Jaguar E-Type was one of the automotive icons of the 1960s, impressing with its elegance and unique predatory charm. This sportscar combined the agility of racing cars and the comfort of the famous British sedans.
Source: E-type Center Europe
RWD Jaguar E-Type resulted from the hard work of designer Malcolm Sayer and engineer William Haynes. Moreover, the automobile quickly won the hearts of Europeans and overseas. More than 60 percent of the models were sold in the United States, becoming an indispensable attribute of all Hollywood inhabitants. The vehicle was sporty, with leather bucket seats, a fully stocked black or aluminum instrument panel, and a wooden sports steering wheel. The whimsical American public fell in love with it, and the brand responded to its overseas customers in return. Especially for the American market, the company created a version with an automatic transmission. Later, they even slightly reduced the engine power (from 265 to 246 hp) so that it would meet the stringent US environmental standards.
Source: ClassicGarage
The model debuted in 1961. The 1958 E1A and 1960 E2A prototypes launched the production Jaguar E-Type, which made a splash at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show. The novelty replaced the XK series, which had been on sale since 1948. Stylish and impetuous, with the sensual lines of a long hood and muscular sides, it expressed all the brilliance and optimism of Britain in the early sixties. The vehicle not only looked great but also combined the latest technical solutions with impressive dynamics. It produced 240 km/h (150 mph), accelerated to 100 km/h in 7 seconds, and cost half the price of the most affordable Ferrari model. The model was produced in two versions: a roadster and a fastback coupe, both two-seated. The first automobile was popular all over the world, especially in the US market where it was called the XK-E. Success was obvious. Moreover, the automobile was ranked number one among the 100 most beautiful vehicles of the 20th century by The Daily Telegraph and topped the list of the best sports vehicles of the 60s according to Sports Car International, and in 1996 became one of six automobiles on permanent display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Even Enzo Ferrari called it the most beautiful car ever made. With its unrivaled design, high performance, and attractive £2,000 price, the E-Type was hugely popular, further, it was on par with GT-class models like Ferrari or Aston Martin which cost at least twice as much. Many celebrities dreamed of having the model in their garage, but due to an overload with orders, the company could not cope with production volumes, and they had to wait for several years. The happy owners of the automobile included Tony Curtis, Steve McQueen, Brigitte Bardot, Jacques Charrier, Adam Faith, and George Best.
Source: Motorcar Show
The second generation of the model or Series 2 was released in 1968. The second-gen vehicle underwent several design changes due to US law. The glass covers of the headlights had disappeared from the new car. Other distinguishing features of the Series 2 vehicles were a streamlined rear bumper, rear repeaters, and larger front repeaters, as well as taillights under the bumpers, an enlarged air intake port that aided in better cooling but detracted from the clean design of the first generation. In the cabin, plastic shifters were installed instead of the paddle shifters found on the Series 1, and under the hood, the engine manifold with three SU HD8 carburetors was replaced with less powerful Zenith Stromberg model 175 twin carburetors, which reduced the engine power from 265 hp up to 246 hp. However, in the UK, triple SU HD8 carburetors continued to be installed on automobiles. The steering column featured a combined steering lock and ignition key that replaced the dash-mounted ignition switch and a charismatic push-button starter. The new steering column was equipped with a folding section to protect the driver in the event of an accident. The 1968 E-type 4.2-liter engine was easy to visually identify, ditching the smooth polished valve covers in favor of a more industrial “ribbed” look. Air conditioning and power steering were available on the Jaguar E-type as a factory option.
Source: Hemmings
In 1968, in connection with new safety regulations in the American market, the Jaguar E-Type was modified: the headlights became open, the seat backs were adjustable, and the engine, due to emission restrictions, lost one carburetor and began to develop 245 hp.
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