Jaguar E-Type
The Jaguar E-Type was an entirely British creation by Jaguar cars. It was not only a 'head-turner,' but was competitively priced. These high-performance vehicles were produced between 1961 and 1975. Over 70,000 of these models were sold, and even today the Jaguar E-Type stands out as a timeless design icon that is arguably the most beautiful sports car ever made.
The history behind the Jaguar E-Type
Concept versions of the E-Type started as far back as 1950, and when the racing sector of the company closed down, its engineers and designers were told to construct a production model to replace the XK150. The initial prototype of the finished model was made with a fully independent rear suspension and had the 'XK' engine under the bonnet. The car never went into production and was eventually passed by in favour of the E2A.The Jaguar E-Type Series 1 went into production in spring 1961. The car was initially aimed at the foreign market. A road test conducted on the Jaguar E-Type in 1965 gave it a maximum speed of 153mph with the capability of 0-60mph in 7.6 seconds.
The Series 2 Jaguar E-Type was built from 1968 to 1971 and featured a number of design changes to satisfy US legislation where the car was a big seller. The new model also featured power steering and air conditioning as extras. The final 3 Series Jaguar E-Type was built between 1971 and 1975. These cars featured 12-cylinder V12 engines (5.3L), and to cope with the extra power, upgraded brakes and power steering as standard. The Jaguar E-Type Series 3 is easily recognisable from other models because of the big cross-slatted grille in front, flared wheel arches and the Jaguar badging on the back, which advertises its V12 engine. To satisfy stringent US legislation, this model was also fitted with huge projecting bumper overrides that were made of rubber. The Series 3 Jaguar E-Type also had a limited run of 6-cylinder models produced.
Jaguar E-Type Special Editions
There were two limited production models made as a variant to standard Jaguar-E-Type. The 'Low Drag Coupe' (LDC) was manufactured in 1962. This car was produced with the aim of examining the possibility of making a sports car in the 'spirit' of the D-Type racer, but with features of the Jaguar E-Type styling. The LCD used aluminium materials to save weight. The only car that was finished has since been sold by various collectors in the UK and the US and is now in a private collection.
The Lightweight Jaguar E-Type was an evolved version of the LDC. It was constructed totally in aluminium, and only 12 were made. The cars had reasonable success on the race circuit but did not win a Le Mans like a C-Type or a D-Type.