This is the story of what, for many, is the most beautiful car in history. The Jaguar E-Type is a legend primarily for its unmistakable silhouette, but its charm doesn’t stop there. Travel with us its trajectory.
“It is the most beautiful car that has ever been built.” That a personality like Enzo Ferrari spoke these words after seeing the Jaguar E-Type for the first time it gives a good example of the impact that this icon of the motor world caused when it was presented in March 1961 at the Geneva Motor Show.
And that that moment was close to not occurring, since the arrival of the first unit of the E-Type was not confirmed until 20 minutes before its presentation to the press. Bob Ferry, head of public relations for Jaguar, traveled from Coventry to Geneva in a hurry to meet the schedule.
And, when the press began to ask for a test to see such beauty, the test pilot, Norman Dewis, had to go the same way with a second unit overnight so that the brand could satisfy all the requests.
Sporty or GT?
The Jaguar E-Type began as a car with sporting aspirations, as it was not in vain that it was influenced in its design by the D-Type that competed at Le Mans. Your designer, Malcolm SayerHe had been an aircraft engineer during the war and had extensive knowledge of aerodynamics, but he did not use a wind tunnel to mold the body, but rather mathematical calculations.
In the mechanical section, the E-Type inherited the XK’s 3.8-liter inline six-cylinder engine, designed during the Second World War and that thanks to its iron block, aluminum cylinder head, double camshaft and three carburettors offered a power of 265 CV.
A unique car … the most beautiful in history?
The first prototype, called the E1A, was smaller than the production car and had a 2.4-liter engine, but it already featured the later acclaimed double spring independent rear suspension. Little by little, the E-Type was gaining size and length with its sights set on the US market, where it became known as the XK-E.
The E-Type was a rear-wheel drive with a 4-speed manual gearbox that achieved a top speed of 240 km / h and accelerated from 0 to 100 km / h in 7.4 seconds. In addition, it had elements little seen at the time such as four-wheel disc brakes and characteristic triple windshield wipers.
But what undoubtedly contributed a lot to its commercial success was its selling price, since Roadster version was released for £ 2,097 (2,447 euros) and the Coupe did it for 2,196 pounds (2,562 euros). That, in practice, meant that it was a much cheaper car than its rivals (half as much as an Aston Martin DB4 and a third as much as a Ferrari 250 GT, for example).
The engine pushes a lot and turns up effortlessly. Its sound is forceful and pleasant
The E-Type officially lived a total of three generations, although in practice it was common to see small changes between the different units of the Series 1, since they were partially manufactured by hand. Something that was noticeable in things like the shape of the floor, the external locks of the hood or the headlights and that makes it more difficult to identify each unit and relate it to a specific series.
Similarly, lighter versions were manufactured with aluminum body and monocoque Following the successes in competition and in 1964 came the 4.2 engine, which offered the same power and more torque, as well as a better gear ratio.
In 1965, Jaguar introduced the unappreciated 2 + 2, which to accommodate the two additional seats is made somewhat longer and with a higher ceiling, which for many spoiled its beauty.
That’s how it is, and that’s what a 1962 Jaguar E-Type Roadster sounds like.
In 1967 an updated model known as the 1 ½ is introduced, with a new headlight design and better brakes, and in 1971 the E-Type S3 is clearly a less sporty GT. V12 of 5.3 liters and 272 CV, initially intended for the XJ.
Finally, in 1975 the E-Type is replaced by the XJ-S after having reached a production of 72,515 units, of which only 20,000 were coupes. Proof of its significance in the automotive world is the 1996 acquisition of a 1963 roadster unit by MOMA, the Museum of Modern Art in New York. At that time it was only the third vehicle acquired to be exhibited in such a famous stay.
Currently, a Series 1 unit can cost £ 300,000.
A luxurious and efficient car
The Jaguar E-Type stands out so much for its aesthetics, that it falls within the norm that one forgets what it offers once behind the wheel. But that does not mean that it disappoints, far from it.
Inside, quality and good finishes prevail. The seats are comfortable and very low, while the three-spoke wooden steering wheel is height and depth adjustable. The pedals are located somewhat close together as a result of the limited space, especially in height. For its part, the instrument panel is very complete, but it does not have much space to leave objects. Front and rear visibility is good, but not the side.
Mechanically, the E-Type is fast, as the engine pushes a lot and turns up effortlessly. Its sound is forceful and pleasant, quite the opposite of the gearbox, which is not up to expectations. The brakes, on the other hand, are impressive and perfectly withstand fatigue, while the steering is hard, but very precise.
At a dynamic level, the car is very stable at high speed. Slightly understeer at the beginning of the turn, but easily controllable with the rear. What’s more, body lean when cornering is almost non-existent thanks to its low center of gravity and stabilizer bars on both axles. In short, we are talking about a great car that offers a good combination of smoothness and stability in motion, giving a lot of confidence to the occupants.
A myth, a work of art on wheels. The Jaguar E-Type.
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Do not miss the rest of the classics remembered in our section, Youth loves.