Every once in a while a product comes out that literally shakes an industry’s marketplace. This happened in 1961 when, in March, Jaguar rolled out a new model to replace the XK series. It was the E Type. Initially it was designed to be only an export, primarily to North America where, for familiarity sake, it was dubbed the XKE.
Upon its release, Enzo Ferrari supposedly called it “the most beautiful car ever made.” Perhaps he was being honest but there is more than a passing resemblance between the E Type and a certain 275 GTB that was release three years later. (Shown here for comparison.)
The E Type that rolled out in 1961 wasn’t actually the first of its breed. In fact, the first E Type was a racer created to replace the D Type racer in 1956. When Jaguar “retired” from racing the decision was made to turn the E Type into a production model.
Initially the car sported the famous 3.8 liter six cylinder XK motor that supposedly was tested in its first year as taking the car to 150 MPH. The car itself was small, light and, though it started out with some cooling and electrical problems that were fixed within three years, it sold well, partly due to its sporty nature and partly because it was so affordable. By 1964, not only had Jaguar ironed out some of the problems with this little street hugging gem but they decided to drop in a 4.2 liter engine to give it more power.
When the car was first developed it was done completely as an open roadster. While the first cars that rolled off the line included drop top convertibles, a fast back coup was also available. That silhouette remained and has become one of the most recognizable and iconic shapes in all of sports car history.
Technically there are three series of Jaguar. Series 1 ran through 1968 and saw a few additions and changes along with way. Perhaps the most noticeable was the addition of the longer 2+2 version which stretched the wheelbase from 96 inches to 105 inches and added a back seat that really wasn’t large enough for anyone over the age of seven to sit in.
There are some who classify the 1967 and 1968 models as Series 1 ½ because of the changes made primarily for the North American audience. Jaguar, though, does not classify this as a different series.
Series 2 began in 1968. There were a lot of cosmetic and electrical changes to the car, particularly redesigns of the dash and switches to meet American regulations. It was still the same 4.2 liter inline six and, even with the changes, the cars managed to stay at about the same curb weight.
It wasn’t until 1971 with the introduction of the Series 3 models that a major change occurred. Jaguar had made the decision to switch from their traditional straight six engine to a larger V 12 for all of their models. This included the E Type.
The new 5.3 liter V 12 caused there to be some changes in the E Type offerings. The shorter wheel base of the two seater was discontinued. Beginning in 1971 the only models offered were the 2+2 and the convertible, which was using the same frame as the larger four seater.
Changing to the larger, more powerful V 12 which generated 241 horse power, provided the lightweight Jaguar with more than enough muscle to make it absolutely scream down the road. Unfortunately it also proved to be counterproductive in the North American market as new regulations were already in the works to conserve fuel and decrease engine power.
Despite its changes and ultimate replacement, the E Type was consistently considered to be one of the top sports cars, selling over 70,000 models. Its look is so inspiring that the Museum of Modern Art actually purchased one for its permanent design collection. But judge its beauty for yourself.
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