The 'E' Type Forum

Hi all can you help me please, do I have the wrong bonnet fitted to my car , it's a 1969 us 2+2 series 2 thanks Scott

Looks like a series 1.5 bonnet to me. Open lights of the series 2 but the tear drop side/indicator of the series 1...I think by 1969 they were firmly series 2 cars with the higher bumpers and indicators below so in my opinion, yes, the bonnet is not the original one....presuming it is indeed a 1969 car....

Certainly looks like a S1.5.
The size of the radiator duct increased by 60% for the S2 over the S1. The indicators moved to below the bumpers. Other details not so easy to see are the set back of the headlights and size of chrome cap over it.
However there are those who would prefer the early bonnet and if you have a decent cooling system then why not stay with it?
Want to swap?
Why not buy the excellent reference book "Factory Original Jaguar E Type" by Anders Ditlev Clausager? Will help you understand how the car changed from Series 1 to 3.

Geoff

Edited to add: what is the serial number of your car? It'll help confirm when it was made

1. A series 1.5 does have different lamps to the S2. The lamp comes out less, and the opening in the bonnet is smaller on the 1.5.

2. If the car was built earlier, but first registered in 1969, it may be an 1.5 car with a '69 first reg date.

How does the rear end look like ? S2 (large lamps below bumper), or S1 (small lamps above bumper) ? That info would give us a clue on it's principal body style.

Carsten

Thanks for your reply ( sort of ) I have not fully confirmed the year but the rear lights are below the bumper, I was wondering/ hoping that there was a possibility that some had the earlier bonnet fitted by the factory to use up old stock

Thanks all for your replys some came through as I was typing my reply
I do prefer the bonnet that's fitted but am just a little unsure what to do as I want the car to look as original

What is the chassis number?

That would more clearly date when it was made and therefore what is actually is.

James

Hi James
Chassis number is 1r40924
Thanks Scott

From that number about January/February 1969 build. So doubt it had a S1.5 bonnet from new.
I suggest you enter the data for it into xkedata.com.

Geoff

Hi Scott.. looking on xkedata this one a couple of numbers befor yours is a 69 and S2 http://www.xkedata.com/cars/detail/?car=1R40918

Thanks everyone looks like I might need a bonnet

S90ttb wrote:Thanks everyone looks like I might need a bonnet

As per my comment above, some people prefer the early bonnet.
Why not put it on the for sale/wanted section?

Where to get a new one from? Hutsons?

Geoff

Hi Geoff
Believe it or not I have just dropped it off for dipping so it's not something I can do straight away and I would probably look for a 2nd hand one
Thanks Scott