Jaguar E-Type — Brake Master Cylinder
Vehicle & Part Overview
The correct brake master cylinder for a Jaguar E-Type depends on the specific series:
- Series 1 (1961–1968): Single-circuit Girling master cylinder, typically with a 0.70-inch bore on earlier cars. Mounted on the bulkhead.
- Series 2 & Series 3: Dual-circuit setup, introduced for improved safety.
Over time, master cylinders on these cars commonly suffer from internal corrosion and seal degradation. A full rebuild or outright replacement is generally the smarter approach over patching a worn unit.
Sourcing Recommendations
- SNG Barratt — Jaguar specialists carrying both rebuilt units and new old stock where available:
- Rimmer Bros — Strong coverage of E-Type brake components, often with competitive pricing:
- Welsh Enterprises — Jaguar restoration specialists; worth considering for quality rebuilt units supplied with a warranty:
Girling rebuild kits are still available if you prefer to rebuild the original unit yourself.
Safety & Fitment Notes
Bore condition is critical. If the cylinder bore is pitted, the unit must be replaced — a pitted bore cannot be successfully rebuilt and will compromise braking performance.
- Confirm the bore size of your original unit before ordering a replacement or rebuild kit — specifications can vary across production years within Series 1.
- Verify which series your car is before sourcing parts, as the single-circuit and dual-circuit systems are not interchangeable.
- The rebuild process is straightforward provided the bore is in good condition.