1961 Jaguar E-Type

Few cars managed to cause such a stir with their appearance as the Jaguar E at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show. This car replaced the XK series, which has been on sale since 1948.

For 13 years, despite the timely update, the Jaguar XK-120 and XK-150 had become outdated and required updating, but no one expected what the public saw on the podium of the car dealership.

Supercar with excellent performance: acceleration to 100 kph (62 mph) in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 152 mph (245 kph).

The cabin was sporty, with leather bucket seats, a fully stocked black or aluminum instrument panel, and a wooden sports steering wheel.

And this low, sleek two-seat roadster cost just £2,098, half the price of an Aston Martin DB4.

The long hood, integral with the front fenders, when raised exposed the spatial structure of the engine compartment, which had a six-cylinder engine with a capacity of 265 hp and an independent front suspension on aluminum wishbones.

The center frame, similar in design to the Jaguar D sports model, was extremely strong. The rear independent suspension on twin coil springs and wishbones was copied from racing cars.

Its feature was, as in the main gear, brake discs. This allowed us to reduce the unsprung masses and, in turn, significantly improve the handling of the car.

However, on the first "E" series cars, this design caused the brakes to overheat in extreme conditions. Soon, this shortcoming was eliminated.

The four-speed gearbox was also not very good, also transferred from Jaguar racing cars; the first gear did not have a synchronizer.

Improvements

The deficiencies were corrected in 1964. The 3.8-liter (231 cu in) engine was replaced by a 4.2-liter (258 cu in), which provided more torque for the same power; the gearbox became fully synchronized; new headlights and a generator were installed. Minor changes have also been made to the interior.

In 1966, the Jaguar E went on sale with a new body—a three-door closed coupe with a 2-plus-2 seating formula.

Photo: "Jaguar E-Type 4,2 Coupé (Series II, 1969)" by usf1fan2

In order for the passengers in the back row to be able to somehow sit, the wheelbase had to be increased. This also allowed a longer automatic transmission to be fitted as custom equipment.

The next changes came in 1968, when the headlights lost their fairings, the windshield became more vertical, and power steering and a safe energy-absorbing steering column were available as options.

The third series of Jaguars E was released in 1971. All cars (roadster, closed double, and 2-plus-2 coupe) were produced on an extended chassis.

There were few external changes: a chrome grille and four centrally located chrome exhaust pipes. But under the hood was now a 5.3-liter (326 cu in) V12 engine with 314 hp and a choice of automatic or manual transmission. Power steering became standard equipment.

Sir William Lyons, the company's founder, painted the last 50 Jaguar E's that rolled off the production line in February 1975 black and signed plaques for them.

Interior

As I step into the 1961 Jaguar E-Type, I am transported to a world where elegance and power intertwine seamlessly. The rich scent of leather fills the air, enveloping me in a luxurious embrace.

Every stitch on the seats and dashboard reflects the impeccable craftsmanship that this iconic British car is known for.

Glancing around, I am captivated by the classic wooden steering wheel, its polished surface gleaming under the soft glow of the dashboard lights.

Photo: "Jaguar E-Type 4,2 Roadster (Series I, 1967)" by usf1fan2

The gauges, adorned in chrome, display a subtle elegance while conveying vital information with precision. Time seems to stand still as I take in the vintage allure that this car exudes.

The low-slung seating position creates a sense of intimacy with the road, making me feel as though I am a part of this piece of automotive history.

The ergonomically designed seats cradle my body, providing utmost comfort and support even during spirited drives. It's clear that Jaguar paid attention to every detail, ensuring that the driver's experience was nothing short of extraordinary.

Turning my attention to the center console, I marvel at the simplicity of its design. A row of sleek switches and knobs, arranged in a symphony of ergonomics, puts every control at my fingertips.

With a delicate touch, I can feel the instant response that this car offers, promising an exhilarating driving experience.

As I run my hand along the smooth, curvaceous lines of the interior, I realize that this is a car that was built to be driven.

Its timeless design and thoughtful construction evoke a sense of adventure, beckoning me to embark on a journey that will forever be etched in my memory.

In the 1961 Jaguar E-Type, luxury meets performance in perfect harmony. Each detail, from the handcrafted leather to the intuitive controls, tells a story of a bygone era where quality and sophistication reigned supreme.

Stepping out of this car feels like leaving a world of elegance behind, but the memories created within its interior will forever remain etched in my heart.

E-type in Movie Industry

The Jaguar E-Type, with its sleek and iconic design, has graced the silver screen in various films, leaving a lasting impression on car enthusiasts and moviegoers alike.

One notable appearance of the Jaguar E-Type can be seen in the classic 1969 film, "The Italian Job."

This action-packed heist movie, directed by Peter Collinson, showcases the undeniable allure of the E-Type, as it effortlessly weaves through the bustling streets of Turin, Italy, in a thrilling car chase sequence.

Furthermore, the fantasy adventure film, "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery," released in 1997, also showcases the Jaguar E-Type in a comedic and exaggerated manner.

This spy spoof, directed by Jay Roach, stars Mike Myers as the flamboyant and groovy British agent, Austin Powers.

The E-Type appears as Powers' undercover car, famously colored in vibrant Union Jack design, perfectly representing the over-the-top style and humor that the film embodies.

These are just a few memorable films that have featured the Jaguar E-Type, capturing its timeless beauty and lasting appeal.

Whether in thrilling car chases, gritty crime dramas, or outrageous comedies, the E-Type continues to leave an indelible mark on the silver screen, solidifying its status as an iconic cinematic vehicle.

Jag E-type in Today's Market

Now, let me tell you, these beauties don't come cheap, but they are worth every penny for any car enthusiast out there.

The price of a Jaguar E-Type can vary depending on various factors such as its condition, mileage, and even the specific model you're looking for. But to give you a ballpark figure, you can expect to shell out anywhere from $30,000 to over $150,000 for a decent one.

Now, I must warn you, if you're looking for a pristine, fully restored model with all the bells and whistles, you may need to be prepared to loosen the purse strings a bit more. These babies can go for well over $300,000!

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Of course, if you're open to a project car that needs a little TLC, you might be able to snag a bargain and bring it back to its former glory with some elbow grease and a few extra dollars.

Remember, though, you should always do your research and inspect the car thoroughly before diving in. Don't let the charming looks of the E-Type blind you to any potential issues lurking beneath that sleek exterior.

All in all, owning a Jaguar E-Type is not just about the price tag, it's about owning a piece of automotive history and enjoying the timeless beauty that these iconic cars have to offer.

So, if you've got the means and the passion, go ahead and start exploring the market. Who knows, you might just find your dream car!