Know Your Exact Car First
Before ordering a single part, you need to be precise about what you have. "Jaguar E-Type" covers three distinct Series built over 14 years — and within each Series, further variations that affect parts compatibility. Getting this wrong is the most expensive mistake a restorer makes: wrong-Series chrome on a concours car, incorrect carburettor needles, door seals that don't fit because you ordered roadster seals for a fixed-head coupé.
The three Series break down as follows:
Series 1 (1961–1968) is the most sought-after and the most parts-intensive to restore correctly. The 3.8-litre (1961–1964) and 4.2-litre (1964–1968) engines use different parts. Early outside-bonnet-latch cars differ from later flat-floor models. Series 1 is offered as roadster, fixed-head coupé, and (from 1966) 2+2 coupé — each with distinct body and interior parts.
Series 2 (1968–1971) was revised for US safety and emissions regulations — open headlights replacing the glass covers, revised bumpers, different lighting. Many mechanical parts carry over from Series 1 4.2, but exterior trim, lighting, and some body parts are distinct.
Series 3 (1971–1975) used the V12 engine exclusively, had a wider track, revised interior, and different bonnet. Roadster and 2+2 only. The Series 3 parts ecosystem is largely separate from Series 1/2.
Know your chassis number before ordering anything. The Jaguar chassis number encodes the Series, engine, body style, and approximate build date. Provide it to any specialist — SNG Barratt, Martin Robey, David Manners — and they can cross-reference the exact correct part. Guessing costs money.
The Main Suppliers
The E-Type benefits from a well-established supplier network. These four cover the vast majority of what you'll need:
| Supplier | Location | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SNG Barratt | UK + US | Widest Catalogue | The largest dedicated E-Type supplier globally. Strong across all categories. US warehouse in Virginia reduces shipping cost and time for American buyers. |
| Martin Robey | UK (Midlands) | Body & Rubber | Best-in-class for body panels, sill sections, and rubber seals. UK-based manufacturing means good quality control on steel panels. Worth calling for complex structural work. |
| David Manners | UK (Birmingham) | Mechanical & Trim | Established Jaguar specialist. Particularly strong on mechanical parts, trim components, and electrical. Competitive pricing on consumables and service items. |
| eBay (NOS & Used) | Global | NOS, Rare Items | Essential for original Lucas electrical parts, NOS chrome, and hard-to-find Series 1 components. Filter for "New Old Stock" and check seller feedback carefully. Expect premium pricing for genuine NOS. |
For US buyers, Welsh Enterprises in the US specialises in E-Type interior trim and is worth bookmarking alongside the UK suppliers. Moss Europe covers some E-Type parts under the broader Jaguar catalogue.
Not sure which supplier to use for a specific part? Describe what you need and Geoff will point you to the right source.
Ask Geoff →Body Panels
E-Type body panels are available as reproductions from several suppliers — but quality varies significantly. The bonnet in particular is a complex pressing and a bad reproduction will cause fitting headaches that a professional bodyshop will charge you to correct.
What Needs Replacing
- Sills (inner and outer). The inner sill is structural — it's part of the monocoque chassis. Replacement is a major undertaking. Martin Robey manufactures their own sill sections and is the preferred source. Do not fit cheap sills on an E-Type. ⚠ Safety-Critical
- Floor pans. The footwell floors and the area under the rear seat rust from trapped moisture. Both SNG Barratt and Martin Robey carry floor repair sections. Assess extent before ordering — full floor pans vs. repair sections.
- Rear wheel arches. Inner and outer arches rust where mud collects. Martin Robey has the best reputation for these on E-Types.
- Bonnet. Reproduction complete bonnets are available but expensive. Most restorers have original bonnets repaired rather than replaced — the correct flutes and panel lines are notoriously difficult to replicate exactly in reproduction. SNG Barratt stocks bonnet sections if full replacement isn't needed.
- Bonnet frame tubes. The tubular steel bonnet frame rusts from inside. Rot here is often invisible until you're elbow-deep in the job. Inspection is mandatory before finalising a purchase — replacement is a specialist job. ⚠ Safety-Critical
- Door skins and lower sections. Available from SNG Barratt. Ensure you specify roadster or FHC (fixed-head coupé) — the door structure differs.
