1966 Jaguar E-type (V8 Swap)

However not all sausage swaps are as juicy as our picks. Some are overcooked garbage.

We recently highlighted some of the best examples of engine swaps we could find in our Sausage Swap Scenario.  However not all sausage swaps are as juicy as our picks. Some are overcooked garbage.  Many would say that this 1966 Jaguar E-Type SBC swap is precisely that.

The Series 1 Jaguar E-Type, among other reasons, is famously known for Ferrari godfather Enzo’s proclamation as “The most beautiful car ever made”.  Even though hyperbole is smothered over motoring conversations thicker than the special sauce on an Animal Style burger, I want to believe that Mr. Ferrari was not exaggerating when complimenting the E-Type.  It is objectively beautiful.

In a vacuum you could make the argument that the result of this relatively modern ZZ4 swap ticks the boxes of some of our favorite cars.

So you can imagine the outcry from enthusiasts when a precious example of Jaguar’s masterpiece is sacrificed to the Speed Gods with a Small Block Chevy V8 swap. In a vacuum you could make the argument that the result of this relatively modern ZZ4 swap ticks the boxes of some of our favorite cars.  Essentially you have an achingly pretty body, powerful engine, rear-drive, 6-speed manual, and lots of rubber. However, most car people will look at it and either sneer or feel a deep sense of sadness. In an age where classic barn-aged patina is celebrated, gutting a piece of history that the motoring community will never get back is a great sin.

However, if you are a patina-blind sinner who wants to have a good ol’ boy’s, tire-thrashing good time while wearing a British Racing Green vintage suit, this Jag is a steal.  You’ll just have to have a deaf ear when it comes to the special sauce laden comments spewed by the petrolheads whispering around the car at the next meet.