Keeping a classic alive: essential Jaguar E-Type parts for regular maintenance

Enzo Ferrari allegedly called it “the most beautiful car ever made.” The Duke and Duchess of Sussex drove it (an all electric one, to boot) to their wedding reception. It was one of six chosen to be displayed in the Museum of Modern Art.

Look no further than the Jaguar E-Type (also called Jaguar XKE).

This classic ride continues to be admired, and for good reason. It was the result of Jaguar’s bold decision to combine elegance and performance into one body, something considered “outside the box” during its time. The result is a beast enclosed in sleek body panels that won’t hesitate to push its limits (and luxury features like an interior wood trim to go with it).

Of the more than 72,000 Jaguar E-Types produced between 1961 and 1974, around 4,700 are licensed and still working (at least in the U.K.). Despite no longer being made, E-Types continue to run thanks to a market for vintage and new Jaguar E-Type parts. If you want to keep your E-Type working, ensure you have at least the following car parts stocked:

Crown Wheel and Pinion

As a model that has seen action in Le Mans and other races, the E-Type not only has to be fast but also powerful. This is a task for its crown wheel and pinion system, an invaluable duo that carries power from the driveshaft to the wheels.

E-Types used different crown wheel and pinion systems, with the 3.54:1 gear ratio used for casual driving. This means that the driveshaft spins 3.54 times for the wheel to complete a revolution. The lower revolutions per minute (RPM) allows for better fuel economy, albeit at the cost of acceleration and power for driving on rough roads.

That said, some owners prefer their E-Types to be accurate down to the gear ratios it came with. Fortunately, you can find a number of gear manufacturers that create custom E Type Jaguar gear parts to match the right crown wheel and pinion with the right model. Here’s a look at the standard overall gear ratios for the various E-Type manual variants.

Carburetor or Electronic Fuel Injection

Before electronic fuel injection (EFI) became the norm among automobile engines, the task of ensuring an ideal fuel-air mixture fell on the carburetor. Shaped like an hourglass inside, it forces air to speed up but lose pressure as it passes through the narrow section. The loss of pressure allows fuel from the fuel tank to be sucked into the chamber as the air passes.

The E-Type was born in an era of carburetors (including the Jaguar V12 non-EFI), so it’s no surprise that purists would prefer to keep theirs that way. They’re great if you plan to put the car in your private collection or sell it to a car collector. Some local museums may also accept units with vintage Jaguar E-Type engines.

Many others want to enjoy driving their E-Types as much as admiring them with their eyes. Unfortunately, carburetors aren’t exactly accurate in achieving the right mix of fuel and air unless computers do it for them.

To that end, roadworthy E-Types swap out these classic E-Type parts for a modern EFI system. Using sensors hooked up to a control unit, the system optimises air and fuel delivery based on the state of the combustion chamber. The results are better engine performance and fuel economy, all while needing less maintenance.

Brake Components

Brakes & brake parts are a no-brainer, especially when driving a decades old car like the Jaguar E-Type. No one likes to see a classic be a threat to road safety just because it has trouble slowing down or stopping.

The E-Type was among the first cars to employ disc brakes. While the patent for them had existed as early as the 1900s, it wasn’t until over 50 years later that they started being fitted on performance cars. Coincidentally, you have another Jaguar model to thank for that: a C-Type that raced in the 1953 Mille Miglia in Italy.

Disc brakes may not be the successor to drum brakes, but they’re a more suitable option for sports cars. They offer better stopping power, even on wet and slippery surfaces, which allows for a shorter stopping distance. Their design lets them dissipate heat better than their drum counterparts.

Disc brakes aren’t without their downsides, though. Their enhanced performance comes at a cost, which is inevitable considering that E-Types had disc brakes from the start. Despite performing well in wet conditions, they’re still prone to rusting. Repairing and maintaining disc brakes often comes with a hefty price tag due to the specialised knowledge required.

Regular Maintenance is Crucial

Keeping an automobile icon running requires routine maintenance, and the Jaguar E-Type is no exception. Ensure you have a reliable source of essential aftermarket or OEM Jaguar E-Type parts and accessories, even if it means losing some of your E-Type's original charm.