When ordering body panels, always state your chassis number and body style. A roadster and a fixed-head coupé share the same rear section but have different doors, different sills (the 2+2 has its own dimensions), and in some cases different floor profiles. A supplier who doesn't ask these questions before fulfilling an order is a red flag.
Chrome & Brightwork
Chrome is where E-Type restorations routinely blow their budgets. The Series 1 in particular uses a large amount of chrome — front and rear bumpers, over-riders, windscreen surround, door window frames, sill finishers — and correct original chrome in good condition commands a significant premium on the used market.
What to Know Before You Buy
- Original vs. reproduction chrome. For a correct concours restoration, original NOS or period chrome is preferred. Reproduction chrome varies in quality — some reproductions have slightly incorrect profiles or thinner chrome that ages poorly. The JCNA (Jaguar Clubs of North America) judges are familiar with the tells. For a driver-quality restoration, quality reproductions from SNG Barratt are acceptable.
- Series 1 bumpers and over-riders. The wraparound front bumper and quarter over-riders are the hardest E-Type chrome to source in good condition. NOS examples on eBay command high prices. Rechroming original pieces is often preferable to buying reproduction — find a plating company that works on classic car chrome specifically, not general industrial chrome.
- Windscreen chrome surround. Available from SNG Barratt and Martin Robey. The Series 1 and Series 2 surrounds differ — Series 2 had open headlights and revised front end. Confirm your Series before ordering.
- Interior chrome trim strips. Door cappings, dashboard trim, and interior brightwork. David Manners has good coverage here alongside SNG Barratt.
- Exterior sill finishers. Stainless steel on many variants. Available from SNG Barratt — confirm finish (chrome-plated steel vs. stainless) for your car.
Engine Internals
The XK engine — fitted to Series 1 and Series 2 E-Types — is one of the great British engines, and parts support reflects its reputation. The Series 3 V12 is equally well-supported, though the V12 is less commonly in need of full rebuilds given its later build dates.
Cracked cylinder heads are a known E-Type hazard. Overheating — often caused by cooling system neglect, a failed thermostat, or a weeping head gasket left unattended — can crack the XK cylinder head. Compression testing and a pressure test of the cooling system are non-negotiable pre-purchase checks. A cracked head on an otherwise sound car turns a reasonable purchase into a major expense. ⚠ Safety-Critical
Rebuild Parts Sources
- Gasket sets. Full engine rebuild gasket sets from SNG Barratt and David Manners cover the XK engine comprehensively. Victor Reinz and Payen gasket sets are well-regarded for XK engines — confirm which manufacturer your supplier uses before ordering.
- Pistons, rings, and bearings. Available through SNG Barratt for standard and oversize dimensions. The XK is a long-stroke engine — confirm bore measurement before ordering pistons. Mahle and AE are preferred brands.
- Timing chain and tensioner. The XK uses a double roller timing chain. Chain stretch causes timing retardation — audible as a rattle on startup. Renold chains are the correct specification. Replace the tensioner and guide rails at the same time. ⚠ Safety-Critical
- Cylinder head. Reconditioned XK heads from specialist engine rebuilders are available. A reconditioned head typically includes hardened valve seats (essential if running on unleaded), a valve grind, and pressure-testing. SNG Barratt can supply or source reconditioned heads. Specifying a 3.8 vs. 4.2 head is mandatory — the combustion chamber volumes differ.
- Water pump. A weak point on high-mileage XK engines. Quality replacements from SNG Barratt and David Manners. Verify the pump pulley fits your specific Series — the Series 1 3.8 and later 4.2 differ.
- Oil pump and relief valve. The external oil pressure relief valve is another known wear point. Low oil pressure at idle after warmup points to a worn pump or stuck/worn relief valve. Available from both SNG Barratt and David Manners.
SU Carburettors
Series 1 E-Types use triple SU carburettors — three HD8 units on the 3.8 and three HD8s on the 4.2 as well. These are among the most documentation-rich carburettors in existence and are fully rebuildable. The key supplier for SU Carburettor parts is Burlen Ltd, the current manufacturer of SU carburettors, based in Salisbury.
What Wears and Where to Get It
- Rebuild kits (Burlen Ltd). Burlen supplies rebuild kits that include new diaphragms, needle valves, float valves, O-rings, and gaskets. These are the definitive SU rebuild kits — not aftermarket approximations. Available directly from Burlen and through SNG Barratt.
