Braking System
CONFIDENCE-INSPIRING BRAKING UPGRADES
A refined upgrade for modern driving
The Jaguar E-Type is one of the most iconic sports cars ever built, but its original braking system reflects the roads, traffic and expectations of a very different era. In modern driving conditions, even well-maintained factory brakes can feel demanding, inconsistent and less reassuring than owners would like — particularly during spirited driving or longer journeys.
Our Jaguar E-Type braking system upgrades are designed to address this carefully. The aim is not to modernise the car, but to improve braking feel, consistency and confidence while preserving the E-Type’s character, appearance and originality.
MORE CONFIDENCE, GREATER CONTROL
The difference is most apparent the first time you press the brake pedal. An upgraded system delivers a more reassuring response, better modulation and greater consistency, allowing you to drive the car with increased confidence.
Under repeated use, improved heat management reduces brake fade and maintains stopping performance, while a more progressive pedal feel makes the car easier and more predictable to drive on modern roads. Whether you are navigating traffic, enjoying fast road driving or touring longer distances, the car feels calmer, more controlled and better matched to today’s conditions.
ENGINEERING WITH PERIOD SYMPATHY
When the E-Type was launched in 1961, it featured a Kelsey-Hayes braking system with Dunlop calipers — cutting-edge technology at the time. However, under sustained use these early systems are prone to heat build-up and brake fade, a limitation Jaguar themselves recognised.
In period, Jaguar offered a competition brake upgrade using larger Mk IX calipers, a solution widely adopted in motorsport and still recognised for FIA-compliant racing today. Later, the Series 2 E-Type introduced further improvements, including servo assistance and a move from a single-piston to a 3-piston Girling front caliper.
While these developments represented meaningful progress, even the later factory systems can feel under-specified by modern standards. Our upgrades build on this history, offering carefully engineered solutions that improve performance without compromising authenticity.
BRAKE UPGRADE OPTIONS
For owners seeking a sympathetic, period-appropriate enhancement, we offer traditional single-piston and 3-piston brake configurations. These retain the look and character of the original system while delivering more consistent, predictable braking performance and improved feel.
For those looking for a more substantial improvement, we also offer modern 4-piston and 6-piston braking systems. These use lightweight calipers combined with a choice of standard, vented or cross-drilled discs and modern compound brake pads. The result is stronger, more consistent stopping power, improved resistance to fade and better pedal modulation — all while remaining visually sympathetic to the E-Type’s design.
OUR APPROACH
Every braking upgrade is specified around the individual car and how it is used. Whether your E-Type is primarily road-driven, used for touring, spirited driving or competition, we will recommend the most appropriate system based on your requirements and your views on originality.
All braking system upgrades are offered exclusively as a fitted service, ensuring correct installation, setup and testing by our specialist team.
THE RESULT
What you are left with is not a modernised E-Type, but a car that feels more composed, more predictable and more confidence-inspiring under braking. The improvement is immediately noticeable, yet entirely in keeping with the spirit of the original car.
GET IN TOUCH
If you would like to discuss upgrading the braking system on your Jaguar E-Type, or would like advice on how it can be combined with other drivability improvements, our team would be delighted to help.
sales@etypeuk.com
+44 (0)1732 852 762
Or use our online enquiry form and a member of the team will be in touch.
UPGRADE MY E-TYPE BRAKING SYSTEM