Parrish Plastics Jaguar E-Type Series III Removable Vinyl Hardtop

Parrish Plastics removable hardtop for the Jaguar E-Type Series III (V12) is a period-correct aftermarket alternative to the factory steel/fiberglass units. While the factory top aimed for a seamless “Coupe” look, Parrish Plastics frequently offered a vinyl-covered version, giving the car a “faux-convertible” or “Landau” appearance that was very popular in the 1970s.

Listing Details

• Jaguar E-Type Series III Hardtop
• Manufactured by Parrish Plastics
• Covered in Black Vinyl
• Black Headliner
• Acrylic Rear Window
• Bright-Finished Mounting Hardware & Trim
• Black Vinyl Convertible Top Boot

1. Key Features of the Parrish Top

• Vinyl Covering: Unlike the smooth painted finish of OEM tops, these were often factory-wrapped in black (or occasionally white/tan) Everflex-style vinyl. This was a clever way to hide the fiberglass texture and match the car’s existing soft top material.

• Weight: These tops are significantly lighter than the Jaguar factory units (often weighing only 25–30 lbs), making them much easier for one person to handle.

• Rear Window: Most Parrish units featured a wraparound acrylic (Perspex) window rather than glass. These are often missing the heavy chrome trim found on factory tops, using a simpler rubber gasket instead.

• Venting: Many Series III Parrish tops do not have the factory-style chrome air extractor vents on the C-pillars, though some custom-ordered units did mimic them.

2. Market Value & Availability (2026)

Parrish Plastics is no longer in business (they were eventually succeeded by Smooth Line, which also ceased operations in early 2022). Consequently, these tops are now considered vintage collectibles in their own right.

3. Mounting Differences

While factory tops use specific heavy-duty brackets, the Parrish design often utilized:

• Front: Three adjustable “J-hook” or over-center latches that clamp to the windshield header (similar to the soft top).

• Rear: Simple turnbuckles or “wing-bolt” style fasteners that reach down to the factory mounting points on the rear deck.

• Side: They generally do not require the complex chrome B-pillar brackets used by the factory, making them faster to install on cars that weren’t originally “hardtop equipped.”

4. Restoration Tip: The “Sticky” Vinyl

If you find a survivor top, the internal foam padding under the vinyl has likely disintegrated into a sticky orange dust.

• Avoid simply gluing new vinyl over the old.

• Correct Fix: Strip it to the bare fiberglass, sand away the old adhesive, and use a high-temp contact cement with a thin (1/8″) scrim foam backing before applying new automotive-grade vinyl. This gives it that “plump,” luxurious factory look.

Common Caveat: Because Parrish was an aftermarket supplier, their quality control varied slightly. You may find that the side window seals don’t line up perfectly with your door glass without some “shimming” of the hardtop’s mounting feet.