The Moss gearbox

Series 1 E-Types used the four-speed gearbox developed by Moss, a unit with no synchromesh on first gear and slow-acting synchromesh on the rest. It was already old-fashioned when the car launched, and the all-synchromesh Jaguar-built box that replaced it during Series 1 production is one of the clearest usability improvements in the car's life.

Character versus wear

A good Moss box rewards a slow, measured change and punishes a rushed one, especially between second and third. First gear should be selected from rest or with a double-declutch; grinding into first at a standstill on a cold gearbox is character, not failure. Wear shows as jumping out of gear under load, a change that is obstructive even when given time, and bearing noise in every gear that rises with road speed rather than engine speed.

The test drive

• Try every gear up and down, warm as well as cold, and listen for a whine that follows road speed.
• Check the box stays in gear on the overrun and under power; jumping out points to worn detents and selectors.
• Expect the change to be slow by modern standards; expect it to be clean when done slowly.

Conversions and honesty

Five-speed conversions are common and well supported by specialists, and they transform motorway use. They also change the car from its as-built specification. A converted car should be described as converted, and a buyer who wants originality should confirm which box is fitted rather than assume from the model year.