- Dashpot diaphragms. The rubber diaphragm that separates the dashpot air chamber from the fuel bowl degrades over time. A cracked or perforated diaphragm causes a flat spot on acceleration and rich running at idle. Inspect by removing the dashpot piston — any hole, stiffness, or cracking means replacement. Series 1 4.2 dashpot diaphragms are the most commonly needed.
- Throttle spindles. Worn spindles allow air to bypass the throttle plate, causing air leaks that manifest as high idle and inability to set mixture correctly. This is the single most common cause of unresolvable SU tuning problems on high-mileage cars. If your spindles rock when you grip the spindle shaft, they're worn. Burlen supplies replacement spindles.
- Needles. The fuel metering needle controls mixture across the rev range. Incorrect needles are fitted more often than they should be — always verify your needle type against the correct specification for your engine number before chasing a mixture problem. SNG Barratt stocks the full SU needle range.
- Jet and jet bearing. The brass jet that the needle runs through wears over time, especially if the carburettor has run with incorrect or absent float height. A worn jet causes mixture enrichment that's indistinguishable from incorrect needle selection without close inspection. Burlen and SNG Barratt supply replacement jets and bearings.
- Complete reconditioned carburettors. If you don't want to rebuild yourself, Burlen offers a remanufactured SU exchange service. Send in your units and receive reconditioned equivalents. This is the highest-quality rebuild route for a concours car.
Struggling with a persistent SU tuning problem on your E-Type? Describe the symptoms and Geoff will help diagnose whether it's diaphragm, spindle, needle, or jet.
Ask Geoff →Interior Trim
The E-Type interior is specific to body style and Series — a Series 1 roadster and a Series 1 FHC use different door trim panels, different carpet patterns, and different hood/headlining arrangements. Getting the right kit requires specifying both correctly.
Parts & Suppliers
- Complete interior trim kits. SNG Barratt offers pre-made trim kits by body style and Series. Welsh Enterprises (US) specialises specifically in E-Type interior trim and is regarded as one of the better sources for hood and interior leather. Specify Series, body style, and original colour code — most suppliers have period colour charts.
- Seat leather and foam. Original E-Type seats used leather over shaped foam on spring bases. Foam is available as pre-cut period-profile replacement foam from SNG Barratt. For leather, Welsh Enterprises and SNG Barratt both supply hides and pre-cut seat cover sets. Match leather grain and finish to original specification for concours cars.
- Carpet sets. Pre-cut carpet sets from SNG Barratt match the original pattern. Roadster and FHC patterns differ significantly. Original E-Types used a loop-pile carpet — confirm the pile type when ordering if concours accuracy matters.
- Headlining (FHC and 2+2). The headlining is a stretched fabric over the roof — replacement requires a trim specialist familiar with the car. SNG Barratt supplies the headlining material. Budget for specialist fitting time unless you're experienced with the job.
- Roadster hood (soft-top). The roadster hood is a significant sub-assembly — frame, fabric, rear screen. Complete hood assemblies and hood fabrics are available from SNG Barratt and Welsh Enterprises. A correct hood on an E-Type roadster is essential — a poorly fitting hood rattles, leaks, and looks wrong. Consider professional fitting for the final attachment.
- Door seals and window channels. See the rubber seals section below. The window felts and channel rubbers that guide the door glass are trim-related but come from the rubber seal suppliers.
Rubber Seals
Rubber seals are where many E-Type restorations spring their first leaks — both literally and financially. The E-Type uses a large number of distinct rubber profiles across the bonnet, doors, boot, and windows. Each profile is specific. Substituting a close-enough seal typically ends in water ingress.
Critical Seals and Where to Source Them
- Bonnet seal. The rubber seal that runs around the bonnet opening is one of the most visible and most commonly degraded seals on the car. Available from SNG Barratt and Martin Robey — Martin Robey manufactures their own and is regarded as having the better quality reproduction. Specify Series (the bonnet seal profile differs between Series 1 and Series 2).
- Door seals (inner and outer). Door seals prevent water ingress into the cabin. The E-Type uses a two-seal arrangement on many variants. Both are available from SNG Barratt and Martin Robey. Roadster and FHC seals differ.
