seemingly endless power supply and overall robustness... yes, I can speak for myself, I've had four of them!
The muted soundtrack was the only thing that really bothered me, but that problem has long since been solved. Those who had the pleasure of listening to it run together with my Ferrari 456 know that the Jaguar had a nicer sound.
I haven't made much use of my beautiful E-type in recent years and it was unfortunately on the departure list. But this year I took the plunge, and the headlight kit is now in place. She now boasts the air of unrivalled modernism and purity synonimous with the E-type. Have you ever seen an Eagle E? I'd like to try and get closer to this marvel ... which retails at a whopping €800,000! Let's not dream too much, there will still be a few differences once I'm done though.
Mechanically speaking, I'm completely at ease with the machine's 277bhp, and I've no desire to have 150 more. Recent adjustments to the torsion bars and a low chassis setting have worked wonders in eliminating body roll. Thanks to the power-assistance, the steering input is beautifully precise. Ah, I've also fitted very wide wire wheels, but I've kept the nice original Michelin XWX 205-70-15s, which are much more open and work much better. Understeer is now a word of the past. The car is no dragster at all, what it is instead is a beautiful, high-class GT that gives me great driving pleasure with its lyrical flights of fancy...
I can't wait to rediscover it again once it comes out of the bodyshop. She'll be wearing a much brighter dress and show off her curves even better... You'll also get to see her redesigned bumpers...
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