Hi to everyone. It has been a long long time since I've been involved. I hope this is the right place for this post. My story is: I have two Jaguars, a 1966 XKE 4.2 coupe and a 1954 XK120 OTS. They have been stored for many years and I am now in a position to finish rebuilding/restoring them. I've begun working on both and came across a part that I believe belongs to the XKE, but for the life of me, I can't place it. It is possible it is not from either car, but I think it's from the XKE. It appears to be molded plastic or fiberglass and there was neither in the XK120, so maybe the XKE. I've attached a couple of photos. I'm pretty sure this question is destined to make me look really incompetent, but I'm at a loss. Thanks in advance.

 

Hi rsutcliffe ... greetings from down under ....

Despite 30 plus years in love with our 1965 4.2 S1 E-Type which recently moved to new owners, your mystery part had me stumped initially! But let's do a little head scratching ... I agree that the material is unlikely to hark back to a '54 XK120. Your part's shape and form suggests an airway - either induction or ventilation - and my bet is you have already eliminated the first. For the latter, I am now uncertain of the ductwork beneath the dash area related to internal passenger cabin and defrosting registers. If only you had included a ruler of your pics ... ah well, let's go with a guess!

Beneath, but built into the metalwork of the bonnet, on the passenger side for a RHD car, is an air duct that uses just such a molded part to convey fresh air down into the "fan box" that then feeds fan forced air through the firewall. Lift the bonnet; look underneath for your missing bolt-on plenum duct.

If I am correct, the circular orifice will be about 5 inches or so diameter, and you are missing the compressible foam rubber gasket that mates to the top of the air box when the bonnet is locked down.

If I am wrong, can you provide us with more details of what broad areas of your re-build that you consider complete, so that we can then rule these out? I have seen some add-on brake rotor air scoops... but different shape.

Either way, please get back to us.

If I have helped, then I'll share with you the story of my first drive in a very special race prepared 4.5L S1 coupe with 6port fuel injection. Pleased to do anything to inspire and encourage you to get your "best of the best" cat back growling and roaring! Best wishes, and share us more pics.
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Good call cat_as_trophy! You are exactly correct. In my defense, the bonnet was stored separately when I was trying to place the mystery part. It is now back where it belongs and the work continues. When I stopped working on the car, I had replaced nearly every body part from the beltline down with Martin Robey replacements. The car is currently in primer and nearly ready for paint. I think I have everything I need to finish the job, parts wise. It is a 1966 XKE FHC LHD with just under 42k on the odometer. I've owned the car since 1970 and last drove it in 1982. It was driven into storage, so mechanically I should be OK. I've been through the front suspension and brakes, replacing what was needed. I'm looking forward to finishing what I started 30 years ago.

 

I am happy to have helped! Your growler sounds an absolute must to see finished - just under 42k on "the best of the best" E-Type.

Good grief, Charlie Brown, it's not even run in!

Now you have whetted our appetite, pleeeeeez post some pics as you proceed. They are not only your mileposts towards a successful completion of your project; they also inspire and encourage others to re-enter the fray.

Best wishes, rsutliffe, and keep us posted.

Ken

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