In 1961 the E-Type sold for £2,097, at the time half the cost of an Aston Martin and a third of the price of a Ferrari
The E-Type Jaguar was like something from another planet.
Back in 1961 the average car only just topped 120kmph (70mph), and little family saloons ruled the roads. But along came the E-Type with a top speed of 240kmph (150mph) and a sleek shape of science-fiction.
The E-type debuted at the 1961 Geneva Motor show and the crowds went wild for its sensuous but streamlined shape. Aircraft designer Malcolm Sayer was the man responsible.
The body surrounded a 3.8l version of Jaguar’s XK engine designed by William Heynes. The XK racing car engine was already famous as it helped Jaguar to win the gruelling 24-hour Le Mans race five times.
Combining race-car technology with a shape that revolutionised ideas about body design, the E-Type immediately became the most desirable car in the world. And it was even affordable – just.
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