Description
The chassis number with an ‘S’ prefix confirms this to be a genuine SE model.
SE designated cars left the factory equipped with a C-Type cylinder head, 2-inch sand-cast H8 carburettors, heavier torsion bars and twin exhausts. Over a standard 3. 4 unit SE cars had an additional 20BHP (210BHP vs 190BHP). The doors, bonnet and boot are all alloy too, improving performance further.
Whilst some cosmetic improvement is possible, the car presents well overall in Indigo Blue.
The chassis is perfect and this, along with the mechanicals, is where the focus has been. As well as a Borg-Warner T5 (all-synchro) five-speed gearbox, the car has been fitted with a 3. 8 litre E-Type unit, built by Ian Nuttal (I. N. Racing). There are dyno print-outs in the history file which show 268BHP at the flywheel and 217BHP at the wheels with a perhaps even more impressive 331 Ib ft of torque. Triple SU carburettors have been retained. Since this engine was fitted in 2007 the car has done very little, having previously been a regular competitor at hill climbs / sprint meetings in the 1990's.
Additional improvements include an alloy radiator and header tank, larger hi-flow water pump, Kenlowe fan, period Jaguar MK IX disc brakes all-round (behind D-Type style wheels), uprated suspension and anti-roll bar plus adjustable shocks and a limited-slip differential. The exhaust is a twin-piped straight-through stainless affair which sounds superb.
Unsubstantiated rumours that the car was gifted to Duncan Hamilton post Le Mans success proliferate the history file - though this may be nothing more than interesting pub chat fodder! Irrespective of this being true or not, it is an honest and exceptionally good drivers car regardless.
