Jaguar E-Type History

Sports car · 1961–1975

History

Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961, the E-Type (sold as the XK-E in North America) combined a then-sensational top speed of around 150 mph, all-independent suspension, and disc brakes with sculpture-like styling by aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer — at roughly half the price of comparable Ferraris and Aston Martins. It is one of the most celebrated car designs of all time and resides in the New York Museum of Modern Art's collection.

The car ran in three series. The Series 1 (1961–1968) began with a 3.8-litre XK straight-six enlarged to 4.2 litres in 1964, and added a longer-wheelbase 2+2 coupe in 1966. The Series 2 (1968–1971) brought open headlights and US-driven safety and emissions changes. The Series 3 (1971–1974/75) introduced Jaguar's 5.3-litre V12, offered only on the long-wheelbase platform.

Generations

Series 1 (1961–1968)

The purest E-Type — covered headlights and a 3.8-litre six (4.2 litres from late 1964); the 2+2 coupe joined in 1966. About 33,205 built.
- 1964
  Photo: “Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Coupé (Series I, 1964) (53377618607).jpg” by Charles from Port Chester, New York / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY 2.0
- 1966
  Photo: “Jaguar E-Type 4,2 Roadster (Series I, 1966) (53772494261).jpg” by Charles from Port Chester, New York / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY 2.0
Series 2 (1968–1971)

Open headlights, repositioned lights and a wrap-around rear bumper, with US safety/emissions changes; still the 4.2-litre six.
- 1969
  Photo: “Jaguar E-Type 4,2 Coupé (Series II, 1969) (52964440315).jpg” by Charles from Port Chester, New York / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY 2.0
- 1970
  Photo: “Jaguar E-Type 4,2 Coupé (Series II, 1970) (53771583247).jpg” by Charles from Port Chester, New York / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY 2.0
Series 3 · Series 3 (V12) (1971–1975)

The 5.3-litre V12 E-Type, built only on the long (2+2) wheelbase, with a wider track and flared arches; production ended in 1974–75.
- 1973
  Photo: “1973 Jaguar E-Type Series III V-12 2+2 (33934942523).jpg” by Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY 2.0
- 1974
  Photo: “1974 Jaguar E-Type Roadster Series III.jpg” by Tristan Surtel / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0