In 1964, the E-Type received several important upgrades including a 4.2-litre version of the famous XK engine. Other upgrades included a fully synchromesh transmission, new Laycock-Hausserman clutch, revised engine cooling and a new alternator which replaced the generator.
The 4.2 became the most desirable version of the famous E-Type due to their increased power and usability while retaining the same outward appearance as the early cars.
Although listed as the same bhp as the 3.8, the newer model produced 255 bhp at 5400 rpm compared to 5500. Autocar also noted that torque was increased across the power band by about 10 percent. The new block was longer and completely redesigned to make room for 5mm larger bores. This gave Jaguar the opportunity to redesign the crankshaft to use newer bearings. The cooling system was redesigned to maintain the overall size of the engine. Outwardly the 4.2 is distinguished by its one-piece cast exhaust manifolds. Other upgrades include a new alternator/generator and an electric cooling fan for the radiator.
Priced at only 66 more than the outgoing 3.8 model, the new E-Type was well worth the upgrade. The interior also had redesigned seats and ditched the aluminum panels in the center console.
Options on the roadster included a fiberglas top, radio, alternative gear ratios, chrome wire wheels, tinted glass and whitewall tires.
Total production of 4.2 coupes was 7,770 cars with just 1,957 made in right hand drive.
| type | Series Production Car |
| built at | Coventry, England |
| production | 7770 |
| price £/td> | £1,568 |
| engine | Inline-6 |
| position | Front, Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| ignition | Lucas Distributor & Coil |
| block material | Cast Iron w/Aluminum Cylinder Head |
| valvetrain | Chain-Driven DOHC |
| fuel feed | Tripple SU Carburetors , HD8 2 |
| displacement | 4235 cc / 258.44 in³ |
| bore | 92.07 mm / 3.625 in |
| stroke | 106.0 mm / 4.173 in |
| compression | 9.0:1 |
| power | 197.6 kw / 265 bhp @ 5400 rpm |
| specific output | 62.57 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 237.24 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 383.7 nm / 283 ft lbs @ 4000 rpm |
| body / frame | Unitary Steel Monocoque w/Front Steel Subframe |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| wheel type | 72-Spoke Knock-Off Wire Wheels |
| front tires | 6.40×15 Dunlop RS5 |
| rear tires | 6.40×15 Dunlop RS5 |
| front brakes | Dunlop Discs w/Servo Assist |
| rear brakes | Dunlop Discs w/Servo Assist |
| steering | Rack & Pinion |
| f suspension | Wishbones w/Torsion Bars, Hydrualic Telescopic Dampers |
| r suspension | Half Shafts w/Transverse Links, Twin Coil Springs, Hydrualic Telescopic Dampers |
| curb weight | 1117 kg / 2463 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2438.4 mm / 96 in |
| front track | 1270.0 mm / 50 in |
| rear track | 1270.0 mm / 50 in |
| length | 4451.3 mm / 175.25 in |
| width | 1657.3 mm / 65.25 in |
| height | 1219.2 mm / 48 in |
| transmission | Model 8 Bord Warner 4-Speed Manual |
| tran clutch | Laycock-Hausserman |
| final drive | 3.07:1 |
| fuel capacity | 63.6 litres |
