Jay Leno Reviews Restored 1967 Jaguar E-Type

The classic British sports car receives significant mechanical and aesthetic upgrades to enhance drivability.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Car Maintenance

A fully restored 1967 Jaguar E-Type features modern cooling and gear upgrades by Vintage Jag Works to improve performance on modern roads. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you prefer classic vehicle restorations that maintain original parts over those with modern performance upgrades?

Jay Leno highlights a restored 1967 Jaguar E-Type, featuring a rebuild by Vintage Jag Works. The project brings modern mechanical reliability to the iconic Coventry-born sports car.

Why it matters

Restoring vintage performance vehicles like the Jaguar E-Type requires balancing period-correct aesthetics with modern cooling and gear ratios for functional road use. This approach ensures these historical machines remain viable for contemporary driving.

The vehicle utilizes an original 4.2-liter straight-six engine paired with a 3.07 rear gear ratio. Well-maintained examples of the 1967 Jaguar E-Type have previously reached auction prices over $200,000.

The players

Jay Leno

Jay Leno is a television host and prominent automotive enthusiast known for his extensive collection of vintage and high-performance vehicles.

David Lane

David Lane is the specialist responsible for the mechanical restoration and custom modifications performed on this vehicle.

Vintage Jag Works

Vintage Jag Works is an Idaho-based automotive shop specializing in the maintenance and engine rebuilding of classic Jaguar models.

The details

Restorer David Lane integrated an aluminum radiator and upgraded cooling fans to manage engine temperatures. The build also includes flush-mounted, re-welded bumpers, a dark blue interior, and Dunlop racing-style wire wheels.

The Jaguar E-Type was originally manufactured in 1967.

Roadmap

The Jaguar E-Type's all-synchro gearbox represents a critical transition toward user-friendly performance in the classic British car market. Modern restorations continue to balance this historic engineering legacy with contemporary cooling technology to ensure these vehicles remain road-ready.

Owners looking to restore similar models should budget for engine-specific cooling upgrades to prevent overheating during modern highway use. Flush-mounting trim components can improve long-term body integrity by reducing moisture accumulation in exterior seams.

The takeaway

Restoring a classic vehicle requires a strategic selection of modern upgrades to bridge the gap between historical design and current usability. Prioritizing engine cooling and gear ratios can significantly transform the driving experience for owners of vintage sports cars.