Behold E-Type UK's twin spark stunner
All restored E-Types tend to be pretty lovely; this one is now 4.7-litres with a twin spark head...
While it can often feel like we’ve seen everything there is to see when it comes to rejuvenated E-Types, given the work of Eagle, motorsport teams and Jaguar Classic, it’s nice to see that there are still innovations coming for the iconic sports car. Plus, to be frank, who would ever get tired of seeing E-Types when they’re made this good?
This Roadster is the work of E-Type UK, a name you might recognise from its monster V12 builds. This one is a straight six, though notable for being a 4.7-litre unit when the standard car never went above 4.2. In addition, it gets a twin-spark cylinder head and fuel injection, which E-Type UK believes is the first time that’s happened for the old Jag over here. The benefits are plentiful, with power, efficiency and responsiveness all said to improve as a result. Fuel injection ensures consistency, and any concerns about sound should be allayed by a bespoke stainless steel exhaust ready to deliver ‘an unmistakable straight-six roar, infused with a hardened competition edge.’ See the video for more of that.
The rest of the E-Type has been overhauled to take advantage of what sounds like a very special powertrain. It was built to a ‘fast road’ spec, so nothing too extreme, but modifications like a new five-speed ‘box and a whole host of cooling improvements - oil cooler, rad, fans - should make it suitable for everything from shunting through town to a European tour.
Suspension is now fully adjustable at the front, with an upgraded anti-roll bar as well. Brake discs are vented, with four-piston calipers clamping down on them. Wheels from Dunlop and tyres from the Blockley Tyre Company ensure an appropriately retro aesthetic and hopefully the right amount of grip for that 4.7 without harming the Jag’s famed balance; E-Type UK says its chassis changes create a ‘dynamic capability and sophistication to match the iconic looks – and the enhanced motor.’
Perfect time to move onto the design changes for this Roadster, then. It’s said to take inspiration from both the XKSS and D-Type - see the wheels, colour and less chrome up front. It’s amazing, in fact, that those chrome overriders that sit either side of the grille on a standard car stayed for the E-Type’s life, as it looks so much cleaner and smarter without them. The exterior green is matched to a similar shade inside, complete with a Moto-Lita wheel, Retrosound stereo and beautifully trimmed bucket seats. It looks like a wonderful place to spend a lot of time.
In all, E-Type UK reckons that more than 3,500 hours have been spent on the 4.7-litre twin spark car. Its MD Marcus Holland added: “We’re delighted to reveal our latest bespoke E-type build, which we believe to be the first example in the UK fitted with a game-changing ‘twin spark’ motor. We’ve built this car for a customer who desired a bespoke E-type that combined subtly enhanced looks with a dash of Jaguar motorsport heritage, and, most importantly, modernised performance. After thousands of hours of work and R&D, we as a team really are delighted with the results.” Easy to see why they might be! Certainly it seems unlikely to be the only commission that leaves E-Type UK with two spark plugs per cylinder. Or you could opt for one they’ve prepared earlier - this five-speed Roadster looks very nice indeed.
A little lower and wires would be so much better
Normally in an e-type you turn and there is a fraction of a second especially at speed before the car responds. Change to dunlops and this goes and makes the front end so much sharper. In retrospect the delay is caused by the hub turning and the wires flexing before turning the tyre.
Personally would never go back to wire wheels.
Have often wondered how much difference twin sparking the xk head would achieve
The wheels on this one really do not suit it, it should be on bolt on 7x15 Minilites and have flared arches and a lower ride hight.
To get big HP from the XK lump requires it to be RHD, as the engine needs a big set of tubular exhaust manifolds, which on LHD cars, won’t fit, due to the pedal box and brake and clutch reservoir bottles being in the way.
I grew up around E Types as my Late Dad ran 3 and I also used to specialise in them, but a very disappointing car to drive. The OE steel bonnet is boat anchor heavy, let alone the huge weight of of its straight six engine and its ancillaries, inc the huge starter motor and cast iron water pump.
The first time I drove and threw one at a series of bends I nearly wet myself, the front end weight was a huge shock and the car really did not want to turn in.
The huge weight of the XK engine is why Jaguar made an alloy block for the Lightweight cars, as racers complained that the car was slow to turn in and to change direction.
These cars also desperately need an alloy bonnet, which when I was last involved with E Types, was £6,000 plus, to build to fit the car.
I had started to build my ultimate E Type. It was based on a 1962 3.8 FHC LHD car, converted to RHD. It would have had flared arches, 8x15 Minilites on the rear, 7x15s on the front, an alloy bonnet, either a modern straight six or a V8 Chevrolet engine, 5 speed box, but the ££ costs were absolutely horrendous.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Normally in an e-type you turn and there is a fraction of a second especially at speed before the car responds. Change to dunlops and this goes and makes the front end so much sharper. In retrospect the delay is caused by the hub turning and the wires flexing before turning the tyre.
Personally would never go back to wire wheels.
Have often wondered how much difference twin sparking the xk head would achieve
I also think they need more work, say leaning them, or on powerful cars'fragile' play.
not fan of 'inboard' wheels, this one is a bit better, but I'm more ala lightweight E type style look.
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