1974 Jaguar E-Type S3 Restomod
Where does the Series 3 version of Jaguar’s E-Type sit in the overall E-Type desirability stakes? It’s a tough question to answer, as the original 3.8-engined unit from 1961 is the first and purest expression of what’s come to be regarded as the archetypal Jaguar sports car. But the Series 3 is more comfortable and also saw the introduction of an automatic transmission and the big 5.3-litre V12 engine. And bigger is almost always better, isn’t it?
Some value guides say the Series 3 is slightly more valuable than the original E-Type, while others say the opposite, but there’s not a lot in it. Maybe the creation featured here will tip the balance more decisively in favour of the last of the E-Types.
Founded in 2008, E-Type UK is somewhat unique, even amongst the growing global market for classic car restoration and repair services. While some companies will specialise in cars of a certain type (like sports cars), marque (MG) or even nationality (German), E-Type UK specialise in the E-Type – and only the E-Type; they don’t even look at other Jaguar models.
Dominic and Marcus Holland, the father and son duo who run E-Type UK, say this one-model focus allows them to be innovative and push boundaries to deliver the “ultimate E-Type experience”.
While they sell, restore and maintain E-Types of all types, it’s E-Type UK’s upgrade work that has been bringing them special attention. These upgrades include pioneering fuel injection systems for both the six-cylinder and V12 E-Type engines, as well as 5-speed gearbox conversions. Past work conducted by E-Type UK has seen vehicles they worked on score trophies at the prestigious Salon Prive and Villa d’Este concours events.
The left-hand drive 1974 E-Type Series 3 Roadster presented here was delivered to E-Type UK by the owner with a large-scale brief to not only restore the car, but to also upgrade and tailor it to specific tastes. Proof of the company’s international reputation is that the commission came from overseas; presumably a European country as converting the speedo readout from mph to kph was one of the requests.
Starting point for this project was the engine. Being a Series 3, the car had the 5.3 V12, but the owner wanted more. That was delivered by increasing capacity to 6.1 litres, combined with what E-Type UK says was a totally bespoke downdraft fuel injection system with Jenvy throttle bodies and an Emerald ECU.
Induction is via a custom-made set of velocity stacks, while the exhaust system is a snake’s nest of Zirtec-coated stainless steel extractors. According to E-Type UK’s dyno testing, this new package delivers 284hp (212kW) at the rear wheels. That compares to 272hp (202kW) in original 5.3 form.
Other changes under the bonnet include an aluminium radiator and header tank with silicone hoses, an upgraded alternator, a bespoke wiring loom, bespoke air conditioning system and a sports power steering rack for what E-Type UK says is a heavier, more direct fell to the steering.
Adding a 5-speed manual gearbox (instead of the factory 4-speed) with ratios specially chosen to match the increased engine output allows this E-Type to stretch its legs a little longer, while 4-caliper AP Racing brakes on grooved and ventilated front discs improve the stopping power to match.
To handle the new and improved engine spec, bonnet louvres were extended, with additional fresh air ducting added underneath. To reduce body flex, the inner sills were strengthened, too. Suspension is now fully adjustable front and rear, with sports torsion bars also added.
The wheels came in for special attention, with the 16-inch, 62-spoke units fitted to this car being one-offs from Turino with special modification to the rear rims to improve wheelarch clearance. Michelin Primacy 3 tyres with custom whitewall additions are used on all four corners.
The metallic Battleship Grey paint is a custom mix, but looks “right” at first glance, as do the bumpers, which are actually stainless steel instead of chrome. In fact, most of the exterior - from the Series 3’s wider grille to the 4-exit exhaust tip - looks factory authentic. But as with the engine, it’s inside where things start to deviate from stock.
To improve occupant comfort and audio quality, Dynamat sound deadening was laid down liberally throughout the cabin and even on the removable hardtop. Dark grey carpeting was then fitted, with Alcantara used for the headliner.
The front seats are modified Jaguar XJS units, fitted to lowered mounts and with heating added before being swathed in grey leather like the rest of the cabin. The 2+2 rear bench is similarly trimmed, with similarly-coloured seatbelts added.
On the dash, it’s a feast of black, including a Piano Black fascia, black-faced Smiths gauges and all black rocker switches. The steering wheel retains a classic look, but almost hidden on the centre console is a modern push-button starter.
A modern sound system with iPod and Bluetooth compatibility is incorporated with a classic-look radio face, with other 21st Century touches including electrically-adjustable mirrors, modern air con and remote central locking.
Liberal use of LED lighting throughout the cabin includes the footwells, boot, dash and puddle lamps, with illumination even under the bonnet! Speaking of lighting, LED bulbs are used outside, too, with the LED headlights featuring integrated DRLs.
Recently completed and delivered to the happy customer, E-Type UK says they put 3,000 hours into this project. As you can imagine, they’re pretty happy with the end result, too. They call it world class and it’s pretty hard to disagree. Restomods may be rare on British cars, but this project shows not only that they can be done, but that they can be done exceptionally well, too. See more of E-Type UK’s work at etypeuk.com
Words: Mike Ryan. Photos: E-Type UK, via Newspress
