The Jaguar XKE VIN is stamped on a factory builders plate that is fixed with rivets to the right-hand frame cross member just below the fuel feed line filter. (next to the air cleaner) Just the chassi nº is also stamped on the frame just above the right top shock mount. (It could be covered with layers of paint)

You can find your VIN car number on this plate and as well vital and useful information on engine number, body number and gearbox number to identify your car and crucial in restoration and in ordering the right Jaguar XKE parts for your classic.

As well, you will see a complete list of the original recommended lubricants at the time.

Jaguar XKE VIN plate location

Throughout the years, many Jaguar XKE´s were transformed from FHC to OTS and some from RHD to LHD and vise-versa. You can compare your Jaguar XKE VIN with the list below to confirm that your car matches the year and model.

Series 1 3.8 Liter Cars (1961-1968)

• 850001 – 850943 – RHD (Right Hand Drive) OTS (Open Two Seaters)
• 860001 – 861799 – RHD (Right Hand Drive) FHC (Fixed Head Coupés)
• 875001 – 881887 – LHD (Left Hand Drive) OTS (Open Two Seaters)
• 885001 – 890873 – LHD (Left Hand Drive) FHC (Fixed Head Coupés)

Series 1 4.2 Liter Cars (late 1964)

• 1E1001 – 1E1863 – RHD (Right Hand Drive) OTS (Open Two Seaters)
• 1E10001 – 1E15888 – LHD (Left Hand Drive) OTS (Open Two Seaters)
• 1E20001 – 1E21583 – RHD (Right Hand Drive) FHC (Fixed Head Coupés)
• 1E30001 – 1E34249 – LHD (Left Hand Drive) FHC (Fixed Head Coupés)
• 1E50001 – 1E50974 – RHD (Right Hand Drive) 2+2s
• 1E75001 – 1E77644 – LHD (Left Hand Drive) 2+2s

Series 1.5 (1968 unofficial series)

• 1E1864 – 1E2184 – RHD (Right Hand Drive) OTS (Open Two Seaters)
• 1E15889 – 1E18368 – LHD (Left Hand Drive) OTS (Open Two Seaters)
• 1E21584 – 1E21959 – RHD (Right Hand Drive) FHC (Fixed Head Coupés)
• 1E34250 – 1E35815 – LHD (Left Hand Drive) FHC (Fixed Head Coupés)
• 1E50975 – 1E51379 – RHD (Right Hand Drive) 2+2s
• 1E77645 – 1E79222 – LHD (Left Hand Drive) 2+2s

Series 2 (1969-1971)

• 1R1001 – 1R1776 – RHD (Right Hand Drive) OTS (Open Two Seaters)
• 1R7001 – 1R14853 – LHD (Left Hand Drive) OTS (Open Two Seaters)
• 1R20001 – 1R21071 – RHD (Right Hand Drive) FHC (Fixed Head Coupés)
• 1R25001 – 1R28786 – LHD (Left Hand Drive) FHC (Fixed Head Coupés)
• 1R35001 – 1R36041 – RHD (Right Hand Drive) 2+2s
• 1R40001 – 1R44287 – LHD (Left Hand Drive) 2+2s

Series 3 (1971-1974)

• 1S1001 – 1S2872 – RHD (Right Hand Drive) OTS (Open Two Seaters)
• 1S20001 – 1S26120 – LHD (Left Hand Drive) OTS (Open Two Seaters)
• 1S50001 – 1S52116 – RHD (Right Hand Drive) 2+2s
• 1S70001 – 1S75183 – LHD (Left Hand Drive) 2+2s

Every Jaguar XKE devotee knows that the more original this iconic car is fitted with truly original parts the more valuable it will be and therefore a better return on your prized asset. With all the confusing information available on XKE´s it could be hard to track the right part specifically for your Jaguar XKE if you´re not aware of its series specifications.

