1:24 Revell Jaguar E-Type

[Navy Bird]

This is a bit out of my usual wheelhouse, but my next project is the 1:24 Revell Jaguar E-Type. This was newly tooled in 2020 replacing the old 1:25 Revell USA kit of the XKE from the early 60s, which I actually remember building (although mine was a convertible). The new kit has 142 parts according to the box, which is astonishing to someone who grew up building AMT or MPC car models which had nowhere near that many. Luckily two of them are marked not for use! Separately moulded window trim, wipers, etc. will be interesting. For those not familiar with this kit, here are some photos that show the box top and the contents:

 

 

Uh oh - Level 3. I'm not sure I'm out of Level 1 yet. First the grey sprues:

 

 

Note the choice of right or left hand drive.

 

 

 

And the red stuff:

 

 

 

 

The clear parts are quite thin and very clear:

 

 

 

Tyres do not have any lettering moulded in, but there is a circumferential seam line that will need to be cleaned up:

 

 

Decals are provided for gauges, logos, and number plates along with some trim:

 

 

The last two sprues are always guaranteed to make your model look like a toy - the dreaded chrome-plated styrene bits. As far as chrome-plating goes in a model kit, these are nicely done however.

 

 

 

Very shiny. To my eyes, actual cars don't have chrome parts this shiny. Not a concern, because these parts will all be stripped of all their chrome as we proceed.   

 

When I was growing up in the 60s, the XKE always looked to me like it was "next year's car." Sleek and sexy. I wanted one, but had to settle for a Corvair. Anyway, I haven't decided what colour I'd like this to be. I'm thinking a nice dark green would look sweet, which I'm guessing was an original colour offering. What colour interior would go with that? I'm thinking a saddle brown, but what do I know? Heck, I don't even know what model year this kit represents. Revell doesn't tell us.

 

If I get stuck on any details, I can ask my brother who recently restored an XKE which was originally purchased by an American airman when he was stationed in the UK. He has a lot of photos that document the restoration process. I'm glad I won't have to add the wiring harness to the model - what a bundle of snakes!

 

For now, I'm going through and identifying the parts that need to be painted in the various colours shown by Revell in two whole pages of the instruction booklet. And, of course, since I have no Revell branded paints I'm cross-referencing to the paints I have. Stay tuned - something will happen eventually.

 

Cheers,

Bill

[Blacque Jacque]

This link might help you choose colours if you're looking for originality ?
http://www.xkedata.com/catalog/colors/

 

As for interior, a burgundy leather always feels the right colour for this period IMO, but the E type is well documented on the 'net & there are plenty to choose from.

[Alan R]

Just looking at the decals, the number 1961 crops up a lot.
Whilst I am probably putting two and two together and getting five, it's probably an indicator of the model year for this E-Type.

I think that 1961 was the year the E-Type was put on the market.

 

Just my tuppence worth.

 

Cheers,

Alan.

[Blacque Jacque]

7 minutes ago, Alan R said:

Just looking at the decals, the number 1961 crops up a lot.
Whilst I am probably putting two and two together and getting five, it's probably an indicator of the model year for this E-Type.

I think that 1961 was the year the E-Type was put on the market.

 

Just my tuppence worth.

 

Cheers,

Alan.

I reckon you're right, Revell.de says this;

 

Quote

With its 142 parts, this model offers a realistic replica of the 269 hp classic introduced in 1961 with its unmistakable long bonnet.

 

[81-er]

Ooh, a Jaaaaag! Very nice choice, Bill. What you have is a Series 1, the prettiest of all E-Types. As an aside, a friend's father owns a E-Type that he's had for decades, back from when there weren't worth anything. He's always getting disgruntled comments from the carpeted garage brigade because his car has dirt on it (especially the engine bay). He loves telling them that's because he actually drives his car, apparently the looks of horror they give him in return are quite a thing  

 

James

[Alan R]

What is the point in owning a classic car like the E-Type or any other classic and NOT DRIVING THE BLOODY THING!!!

These idiots don't deserve such iconic beautiful cars.

 

Sorry, I'll turn the heat down a bit now...

 

Cheers,

Alan.

[Alan R]

BTW, USCP do some very convincing 15" wire wheels in 3D resin...

 

Edited April 1 by Alan R
Link didn't

[81-er]

5 minutes ago, Alan R said:

What is the point in owning a classic car like the E-Type or any other classic and NOT DRIVING THE BLOODY THING!!!

