In 1961, the Jaguar E-Type saw the light of life as the successor to the famous XK 120, 140 and 150 series. The E-Type was introduced at The Salon car show in Geneva on 15 March, and it was a smashing success of its sublime design and the technical concept. Salient point in this introduction in Geneva was that the E-Type ‘show car’ was ready for presentation just in time. In order to be in Geneva in time, the prototype with Jaguar PR man Bob Berry at the wheel had to make a crazy nocturnal ride from Coventry to Geneva. Bob left on 14 March 1961 at 19:00 hours. The weather was bad, and after the ferry he had to conquer many country roads, mountain tracks and passes. Speeding up to 220 kilometres an hour, Bob raced towards his destination, all on his own in the E-Type prototype. Bob arrived with his E-Type in one piece in Geneva at 11:40 at the local Jaguar dealer, where the vehicle was prepared for its introduction to the press at the Salon one hour and twenty minutes later. It all turned out well, and the Jaguar E-Type scored a hit at the 1961 Geneva Salon.

The design of the E-Type series as it was introduced in 1961 is of almost unearthly beauty. Look at all the refined details: the bonnet, the headlights, the back lights, the recess for the wheel housing and the back side, and you will realise that you are looking at absolute, timeless beauty in automobile design.

The E-Type was also a jewel for its engineering: its bodywork was a steel monocoque with a sub-frame attached in front of the cover in which the engine and the wheel-suspension were housed. In the back, under the monocoque, there was a second sub-frame to which the differential gear and the rear suspension were attached. The E-Type was equipped with independent wheel-suspension and disc brakes all round. The disc brakes in the back were placed against the differential to limit unsprung weight.

The Jaguar E-Type series I was supplied as a roadster and as a FHC (Fixed Head Coupé). In principle, it was produced with the well-known XK 3.8-litre engine producing 245 hp, but it had a difficult gear shift.

In 1964, it was supplied with a 4.2-litre engine and a new gearbox which was built in-house.

In 1966 a more spacious 2+2 FHC variety came onto the market, with a longer wheelbase and more space inside. However, this 2+2 was less elegant because of its rounder roof line and its increased length.

Between 1966 and 1968, the E-Type series 1.5 appeared, but the beautiful perspex headlight covers were removed to comply with American laws.

In 1968, American legislation demanded additional changes, which resulted in the Jaguar E-Type series II as shown here. The series II had higher-placed bumpers, which made that another place had to be found for the indicator/ rear light unit. A place was made for it below the bumpers. The E-Type series II was also provided with a safety steering column and a cleaner 4.2-litre engine.

In 1971 the last E-Type version appeared: the series III. This series was the first to be fitted with a 5.3-litre V12 engine with 265 hp. The outer characteristics were changed once more. The E-Type series III was furnished with rounded wheel screens, steel rims and a chrome grille. But the most important news in the series III was that only two versions were available: the 2+2 FHC and the roadster, both on the long 2+2 wheelbase. In 1973, the curtain was brought down on this car, which played such an important role in the motorcar history.

Technical data

six-cylinder engine
3 S.U. carburettors
cylinder capacity: 4235 cc.
capacity: 265 bhp. (standard car)
top-speed: 150 mph. - 240 km/h (factory specification)