Jaguar E-Type
The sexiest car ever made
Some would say it is the sexiest vehicle ever produced, others
hail it as the fastest sports car of its day - but for many the
Jaguar E-Type is the greatest car of all time.
What happened in Geneva 40 years ago this week was a turning
point not just for Jaguar but also the beginning of a new
chapter in automotive history.
As the first Jaguar E-Type was unveiled, the
world's motoring pundits knew this was something special.
Its huge bonnet, gorgeous lines and awesome power made this a
car unlike anything that had gone before.
March 1961 was the dawn of change in modern life.
The Swinging Sixties with mini skirts, Mini cars, the Beatles
and now the Jaguar E-Type, fuelled the dreams
of a new generation.
Taking its place alongside auto exotica of the time such as
Aston Martins and Ferraris, the Jaguar E-Type
was to offer 150mph performance for less than pounds 2,200,
including purchase tax - and that was half the price of an
Aston Martin DB4 and a third of whatit would cost to drive any
creation from Maranello.
Yet despite the price, William Lyons' masterpiece had not
cut any corners.
It was packed with advanced technology such as independent
suspension which gave it superlative handling and a potent 3.8
litre straight six engine which developed 265bhp.
Its acceleration was almost unimaginable for a car of such
price. Standing to 60mph took 6.8 seconds, it could touch 80mph
in second gear and would hit the 100 mark in a shade under 16
seconds.
Such amazing statistics came from Jaguar
E-Type's place in the Jaguar stable.
It was born out of the D-Type which had championed the Le Mans
races in the 1950s. Designed by Malcolm Sayer, an
aerodynamicist, the D-Type was not based on a tubular frame
chassis as was the norm at the time but a monocoque
construction - and thatspecial ingredient was carried forward
to the Jaguar E-Type.
Only a month after the launch in Geneva, the Jaguar
E-Type was racing in Britain where, with Graham Hill
at the wheel, it beat a field of Astons and Ferraris to take
the chequered flag at Oulton Park.
But realistically the Jaguar E-Type was too
heavy to make the grade as a top flight racing car and although
it was to grace circuits across the globe with privateers at
the wheel it was never to repeat Jaguar's successes of the
previous decade.
Instead Jaguar E-Type was to go on to become a
cherished fashion icon, still adored by anyone lucky enough to
have owned one.
Its attraction as the world's fastest production car was
obvious as were its stunning looks but the Jaguar
E-Type had a special ingredient. Unlike virtually
every other sports car of the time the Jaguar
E-Type was quite practical.
The cockpit was roomy and there was a sensible amount of
luggage space which made it an ideal steed for those who loved
touring - especially across the Continent.
In October 1964, the 3.8 litre engine was replaced by a 4.2
litre unit which, like its predecessor, featured three SU
carburettors to feed the six cylinders.
The new version remained as quick as ever and now came with an
all synchromesh gearbox, a new look dashboard and more
comfortable seats.
The original two car line up, an open two seater and coupe, was
joined by a 2+2 in March 1966. As well as having a longer
wheelbase it featured a small, folding rear seat and offered
automatic transmission as an optional extra.
Almost 18 months later another styling change was to see a new
look bonnet and open headlamps replacing the streamlined lenses
of the original.
A year later, in September 1968, the Series ll Jaguar
E-Type was released.
Although still powered by the 4.2 litre engine it featured a
new look radiator grille and different styled bumpers on the
outside while interior changes included reclining seats, a bank
of rocker switches across the dash and ignition key starting
asopposed to the starter button arrangement on the Series l.
Power steering also made its debut as an option.
Then in March 1971 the legendary V12 arrived on the scene. With
its flared wheel arches and huge exhaust system this was for
many the ultimate Jaguar E-Type.
However, despite its 5.3 litres the V12 developed only seven
more horse power than the original 3.8 six cylinder and while
it could now complete the 0-60 sprint in 6.4 seconds, the
maximum speed was down to 146mph.
In this guise Jaguar E-Type was more a GT than
a true sports car and although production of the 2+2 was to end
in 1973, the open top version was to continue until September
1974 when the last of the 72,520 models produced rolled off the
line at Jaguar's BrownsLane factory in Coventry.
By then the Jaguar E-Type was selling for
pounds 3,812 but today classic examples can fetch in excess of
pounds 50,000 - a price many are prepared to pay to keep the
Jaguar E-Type a living legend.
Birmingham Post
March 14, 2001
Chris Russon