Jaguar e-type: the car enzo called 'the most beautiful'

Sixty-five years ago, a car arrived that redefined Automotive beauty and performance: the Jaguar E-Type. Launched in Geneva on this day in 1961, the E-Type wasn't just a car; it was a statement.

A design revolution

Bob Berry, a prominent motoring journalist, famously took the wheel of the Opalescent Gunmetal Grey coupé – chassis number '9600 HP' – for the first drive, and the response was immediate. Jaguar responded swiftly, dispatching test driver Norman Dewis on a daring overnight drive from Coventry to Geneva with a British Racing Green roadster, chassis number '77 RW', to meet the surging demand.

Enzo Ferrari himself declared it “the most beautiful car ever made” – a bold claim that resonates even today. Designed by Malcolm Sayer, the E-Type drew inspiration from Jaguar’s D-Type racing car, and went through three official generations. Beneath the long hood resided a 3.8-liter straight-six XK engine, a legacy of WWII engineering. This iron-block, aluminum-headed engine, featuring twin overhead camshafts and three carburetors, produced 265 horsepower.

Rear-wheel drive was standard for the era, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission allowing for a top speed of 240 km/h and a 0-100 km/h sprint of 7.4 seconds. Notably, it boasted four-wheel disc brakes and innovative triple windshield wipers – features considered cutting-edge at the time.

The E-Type's pricing was a key factor in its success. The Roadster started at £2,097 (€2,447), and the Coupé at £2,196 (€2,562), significantly undercutting rivals like the Aston Martin DB4 (twice the price) and the Ferrari 250 GT (a third more).

Evolution and legacy

Despite the three generations, subtle changes – from the shape of the floor to hood latches and headlights – hinted at the car's handcrafted nature. These details make each unit unique and aid in identifying its series.

The Lightweight versions, developed for racing success, featured lighter aluminum bodies and monocoque construction. In 1964, a 4.2-liter engine arrived, delivering more torque and improved gear ratios. The 1965 introduction of the 2+2 model extended the car's practicality, though some purists felt it compromised the original design’s aesthetic.

Later iterations, such as the 1½ (1967), featured revised headlights and more effective brakes. The final S3 model (1971) received a 5.3-liter V12 engine producing 272 hp, initially intended for the Jaguar XJ. Production ceased in 1975, with 72,515 units built, only 20,000 of which were coupés.

The E-Type's cultural significance is undeniable. In 1996, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York acquired a 1963 Roadster, one of only six vehicles the museum holds on display. This places it alongside iconic cars such as the Cisitalia 202 GT, the Willys-Overland M38A1, and even a Smart ForTwo.

To commemorate its 60th anniversary in 2021, Jaguar produced a limited edition run of 12 cars – six coupés and six roadsters.

The echoes of the E-Type continue to resonate. The British Library recently acquired the sound of the Jaguar F-Type V8, a testament to the enduring allure of British Automotive engineering. The E-Type wasn’t just built; it was an experience, a symbol of an era, and a testament to the power of design—a legacy that continues to inspire.