The Jaguar E-Type was an instant classic, and exercise and cool aerodynamic Theory and unashamed showmanship that produced probably the most beautiful sports car of the 1960s.
It had the ability to live up to the looks too. The 150MPH that Jaguar claimed for the E-Type was devastatingly quick in 1961, making the new Jag Britain’s fastest production car. And at a price of around $2500 for the roadster, it was probably Britain’s greatest motoring bargain to, undercutting its nearest rival, the Aston Martin DB4, by a third.
That curvy shell, inspired by the Le Mans winning D-type racer, was immensely stiff and that’s all the more able to take advantage of the new Wishbone and coil spring independent rear suspension. Providing the power was the 3.8 liter XKE engine already 13 years old but still a stormer, and well worthy of the new chassis.
Jaguar had a hit on its hands, and was caught napping by the strength of demand for it. Pop stars, racing drivers and royalty jostled for position than ever lengthened waiting list.
Appeals for a roomier car were answered with the two plus two version in 1966, and there was even an automatic model as Jaguar tried to reconcile the E’s performance image with I need to increase sales in the United States of America.
The rot was beginning to set in and, from the launch of the Series 2 in 1968, middle age seemed to creep up unawares on the E-type. Smooth and fast, but somehow less soulful, the smooth shape was ruined on the longer, fatter V12 by fashionable fat arches and a cheap chrome grille. The once legendary sex symbol was a flabby, spent force, living on old glories.
It’s amazing to think that Jaguar, gearing up for the E-Types successor, the XJS, had trouble getting rid of the last few cars in 1975.
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