First Service: Stratstone Lightweight E-type
14th May 2018
With a Lightweight E-type Jaguar, one of only 6 in existence, the story is a little different when it comes to servicing. A car of this importance is not your everyday vehicle, and a certain degree of specialist care is needed. As a 'new' old Jaguar E-type, the story of this unique car is quite something.
When the Lightweight E-type was originally launched as an aluminium-bodied race car in 1963, Jaguar decided to build a total of 18 examples. However, only 12 were ever completed and delivered.
It's not uncommon for new cars to have a 'running in service' which is done after a couple of hundred miles or so, just to make sure your brand-new car is as it should be. After one year or approximately 12,000 miles (depending on the vehicle), the first service is undertaken, comprising of an oil and filter change, and making sure the car's wheels, tyres, brakes etc. are all as they should be. However, for the Lightweight E-type, this was anything but ordinary.
It is for this reason the car was sent to Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works - a purpose-built maintenance and restoration facility in Coventry and the largest of its kind anywhere in the world.
Generally, a first service will consist of the engine oil and oil filter being changed. To ensure the Lightweight E-type is in pristine condition for another year it was treated to the following:
- Engine Oil Change
- Transmission Oil Change
- Final Drive Oil Change
- Brake Fluid
- Coolant
- Air Filter
- Oil Filter
- Fuel Filter
- Spark Plugs
- Aux Belt
- Washer Fluid
- Top ups (lubricants etc.)
The above service, although the Jag's first, is more of a major service. But with a car like this, as you would expect, no expense has been spared. The labour time for all the above comes to just over ten hours.
As well as taking care of the regular service items, after Chris Harris put the E-Type through its paces at Le Mans, it was decided the following work would also be carried out:
- Strip down upper suspension NS & OS, fit new ball joint gaiters and heat shields
- Remove and replace exhaust pipe (flexi)
- Remove and replace screen washer motor
- Remove and replace front brake discs and pads
- Remove rear gear box brace, fit spacers and re-fit. Measure bonnet to engine clearance
- Adjust clutch
- Remove headlight covers and clean headlight bowls and light lenses
- Smooth damage to OS rocker cover near bulkhead
- Repair and re-fit window wedge lanyard
Jaguar New Cars
We have a great range of competitive finance options available on brand new Jaguars or can tailor a package to suit your needs.
Jaguar Approved Used Cars
Find your perfect next car from hundreds of quality-assured approved used Jaguars currently in stock.
Jaguar Servicing
Our Jaguar servicing specialists will ensure your car stays reliable and is always ready for the road.