These idiots don't deserve such iconic beautiful cars.

Exactly. If you only own something because you see it as an investment to be wrapped in cotton wool, you're doing it wrong

 

James

[Fnick]

Great car great kit. As other said if you can upgrade the wheels it's worth it. Definitely enhances the appearance.

 

And if you want any inspiration for making your own upgrades check out the YouTube channel A4 garage. He didn't build this kit but I'm sure you can apply what he did to it.

 

Nick

[SnøMotion]

Looking forward to watching this progress, Bill! 

Also, you might find this link helpful for converting Revell colours to Humbrol, Vallejo and Tamiya

 

https://www.gaugemasterretail.com/media/downloads/Revell_Paint_Conversion_Chart_Mag.pdf

 

Martin

[Navy Bird]

2 hours ago, Blacque Jacque said:

This link might help you choose colours if you're looking for originality ?
http://www.xkedata.com/catalog/colors/

 

Excellent site! I see that "British Racing Green" was offered every model year so I'm good should I decide on that color. And it looks like a light brown trim was available with this exterior colour. I like that combo.   👍

 

2 hours ago, Alan R said:

Just looking at the decals, the number 1961 crops up a lot.

 

I wonder why Revell didn't put it on the box, or in the instructions? Strange. Anyway, my very first car was a 1961 Chevy Bel-Air. Coincidence?

 

2 hours ago, 81-er said:

He loves telling them that's because he actually drives his car, apparently the looks of horror they give him in return are quite a thing 

 

I suppose some people collect cars as investments and want to maximise the value. Me, I'd drive the thing - just like I build any kit I have which is considerable "collectable."

 

2 hours ago, Alan R said:

BTW, USCP do some very convincing 15" wire wheels in 3D resin...

 

Hmm, need to check into that. Sounds intriguing.

 

59 minutes ago, Fnick said:

And if you want any inspiration for making your own upgrades check out the YouTube channel A4 garage. He didn't build this kit but I'm sure you can apply what he did to it.

 

Thanks - I will check that out.

 

57 minutes ago, SnøMotion said:

Also, you might find this link helpful for converting Revell colours to Humbrol, Vallejo and Tamiya

https://www.gaugemasterretail.com/media/downloads/Revell_Paint_Conversion_Chart_Mag.pdf

 

Thanks, that will be most helpful.

 

*****

 

I'm assuming that the colour call-outs in the Revell instruction booklet are reasonably correct. Things like engine block colour and other components, etc. That's what I'll follow. 

 

I stripped the chrome off of the valve covers using an automotive degreaser called SuperClean. It has the consistency of water, and with a light purple hue. I tested first on a piece of the chrome sprue and the chrome was completely removed in about a minute. No brushing or scraping, and no residue. I can see no damage to the plastic either, which is good because the stuff comes in a plastic bottle! Man, I remember using brake fluid or oven cleaner back in the day - nasty stuff. This stuff works great, and only $6.00 for 32 oz.

 

Cheers,

Bill

[HK-500]

Good choice , Bill , the E-type may surely be the kind of car that every auto designer wish he had penned. 👍

[Hamden]

 

It's a bit crowded so I'll squeeze in at the back and watch quietly

 

          Roger

[giemme]

@Navy Bird, I feel you should have started this thread with: "And now, for something completely different..."      

 

Following...    

 

Ciao

[Chief Cohiba]

Oh, an E-Type! May I squeeze in?  

 

As there are absurdly few models from my favourite car brand, most with minor or mayor issues, some even dating from the sixties or seventies, I am quite interested in this new tooling. You have me on the edge of my seat!

[CrazyCrank]

If you're OK, Bill, I would like to follow this build 👍

 

As some others said, I think you should replace the kit wheels.

 

@Alan R aid that USCP released 3D resin printed wheels...I didn't know.

But, if you have already a resin printer, you can download a STL file to print some nice wheels for this car on Grabcad.com: Here

[Navy Bird]

7 hours ago, giemme said:

@Navy Bird, I feel you should have started this thread with: "And now, for something completely different..."    

 

I'd have to change my avatar...      

 

6 hours ago, Chief Cohiba said:

You have me on the edge of my seat!

 

Welcome aboard! Don't fall off...

 

5 hours ago, CrazyCrank said:

...USCP released 3D resin printed wheels...I didn't know.

