1970 Jaguar E-Type OTS

The Series II E-Type was introduced with a series of design changes, mainly required by the hugely important American market. The most distinctive exterior change was the absence of the covered headlights. Other hallmarks of the S2 are the wrap around rear bumper with larger rear lights placed under the bumper, while the engine had it’s polished cam covers replaced by a more modern “ribbed” version.

Before the word go, a restoration plan was drafted starting from the immediate issues : bubbling paintwork, engine leaking oil front and back and poor performance, poor brakes and soft suspension. Therefor we have agreed to strip the E-Type to bare metal for our coach builders to rectify, if the metal is in good health, the coat of paint will last for decades and be well presentable. The engine was removed and our in-house engine builder stripped it carefully and inspected every single component to determine the multiple failures and decide how performance and reliability can be improved. Similar to the metalwork, if the XK engine is built and maintained well, it can last at peak performance in excess of 3 decades without the need to open it back up again, just serviced regularly will do!

Photography by Virgiliu Andone

The engine was stripped and machining complete including new seats, guides, valves, rear crank oil ‘non drip’ oil seal conversion, bottom end weight balanced, new pistons. We have later fitted and tested the newly built engine and rebuilt carburettors on our test bed before fitting it to the Jaguar. The gearbox provided by Guy Broad Spares of Coventry was matted to the engine using an uprated clutch. All aluminium parts were aquablasted using our Vixen aquablaster. Both front suspension and IRS were stripped and rebuilt from scratch using motorsport precision, all nuts and bolts were lock marked, all brakes were lock wired. The stainless steel exhaust sounded wonderful following the engine rebuild. We have upgraded all the dash lights to LED making the gauges easier to read during night driving. Front brakes have been upgraded to new ventilated discs and large Aluminium cast callipers improving braking performance greatly.

Following the complete reassembly, we have spent around 200 miles testing all functionality and further bedding in the newly built engine. Using only the best Millers Classic Oils lubricants, after 500 miles we have later changed the running in oil to the high performance long life oil.

If you would like to discuss the rejuvenation of your Jaguar E-Type please don’t hesitate to get in touch using the contact form below or via our usual contact details :

0115 9262266 or info@thorntonrestorations.com