1970 Jaguar E-Type Roadster Technical Specification and History

1970 Jaguar E-Type Roadster
1970 Jaguar E-Type Roadster

Built in 1970, towards the end of the production run - this E-type is one of the last Series II roadsters built before the introduction of the V12 powered Series III. The engine was the same 6 cylinder XK engine that was originally introduced in 1948 in the XK120, although it has grown from the original 3.4 litres to 4.2 litres and the fuel is provided by 3 carburettors instead of the original 2 SUs.  

 

Series I cars had fully enclosed headlamps but these were changed during 1967/68 to comply with US safety regulations. The rear lights were restyled at the same time. Interior changes meant the door handles were recessed and rocker switches replaced the toggle switches to meet US safety legislation.

Production:

 

  • E-type Series I - from Spring 1961 to 1968       - 38,399
  • Series II - from December 1968 to March 1971 - 18,854  
  • Series III (V12) - from Jan 1971 to Dec 1974    - 15,283  

  

Construction:  

 

The rear half of the car is a steel monocoque with a space frame bolted to the front bulkhead. This space frame holds the front suspension, the engine and gearbox and carries the bonnet. The boot lid has no external handle, being opened by a lever behind the driver’s seat.  

 

History of DDT 343H:  

 

We have an extensive history file on the car right from its 1st service through to a major re-build about 10 years ago.  

 

Technical:  

 

  • Length 14ft 8in (4.45m), width 5ft 5.25in (1.66m), height 4ft (1.22m), weight 23.7 cwts (1,206kg).
  • Engine 4,235cc six cylinder XK engine with twin overhead camshafts and hemi-spherical combustion chambers. 
  • Develops 265 bhp at 5,400 rpm and 283lb ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.
  • The engine is fed by three SU HD8 2 inch carburettors mounted on a heated inlet manifold.
  • Servo assisted disc brakes on all four wheels with the rear brakes being inboard (near the differential not at the hubs).
  • Front suspension: independent by double wishbones and torsion bars, with telescopic shock absorbers and an anti-roll bar.
  • Rear suspension: independent by lower wishbones with radius arms and twin coil springs with shock absorbers, the drive shaft forms the upper link.
  • Steering: Rack & pinion with 2 1/2 turns lock to lock giving a turning circle of 39 feet. 
  • The original 16 inch steering wheel, although adjustable for reach, tends to rub across the driver's knees, so it has been replaced with a smaller 13 inch Motolita wheel.
  • Wheels: Knock-off ‘D-Type’ style alloy wheels fitted with 205/70H15 radial tyres.
  • Tyre pressures (pounds per square inch): Front 32, Rear 32.
  • 0-60 in 7.0 secs. 
  • Top speed 150 mph (allegedly – probably nearer 130).