But, if you have already a resin printer, you can download a STL file to print some nice wheels for this car on Grabcad.com: Here

 

Thanks. I don't have a printer, but I have ordered the wheels directly from USCP.

 

*****

 

I think I'll keep the Jag red - it will make things a lot easier when planning the painting. I've begun the engine assembly and will post some pictures shortly.

 

Cheers,

Bill

[Chief Cohiba]

8 hours ago, Navy Bird said:

Don't fall off...

Just in case; is there a med kit anywhere? 😄 

8 hours ago, Navy Bird said:

I'll keep the Jag red

Very classic, definitely a good choice. Nothing can go wrong with that.

 

Since pondering about building an E-Type myself, though, I found myself searching the net for E-Type colours, temptation bears names like Pale Primrose, Willow Green, or Green Sand. Of course, only a fraction of those where available in first production years and would match this 3.8 Revell had in mind.  Then, for matching interiour options - a box of worms...

 

Red is just great. And, sorry, I good distracted - me and car colours, pheew.

 

Sorry, Sir, will disturbe no more (silently darting into the quiet corner...)

[Alan R]

I am struggling to resist getting this kit.... But 33 Quid ... I have spent over 100 pounds recently. The debit card needs to cool down a bit...

Cheers,

Alan.

[Chief Cohiba]

On 4/1/2025 at 5:58 PM, Blacque Jacque said:

As for interior,

Thanks for the link, great overview (and sorry for sort of replying your post). 

 

Here for instance is the possible combinations...

 

https://jaguar-wiring-schematics.info/tech info pages_files/Jaguar Etype colour codes.pdf  

[RossFMJ]

5 hours ago, Alan R said:

I am struggling to resist getting this kit.... But 33 Quid ... I have spent over 100 pounds recently. The debit card needs to cool down a bit...

Cheers,

Alan.

It is ONLY 33 quid!

[Navy Bird]

15 hours ago, Chief Cohiba said:

Very classic, definitely a good choice. Nothing can go wrong with that.

 

Agreed, pretty much every car I've ever owned has been red. My current Mustang is "Rapid Red" but I'm an old man and only drive the speed limit.     🚗

 

14 hours ago, Alan R said:

I am struggling to resist getting this kit.... But 33 Quid ... I have spent over 100 pounds recently. The debit card needs to cool down a bit...

 

It's only money, and you can't take it with you. Ever seen a hearse with a luggage rack?     🙃

 

11 hours ago, Chief Cohiba said:

Here for instance is the possible combinations...

https://jaguar-wiring-schematics.info/tech info pages_files/Jaguar Etype colour codes.pdf  

 

Ah, so my interior trim choice depends on which red - Carmen Red, Regency Red, Signal Red, or Claret. That makes the decision easy. I need to pick my flavour of red first.

 

*****

 

So far, I've sprayed several different colours onto the engine. Masking the bell housing and tranny was fun.    

 

Oh, by the way, the starboard, er, right (it's not an airplane Bill) side of the block has the Jaguar logo embossed along with characters for "3.8 litre." Nice touch. Which, I suspect, won't be easily seen once everything is together. I wonder if the actual block had this embossing?  

 

Cheers,

Bill

[YellowHound]

Fabulous! Watching with interest.

I have two of these kits awaiting build. One will be built as a racer and one as a road car. I have acquired some aftermarket detail parts, including some USCP wire and dunlop racing wheels.

Have you seen the 'superdetail' build on the Modeler Site?

[Chief Cohiba]

9 hours ago, Navy Bird said:

pretty much every car I've ever owned has been red

I only had one, an Alfa, yes, I know, how cliche. (The brownish-red Nissan I had for one winter doesn't count). The Alfa  was the one car which got permanently keyed, dented, scratched, whatnot. It really was a magnet for morons, a nightmare...

 

9 hours ago, Navy Bird said:

so my interior trim choice depends on which red

And not to forget the MY - but you can always say it was a Custom Option. 😄 

[81-er]

I've only actually owned one red car, which is the current one. A 2012 Audi A4 Sportback S-line, which I bought in September with only 58,000 miles on the clock. One previous owner and a full Audi main dealer history with the paperwork to prove it. He'd even had Audi replace blown bulbs! One of those cars where you stop trying to find issues and instead ask yourself why you aren't just handing over the money now.

 

James