The original Jaguar XKE chassis specifications are as follows:

JAGUAR XKE 3.8 Liter Series 1 OTS (Open Two Seater)

Weight and front / rear distribution 24 cwt, 51% front, 49% rear.
Wheelbase 8 ft, front track 4 ft 2 in, rear track 4 ft 2 in, length 14 ft 7.5 in, width 5 ft 4.25 in, height 3 ft 11 in with hood raised.
Front suspension – fully independent – wishbone, torsion bars, anti-roll bar.
Rear suspension – fully independent – lower wishbone upper drive shaft link, radius arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar.
Brakes – Dunlop discs, vacuum servo.
Tires and wheels – Dunlop 6.40 x 15 RS5 (racing tires optional) on 15 inch x 5K wire wheels (rear 5.5K wheels supplied with racing tires).

1961 Jaguar XKE

JAGUAR XKE 3.8-Litre Series 1 FHC (Fixed Head Coupé)

Weight and front / rear distribution 24.1 cwt, 49.6% front, 50.4% rear.
Wheelbase 8 ft, front track 4 ft 2 in, rear track 4 ft 2 in, length 14 ft 7.3 in, width 5 ft 5.2 in, height 4 ft.
Front suspension – fully independent – wishbone, torsion bars, anti-roll bar.
Rear suspension – fully independent – lower wishbone, upper driveshaft link, radius arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar.
Brakes Dunlop discs, vacuum servo.
Tires and wheels – Dunlop 6.40 x 1 5 RS5 (racing tires optional).

JAGUAR XKE 4.2-Litre Series 1 OTS (Open Two Seater)

Weight and front / rear distribution 25.1 cwt, 49.5% front, 50.5% rear.
Wheelbase 8 ft, front track 4 ft 2 in, rear track 4 ft 2 in, length 14 ft 7 in, width 5 ft 6 in, height 4.25 ft.
Front suspension – fully independent – wishbone, torsion bar, anti-roll bar.
Rear suspension – fully independent – lower wishbone, upper driveshaft link, radius arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar.
Brakes – Dunlop discs, vacuum servo.
Tires and wheels – Dunlop 6.40 x I6 RS5.

4.2 XK engine

JAGUAR XKE 4.2-Litre Series 2 2+2 (Two Plus Two)

Weight and front / rear distribution 27.7 cwt, 50% front, 50% rear.
Wheelbase 8 ft 9 in, front track 4 ft 2.25 in, rear track 4 ft 2.25 in, length 15 ft 4.5 in, width 5 ft 4 in, height 4 ft 2.5 in.
Front suspension – fully independent – wishbone, torsion bars, anti-roll bar.
Rear suspension – fully independent – lower wishbone, upper driveshaft link, radius arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar.
Brakes – Dunlop discs with vacuum servo.
Tires and wheels – SP 4I 185 – 15 inch.

JAGUAR XKE Series 3 V12

Weight and front / rear distribution 28.8 cwt, 52% front, 48% rear.
Wheelbase 8 ft 9 in, front track 4 ft 6.5 in, rear track 4 ft 5 in, length 15 ft 4 in, width 4 ft 1 in, height 5 ft 6.25 in.
Front suspension – fully independent – wishbone, torsion bars, anti-roll bar.
Rear suspension – fully independent – lower wishbone, upper driveshaft link, radius arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar.
Brakes – Girling discs, front are ventilated, servo assisted.
Tires and wheels – Dunlop E70 VR – I5 in on I5 in x 6K wire or solid wheels.

Jaguar XKE Series 3 V12

JAGUAR XKE Series Three V12 2+2

Weight and front / rear distribution 29.5 cwt, 50.9% front, 49.1% rear.
Wheelbase 8 ft 9 in, front track 4 ft 6.5 in, rear track 4 ft 5 in, length 15 ft 4 in, width 4 ft 1 in, height 4 ft 3 in.
Front suspension – fully independent – wishbone, torsion bars, anti-roll bar.
Rear suspension – fully independent – lower wishbone, upper driveshaft link, radius arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar.
Brakes – Girling discs, front are ventilated, servo assisted.
Tires and wheels Dunlop E70 VR – 15.

