Overdrive in E-type

[GrahamPrentice]

I am building a E-type for vintage racing. I have a 1966 2+2 that is allowing me to be very flexible with my build. I have a 4.2 engine with as well as a 4sp gearbox with a overdrive from a 420 that will fit easily in a 2+2.

In order to comply with VARAC or SCCA regulations I am hoping to find info on 1 ( ONE ) E-type 2+2 that was built or ordered with a overdrive unit.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[abowie]

I don't think they did this.

Someone else may know better.

[mgcjag]

Hi Graham...are you saying that there was one that was built to order.....and your looking for info on it....as Andrew above as far as im aware none were ever fitted from the factory.. Steve

[CTDavies]

Hi Grahame,

I know you are looking for a factory built E-Type, but I thought this might still be interesting. I’m putting an overdrive in my 1969 2+2, and in fact we put the engine in yesterday. The car left the factory with an auto gearbox, so we had to make some considerable changes to the gearbox cover/housing. For some bizarre reason the propellor shaft didn’t need to be changed. Here’s my restoration thread:

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=3583

The last update is a while back, though

[cactusman]

So far as I am aware no e type ever left the factory with a factory fitted overdrive. However as the 2+2 had room for an automatic box owners have retrofitted the manual plus o/d box as it is a fairly easy fit. If you want to race an e type with period spec I am afraid an overdrive may not be an option. Others on the forum will have a definitive answer.

[AussieEtype]

Hi Graham - I have to ask why would you want to do historic racing with an overdrive fitted - is there any advantage?

Cheers

Garry

[paydase]

Maybe to have a 5 gears box (actually a 4 + 1) if a shorter final rear drive would also be installed?
But to be really usable for racing, a close ratio gearbox would be needed otherwise the first gear would be useless...