- Windscreen and rear window seals. The fixed-head coupé and 2+2 have rubber seals around both front and rear glass. Available from SNG Barratt. Replacement requires removing the glass — a two-person job requiring the correct tools and patience. Window seal replacement is a common source of cracked glass if done carelessly.
- Boot seal. The boot lid seal runs around the boot opening. Available from SNG Barratt — specify your Series. A degraded boot seal causes water pooling in the boot, which rusts the spare wheel well and stains the boot carpet.
- Window felts and channels. The rubber and felt channels that guide the door glass are available from SNG Barratt and David Manners. These wear with use and age — a worn window channel allows glass rattle and weather ingress past the door glass edge.
- Gearbox and differential gaiters. The rubber gaiters that seal the gearbox lever and differential are available from both SNG Barratt and David Manners.
Electrical
The E-Type's Lucas electrical system has a poor reputation that is, by now, only partly deserved. A correctly maintained Lucas system with sound earth connections and original-spec components is reliable. The problem is usually incorrect repairs, wrong-spec bulbs, and deteriorated wiring. The correct fix is always to restore to correct specification, not to substitute modern components that don't match the original layout.
Wiring loom condition is critical and often expensive to miss. Inspect the wiring loom carefully — particularly at the front end (firewall area), behind the dashboard, and at the rear light clusters. Brittle, cracked, or amateur-repaired wiring in an E-Type is a fire risk. If the loom has been interfered with, a correct replacement loom from SNG Barratt or Autosparks is the safe option, not further patching. ⚠ Safety-Critical
Sources and Specifics
- Wiring looms. Autosparks manufactures correct-specification wiring looms for E-Types — these are hand-soldered looms built to original Lucas specifications, not generic approximations. SNG Barratt stocks Autosparks looms. A new loom is a significant investment but eliminates the single largest electrical risk on the car. ⚠ Safety-Critical
- Lucas switches and instruments. Original Lucas switches (ignition, wiper, indicator stalks) for the Series 1 are available from SNG Barratt, with NOS examples also appearing on eBay. Original Smiths instruments (speedometer, tachometer, gauges) are available reconditioned from Speedy Cables and similar instrument specialists — SNG Barratt can often source them as well.
- Headlamp units. Series 1 headlamps sat behind glass covers in the bonnet leading edge — the glass covers themselves are a known fragility. Complete headlamp assemblies and glass covers are available from SNG Barratt. Series 2 had open headlights (no glass covers) — the units themselves are available from David Manners and SNG Barratt.
- Alternator. Many E-Types have had the original dynamo replaced with a more practical alternator. If yours still has a dynamo and you want to remain period-correct, dynamo overhaul kits and reconditioned units are available through SNG Barratt. For a practical driver, a correctly fitted alternator conversion is reliable — conversion kits that mount behind the original dynamo cover are available from SNG Barratt for the purist.
- Distributor and ignition. Lucas distributors for the XK engine are fully rebuildable — contact points, condensers, vacuum advance units, and complete cap-and-rotor sets from SNG Barratt and David Manners. For a driver-quality car, a correctly set up electronic ignition module fitted inside the original Lucas cap is an option — Pertronix and 123Ignition both offer units for the XK. Confirm compatibility with your specific distributor number before ordering.
- Starter motor. The inertia starter on the XK engine is a known service item on high-mileage cars. Reconditioned starters from David Manners and SNG Barratt. Pre-engaged conversions are available if reliability is the priority over concours originality.
E-Type Sourcing Is a Cross-Reference Problem
The E-Type has enough suppliers that the main challenge isn't finding parts — it's knowing which supplier has the right version of the part, at the right price, with the right quality for your application. A concours Series 1 3.8 has different requirements from a reliable daily-driver Series 2 FHC.
When you ask about your E-Type, provide your chassis number, your intended use (concours, driver, show car), and the part you need. CarSpanner will cross-reference suppliers, flag known quality issues with specific reproductions, and point you to the current best source — often that's SNG Barratt, but not always.
For complex sourcing questions — particularly around Series 1 chrome, Lucas electrical, and Smiths instruments — the Jaguar community is also a resource: the JCNA (Jaguar Clubs of North America) and Jaguar Enthusiasts' Club both have active technical forums and member classifieds. Sometimes the right part is in a member's spare parts bin, not a supplier's catalogue.