The Jaguar E-Type is a British sports car manufactured and marketed by Jaguar Cars from 1961 to 1974. Jaguar's D-Type racing car, from which the E-Type took inspiration, had triumphed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans three years in a row, starting in 1955. Rumor has it that upon its introduction on March 15, 1961, Enzo Ferrari proclaimed it "the most beautiful car ever made," though this claim cannot be verified.
History of the Jaguar E-Type
Jaguar E-Type Concept Versions
E1A (1957)
Jaguar's racing division was tasked with developing a replacement for the XK150, a road-going sports vehicle, using D-Type construction after the company's performance in the Le Mans 24 hr throughout the 1950s. The monocoque body of the prototype (E1A) was created by Jaguar's Technical Director and Chief Engineer, William Heynes, in 1957. It also included Jaguar's independent rear suspension and the tried-and-true "XK" engine. The vehicle never saw the light of day outside the manufacturing test track. The manufacturer scrapped the car later on.
E2A (1960)
The E2A was Jaguar's second E-Type concept, and it had a steel chassis and an aluminum body, in contrast to the earlier E1A. At the time, Jaguar decided that a racing environment would be the best for testing. Thus, they built this car with that intention. The XK engine in the E2A was 3L in capacity and was equipped with a Lucas fuel injection system. The automobile was shipped back to Jaguar's headquarters in England in 1961 for use in R&D. In 1970, Roger Woodley obtained ownership of E2A under the stipulation that they would not utilize it in competition.
E-Type Concept Zero (2017)
In September 2017, Jaguar debuted a new take on the iconic 1968 E-Type series 1.5 roadster, complete with an all-electric, zero-emission drivetrain. Jaguar announced the production and sale of fully electric E-Types beginning in the summer of 2020. This strategy, however, was scrapped as of 2019.
Jaguar E-Type Series 1 (1961–1968)
Rear-wheel drive grand tourers, two-seaters, the FHC or Fixed Head Coupé, and the OTS or Open Two Seater, a convertible "roadster," were introduced. An extended-wheelbase four-seat "2+2" coupé debuted that same year. Their choice distinguishes the Series 1 E-Types between two engine displacements. The first generation of E-Types was powered by a 3.8L engine with partly synchromesh transitions; the second generation received a 4.2L engine with increased torque, horsepower, and many other modern features in 1965 and 1966.
Jaguar E-Type Series 2 (1968–1971)
Jaguar made many changes to the Series 2's design in response to regulations imposed by the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Many improvements to the Series 2 E-Type can be traced back to mandates issued by the US National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration. The E-Type is instantly recognizable from the outside since it was the first car to forego glass headlight coverings universally. Series 2 E-Type Jaguars can be identified by their larger front turn signals, widened grille, wraparound rear bumper, twin electric fans, and tail lights below the bumpers.
Jaguar E-Type Series 3 (1971–1974)
In 1971, Jaguar released an updated 5.3L V12 engine for the E-Type Series 3, accompanied by improved brakes and power steering as standard features. Choices include wire wheels, an automatic gearbox, and climate control. The Series 3 is distinguished by its huge grille with cross-hatched openings, flared wheel arches and wider tires, a V12 badge on the trunk lid, and four exhaust tips. Jaguar Driver, the official journal of the Jaguar Drivers' Club, released the first driving course of Series 3 in 1974. Sir William Lyons and Jaguar formally recognized the club. The Jaguar-provided road test was released before it appeared in any domestic or foreign publication. Upgraded brakes, power steering, and a new 5.3L Jaguar V12 engine are just a few of the new features. Classic defining elements of the historical Series 3 include flared wheel arches, a huge cross-slatted front grille, four exhaust tips, and larger tires.
Price
In 1961, Jaguar retailed the Jaguar E-Type with a starting MSRP of £2,097 for the Roadster and £2,196 for the Coupe model.
• Roadster - £2,097 (£51,882 in 2022)
• Coupe - £2,196 (£54,331 in 2022)
Release Date
From 1961 to 1974, Jaguar Cars released the Jaguar E-Type in three series: Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3. The E-Type model was discontinued in 1974 to make way for the Jaguar XJ-S and F-Type models.