Jaguar E-Type History

Introduced in 1961, the Jaguar E-type showed the world what a sports car could really be. It was fast with a top speed of 150mph from its 4.2 straight-six engine (though it was available with a 3.8 straight-six, too), its D-Type derived chassis was a work of art, it was comfortable, and it was affordable – the Series 1 E-type, for example, could be bought for £2, 097 in 1961, which is £47, 513 in today’s money. For a big, luxury sports car, it was something of a bargain.

Of course, Jaguar naughtily tipped the scales in its favour. The original Series 1 test cars given to the press were rumoured to have been ‘breathed on’ ever so slightly, with engine balancing, gas-flowed cylinder heads and Dunlop Racing tyres – they had a larger rolling radius that resulted in that 150mph top speed! Cheeky, but it set the magazines on fire with interest.

The Jaguar E-type Series 2 came along in 1968. This model E-type featured headlights without the sleek glass covers, wrap-around rear bumper, larger front indicators and a bigger ‘mouth’ to aid cooling of the 4.2 litre straight-six engine.

In 1971 we were presented with Series 3 E-type. This model was more of an acquired taste, with a taller roof in coupe form, and a more pronounced face. However, to make up for the less than pleasing looks, it was fitted with a 5.3 litre V12 engine, which was originally developed for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Any E-type is a wonderful thing to behold, though the ultimate in our mind would be a matching numbers (original engine in original chassis) Series 1, as these are arguably the most beautiful of all the E-type models. But no matter what you choose, you’re getting a true British classic.