JAGUAR XKE Series 3 V12 Grand Tourer: US Specs

Weight and front / rear distribution 30.1 cwt, 53% front, 47% rear (figures variable depending on extras fitted).
Wheelbase 8 ft 9 in, front track 4 ft 6.5 in, rear track 4 ft 5 in, length 15 ft 4 in, width 4 ft 1 in, height 4 ft 3 in.
Front suspension – fully independent – wishbone, torsion bar, anti-roll bar.
Rear suspension – fully independent – lower wishbone, upper drive shaft link, radius arm, coil springs, anti-roll bar.
Brakes – Girling discs, front are ventilated, servo assisted.
Tires and wheels Dunlop E70 VR – 15.

Routine Maintenance on the Jaguar XKE

Routine maintenance on the Jaguar XKE should be looked upon as an essential reason to look after this iconic car as much as you can that has made a sound and solid mark on the history of automobiles and as well to obtain better fuel economy and XKE parts durability, safety, and the finest possible performance from the vehicle and with time a constant appreciation in value.

Jaguar XKE blueprint

If you get yourself in to the custom of following these simple steps described below, it will greatly increase the chances of running your prized Jaguar XKE without any rising and unexpected problems out in the open road or in the middle of traffic.

Daily Inspection

• Before starting the engine, make certain the engine oil level is at the “MAX” level on the dipstick. Add oil if required.
• Take out the radiator cap and top up the coolant if necessary.
• Make certain of proper function of horn, wipers, windshield washer pump and all lights.
• Glance at the brake fluid level in the reservoir and add if needed.
• The windshield washer fluid level should be topped up.

Weekly Inspection

• Check tire pressure and tire condition for uneven wear and any hub cap looseness.

Monthly Inspection

• Examine your car battery fluid level.
• Give your car a visual inspection for any starting signs of rust inside and out.

At Every 5000 Km

• Change engine oil every 5000 km.
• Remove distributor cap and then take out the rotor contact arm and lubricate with only a couple drops of oil. Apply a drop of oil to the contact breaker hinge and the base plate as well and then a bit of grease to the rotor cam.
• Unscrew spark plugs and clean them with a wire brush. Spark plug gap settings are at 0,64mm.
• Gearbox or Automatic transmission fluid levels are to be inspected also as the rear axle oil level and clutch fluid level.
• Cooling system water hose must be inspected for weak spots, bellying or cracks.
• Carburetor piston dampers must be topped up with oil.
• Adjust handbrake if required.

At Every 10,000 Km

• Do the same as at every 5000 Km plus change the oil filter.
• Inspect and change the water pump and alternator belt if necessary.
• Inspect carburetors for deposits and clean if needed.
• Apply with a grease gun through the grease nipples all the steering lube points, wheel swivels, front and rear hub bearings, propeller shaft and rear suspension.
• Get a can of lubricant spray and apply to handbrake mechanism, door and trunk hinges and locks, fuel cover hinge, wiper arms, engine hood hinges and seat adjusting mechanism and alternator bearings.
• Replace the air filter element.
• Replace the fuel filter.
• Apply silicone spray to all rubbers and seals inside and out.

At Every 20,000 Km

• Do the identical maintenance as initially at every 5000 Km plus examine closely camshaft covers for leaks and remove them and clean if necessary. Replace camshaft cover gaskets with new ones.
• Change the gear box oil.
• Remove spark plugs and replace with new ones at a gap as mentioned above.
• Carburetors should be removed and dismantled for cleaning by a professional. By this stage the bottom of the float chamber could have a great deal of sediment on each carburetor.
• Inspect and/or replace contact breaker in distributor.
• Inspect brakes and brake pads.