Positioning 1930S 40S:
Jaguar (as SS Cars initially, then Jaguar) occupied the premium sporting car segment, offering performance and style often at a more accessible price point than direct competitors like Bentley or higher-end Aston Martins. The 2.4 Litre models represented a key part of this strategy, providing a balance of performance and civility.
Competitors Implied:
MG, Triumph, Rover, Wolseley, Alvis, Aston Martin (entry-level models), Riley
Key Features Of Vehicles Covered
Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on sporting performance combined with elegant styling and good value for the period. Often featuredOHC or advanced OHV engines for their class.
Powertrain Options:
Inline-6 engines, known for their smoothness and power delivery, often featuring twin SU carburettors for enhanced performance.
Value Proposition:
Essential for owners, restorers, and workshops to accurately identify and source original or period-correct replacement parts for these classic Jaguars. Crucial for maintaining originality and ensuring correct fitment.
Engine Components:
Cylinder block, cylinder head, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshaft, valves, timing gear, oil pump, water pump, manifolds (intake/exhaust), carburettor components, ignition system components (distributor, coil, spark plugs - list specific types and brands if known)
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump (type: AC mechanical or SU electric early on), carburettors (SU H-series, Stromberg), fuel filters
Cooling System:
Radiator, radiator hoses, thermostat, fan, water jackets, coolant passages
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, exhaust pipes, muffler, tailpipe
Transmission Clutch:
Clutch assembly (friction plate, pressure plate, release bearing), flywheel, gearbox mainshaft, layshaft, gears, synchromesh rings (if applicable), selector mechanism, clutch hydraulics (master/slave cylinders if fitted)
Drivetrain:
Propeller shaft, universal joints, rear axle casing, differential gears, half-shafts, axle shafts
Suspension Front:
Independent front suspension (if applicable for specific models within the range), kingpins, kingpin bushes, stub axles, wishbones, torsion bars (if applicable), shock absorbers (Armstrong lever arm type common), springs (if applicable), steering arms
Suspension Rear:
Live rear axle, leaf springs (semi-elliptic), shock absorbers (Armstrong lever arm type common), spring shackles, mounting brackets
Braking System:
Front brakes (hydraulic drums), rear brakes (hydraulic drums), master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake shoes, brake drums, brake pipes, brake fluid reservoir, handbrake mechanism (mechanical linkage)
Steering System:
Steering box (Marles type common), steering column, steering wheel, steering arms, track rods, tie rods, drag link, idler box
Electrical System:
Generator (Lucas dynamo), starter motor (Lucas), battery, ignition coil (Lucas), distributor (Lucas), voltage regulator (Lucas), headlamps, sidelamps, taillamps, stop lamps, interior lights, horn, windscreen wipers, dashboard instruments (ammeter, oil pressure gauge, fuel gauge, speedometer, tachometer), wiring looms, fuses
Bodywork Chassis:
Chassis frame (ladder type common), body panels (steel), doors, bonnet, boot lid, grille, bumpers, windscreen frame, roof structure (saloon/coupe/convertible variants), running boards, internal trim panels, seat frames, windscreen glass, door glass
Wheels Tyres:
Road wheels (wire spoke or pressed steel), hubcaps, wheel studs, lug nuts, tyre specifications (sizes), inner tubes
Accessories:
Heater (if factory option), radio (if factory option), overdrive (if fitted - Laycock or Wilson unit), specific trim pieces, badges
Part Identification:
Detailed illustration of each part, cross-referenced with part numbers and descriptions
Assembly Breakdown:
Exploded diagrams showing how components fit together within assemblies
Interchangeability:
Indication of interchangeable parts between different models or production periods within the covered range
Obsolescence Notes:
Likely includes notes on superseded part numbers and replacement options
Depth:
Comprehensive part identification and cataloguing. Does NOT typically include repair procedures, diagnostic information, or torque specifications. Its purpose is to order the correct replacement parts.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months (typical for the era). Often specified by engine hours if used for commercial purposes.
Grease Points:
Regular greasing of suspension points, steering linkages, and other chassis lubrication points (weekly/monthly checks recommended).
Ignition Timing Check:
Every 6,000 miles or annually.
Engine Oil:
SAE 30 or 20W-50 (depending on ambient temperature), API SA or SB classification (or equivalent period specification). Zinc content is beneficial for flat-tappet camshafts.
Coolant:
Water with anti-corrosion additive (e.g., a simple silicate-free inhibitor) or a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water for freeze protection. Copper-brass radiator systems were standard.
Brake Fluid:
Original specification would have been Lockheed Series 2 or equivalent DOT 3 hydraulic fluid. Modern replacements should be DOT 3 or DOT 4 (glycol-based).
Gearbox Oil:
EP 90 gear oil (API GL-4 or GL-5) for the gearbox and rear axle. Some early gearboxes may have used SAE 80.
Chassis Grease:
General purpose lithium-based grease (NLGI #2)
Engine Wear:
Worn valve guides, piston rings, and main bearings are common due to age and mileage. Oil consumption and blue smoke from the exhaust indicate these issues.
Cooling System:
Radiator corrosion, blocked passages, and thermostat failure can lead to overheating. Water pump seals can fail.
Electrical System:
Lucas components are prone to wear. Dynamo output issues, starter motor solenoid problems, and wiring harness degradation (insulation cracking) are common.
Braking System:
Seized wheel cylinders, worn brake shoes/drums, and perished rubber seals in the hydraulic system are frequent issues. Handbrake cable stretch or seizure.
Chassis Corrosion:
The steel chassis and body panels are susceptible to rust, particularly in areas like outriggers, sills, wheel arches, and floors.
Carburettor Issues:
SU carburettors require regular adjustment of jet height and needle position for optimal performance. Leaking floats or worn throttle shafts can cause running problems.