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Jaguar E Type car check

Find out if a E Type has outstanding finance, has been written off or stolen, how many owners it’s had, and which known problems apply to the generation you’re looking at.

Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. Results in under a minute.

Typical price
£69,0759 at dealers
Known problems
7across S1 to S3
Full report
£7.49one-off, no subscription

Which E Type are you looking at?

Each E Type generation has its own weak spots. Pick the one you’re viewing to see what to check.

  1. Structural rust corrosion

    Safety risk S1, S2, S3

    The E-Type uses a semi-monocoque construction where the floor, sills, and bulkhead form the primary structural strength. These areas are prone to severe corrosion that can compromise the car's structural integrity and safety. The outer sills are cosmetic covers - the inner sills carry the loads and frequently rot from the inside out. Floor sections, particularly around the rear bulkhead, often require complete replacement. This is the most expensive and common major restoration requirement.

    What to check: Inspect the outer sill condition along both sides - look for bubbling paint, rust staining, or visible holes. Press gently with your finger along the sill length to check for soft spots indicating hidden corrosion. Check the floor condition from inside the car by lifting carpets and examining the...

  2. Cooling system overheating

    Wear item S1, S2, S3

    E-Type cooling systems are marginal by design and require meticulous maintenance to prevent overheating. The radiator core frequently becomes blocked with debris or corroded internally, while the water pump impeller can corrode or separate from its shaft. The V12 engine runs particularly hot and is less tolerant of cooling system neglect than the XK six-cylinder engines. Overheating causes head gasket failure and bore distortion on alloy engines.

    What to check: Check coolant level in the expansion tank and radiator header tank (if accessible). Look for rusty or oily contamination in the coolant. Inspect the radiator core visually for external blockage, bent fins, or green staining indicating leaks. Check all visible coolant hoses for swelling, cracking,...

  3. Wheel bearing excessive play

    Wear item S1, S2, S3

    E-Type wire wheels use large hub assemblies with adjustable tapered roller bearings that require precise setting and regular maintenance. MOT data shows this model fails bearing tests at 46.5 times the national fleet average, particularly affecting 4.2L and 5.3L variants. The bearing adjustment is critical - too tight causes overheating and seizure, too loose allows dangerous wheel wobble. Many cars have been incorrectly adjusted over the years.

    What to check: Jack up each wheel safely and check for play by grasping the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock positions and attempting to rock it. Any detectable movement indicates excessive bearing play. Spin each wheel by hand and listen for rumbling or grinding noises from the hub area. Check the wire wheel splines ...

  4. Timing chain stretch and tensioner wear

    Engine damage risk S1, S2

    The XK engine uses a manually adjusted timing chain system with blade-type tensioners that require periodic adjustment. Over time, the timing chain stretches and the tensioner blades wear, causing timing drift and noisy operation. Unlike modern automatic tensioners, the XK system requires specialist knowledge to adjust correctly. Neglected timing chains can jump teeth, causing valve damage on interference engines.

    What to check: Remove the oil filler cap and listen for excessive timing chain rattle from inside the engine - this indicates chain stretch or worn tensioners. Check the service history for evidence of timing chain adjustment or replacement. Ask about engine noise on startup, particularly any rattling that take...

  5. Bonnet alignment and fit issues

    Safety and MOT risk S1, S2, S3

    The E-Type's distinctive long bonnet is hinged at the front and supported by complex adjustment mechanisms at the rear. The bonnet alignment is critical for proper appearance and aerodynamics but is notoriously difficult to achieve. The adjustment points frequently seize or wear, making proper alignment almost impossible without specialist knowledge. Poor fit affects the car's iconic appearance and can cause wind noise or lifting at speed.

    What to check: Check the bonnet panel gaps along both sides - they should be even and consistent. Look for wide or narrow gaps that indicate misalignment. Inspect the bonnet catch mechanism and adjustment points for wear, corrosion, or seized components. Open and close the bonnet several times to check the oper...

  6. Suspension bush and joint wear

    Wear item S1, S2, S3

    MOT data shows E-Types fail suspension component tests at 13.3 times the national fleet average, particularly affecting 4.2L and 5.3L variants. The independent rear suspension uses multiple rubber bushes and ball joints that deteriorate with age and use. Original rubber bushes are particularly prone to degradation and cracking after 40+ years. Worn suspension components affect handling precision and MOT compliance.

    What to check: Inspect all visible suspension bushes for cracking, perishing, or displacement. Pay particular attention to the rear lower wishbone bushes which are highly stressed. Check ball joint dust covers for splits or damage that allows contamination. Look for oil contamination on bushes that indicates sh...

  7. Oil leakage from engine and transmission

    Engine damage risk S1, S2, S3

    Classic engine and transmission seals deteriorate with age, causing oil leaks from the rear main seal, timing cover, and gearbox input shaft. The rubber seals and gaskets used in 1960s-1970s manufacture are not as durable as modern equivalents. While some minor seepage is normal on classics, excessive leakage can pose environmental hazards and MOT failure.

    What to check: Check under the car for oil stains or puddles indicating active leaks. Note the location and colour of any fluid - engine oil is typically black or brown, gearbox oil may be thicker and more amber. Inspect the engine bay for oil staining around the timing cover, rocker cover gaskets, and oil filt...

What E Types cost at dealers now

From 9 used E Types we track on UK dealer websites.

Typical asking price
£69,075
Typical mileage
50,788 miles
Price change vs last month
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Check the E Type you’re buying

One report covers outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and previous owners from Experian, plus MOT history, mileage and the known problems for its generation.

Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian.

What the check includes

E Type questions

What are the main problems with a Jaguar E Type?

The most serious known issues are structural rust corrosion, cooling system overheating, wheel bearing excessive play. Problems vary by generation, so check which apply to the year you’re looking at. Our car check flags whether a specific E Type has been written off or had insurance claims linked to these faults.

How do I check if a Jaguar E Type has outstanding finance?

Enter the registration on this page. We query Experian’s finance database and return any outstanding agreements within a minute. If finance is still owed, the finance company can legally repossess the car even after you’ve paid the seller. At £7.49 it’s the cheapest way to avoid a car that isn’t legally for sale.

How do I check if a Jaguar E Type has been written off?

Our check queries Experian’s insurance write-off database for Cat A, B, S and N markers. A Cat S or N E Type has been structurally or non-structurally damaged and repaired. This doesn’t mean it’s unsafe, but it affects resale value and some insurers won’t cover it. The check costs £7.49.

Can I check a Jaguar E Type for free?

You can check MOT history free on GOV.UK, which shows past test results and advisories. What it won’t show is outstanding finance, write-offs or theft markers, which are the things that actually cost you money after you’ve bought. Our full check adds all of that for £7.49, using Experian data.

Is a Jaguar E Type HPI check worth it?

HPI is one brand of car check. Our check uses the same Experian data covering finance, stolen, write-off and keeper history, plus MOT analysis and known E Type faults that HPI doesn’t include. At £7.49 it’s typically less than half the price of an HPI check.

More on the E Type

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Finance, stolen, write-off and owner history data provided by Experian. MOT data from DVSA. Known problems from GetCarWise analysis. Updated October 2026.