After the tragic events at Le Mans in 1955, which claimed more than 80 people’s lives, Jaguar ceased production of sports models and didn’t participate in the racing events. But not for long. In 1961, the general public gasped again at the sight of the company’s new roadster – the Jaguar E or XK-E.
Source: Barrett-Jackson
By the time the Jaguar E-type was released, the brand had already taken its place of honor in the automotive industry releasing more than one iconic vehicle by 1961. The new XKE, presented in March 1961 in Geneva, was no exception. It became a dream for any speed and stylish automobile lover, spawning a completely new direction in automotive design. It was a true style icon, unrivaled sporty, and one of the 100 most beautiful cars of all time according to the Daily Telegraph.
Source: Barry Ritholtz
It was a difficult decision for the company’s owner Sir William Lyons. Although the brand’s roadster finished first in La Mana in 1955, this victory did not seem a victory at all: under tragic circumstances, 83 spectators and Mercedes-Benz SLR300 pilot Pierre Leveque died (the race was not stopped, fearing that a stampede would begin, and Jaguar driver Michael Hawthorne finished first). Lyons was so upset that he subsequently disbanded the factory team. As Sir William was an excellent businessman, he sincerely believed that winning on the tracks was the best way to draw attention to the company’s production vehicles. So he actively promoted his models at races. But the tragedy greatly spoiled the triumph of the brand for several years. However, as history showed, not for long. After preparing several prototypes, the final brand car appeared at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show. It was a one-car show, for sure. The first E-Type with a 3.8-liter engine was in the popular Fixed Head Coupe body. Moreover, taking into account the special attention towards the car, another similar vehicle was brought to the opening on March 16th. Even at a private show, the automobiles aroused unprecedented interest, and at the auto show, one of them was immediately sold to Brigid Bordeaux’s husband. Moreover, the roadster won the heart of the most stingy Enzo Ferrari, who especially disliked British automobiles.
Source: LOFF.IT
The first series, which included the 1965 release, was extremely popular, not only in Britain and European countries but also overseas. More than 60 percent of the E-type was for export to the United States, where it was especially loved by Hollywood stars. Moreover, this market was so important that an automatic transmission version was created especially for Americans. The 1965 edition was great. The long bonnet, integral with the front fenders, exposed the spatial structure of the six-cylinder engine compartment and the independent aluminum wishbone front suspension when raised. The center frame, similar in design to the D sports model, was extremely strong. Rear independent suspension on twin coil springs and wishbones was taken from racing cars. A sporty saloon with leather bucket seats, a fully stocked black or aluminum instrument panel, and a wooden sports steering wheel created an image of a stylish and powerful roadster. In 1965, the car received a fully synchronized gearbox, a 4.2-liter engine with 265 hp, which provided more torque. New headlights and alternators as well as improved brakes, electrical system, and ventilation were on the list of updates for this model year. According to the test results, the car accelerated from 0 to 97 km/h in 7.6 seconds, developing a maximum speed of 246 km/h.
Source: Image Abyss
Since high speeds demand a first-class braking system, Jaguar provided the 1965 XKE with race-proven Dunlap discs on all wheels. Front brakes were mounted on the wheel hubs, while the rear brakes were mounted inboard, adjacent to the differential unit. Both front and rear brakes had independent hydraulic circuits.
Contact us if you have this or another classic car to sell.
| Mon - Fri Saturday Sunday |
9am - 6pm 9am - 3pm Closed |