The heritage market is proving to be a worthwhile revenue stream for some manufacturers, many of whom have increased investment in their historic vehicle departments. In the case of Jaguar, its heritage business, Jaguar Classic, has seen a viable business case for the reintroduction of its 3.8-liter XK engine block, as fitted to many coveted Jaguar saloons and sports cars of the 1950s and 1960s, including the legendary E-Type. Unavailable new for more than 50 years, it says these are the only brand-new XK engine blocks available.
The company has exactly replicated the original block specifications for the new, cast-iron, 3.8-liter six-cylinder units originally fitted to the XK150, XK150 S, MkIX, Mk2, MkX, E-Type Series 1 and S-Type.
Subject to providing documentation which confirms proof of vehicle ownership, Jaguar states customers can choose to retain the serial number from their original engine block, which will be stamped on the new casting with an asterisk denoting that the new block is a replacement item. Alternatively, the new block is stamped with a new unique serial number.