Supercars.net

Initially launched in 1961 as the "E" Type Open Two Seater, this sports car became Jaguar's most iconic car. Jaguar described it as being "developed from the famous "C" and "D" Type Sports-Racing cars" because it had a monocoque chassis similar to the D-Type. They called it "an entirely new concept of high speed motoring." The result was a 150 mph cruiser that had companies like Ferrari scrambling to make sure there next generation supercar could match the E.

The first E-Type to be shown in public was driven to the Geneva Motor Show and introduced to the world. It was the product of five years of development and borrowed much from the preceding race cars coming from Coventry. In fact, the Competition Department in 1956 became the Prototype Shop to specifically develop the D-Type as a road car. In it, Malcom Sayer and Bob Knight created the shape for E1A, the very first E-Type prototype.¹

Because saloon production was Jaguar's primary concern, only a small team was devoted to E-Type development. Test driver Norman Dewis worked primary with Bob Knight while Bill Heynes oversaw the entire project for Sir William Lyons.

From the first aluminum prototypes, Cyril Crouch had to design the E-Type from the bottom-up in steel. The process took an exceptionally long time to sort out, especially the new independent rear suspension. Bob Knight developed the new system which used a lower wishbones and half-shafts. Attached to the body by a sub-frame, the suspension was completely contained with the onboard brakes, twin spring/damper units and all the pickup points.

Like the D-Type, the E used a front sub-frame that attached to front bulkhead of the monocoque body. It supported the 3.8-litre engine first developed for the large Mark IX saloon.

Production began in March of 1961. In 1964 Jaguar updated the engine to 4.2 liters which had noticeably more torque but retained the 150 mph top speed. With its all synchomesh gearbox, improved brake servo, clutch and electrical cooling system, the 4.2 became the preferred driver's car. Additional refinements included better seats, revised dashboard, armrests and a storage compartment on the transmission tunnel.

Sources & Further Reading.

1. Porter, Philip. Jaguar E-Type The Definitive History. Foulis: 1989.

Chassis & Sales

1962 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 LHD Series 1 OTS 876531 - sold for $143,000 The Series I E-Type Roadster offered here is a “flat floor” model built January 10, 1962 and delivered new to New York. The car was originally purchased by California clothier and Pebble Beach Concours producer Robert Talbott from British Motor Cars in San Francisco on March 13, 1963. Steve Kemp began a meticulous nut and bolt rotisserie restoration of the car in 1994, consulting with Jaguar restoration expert Jim Kakuska of JK Restorations... more
Gallery: 2009 Automobiles of Amelia Island RM Auction

1962 Jaguar E-Type Series I Roadster - sold for $80,300 The outstanding E-Type presented here recently finished a total, high-point, show-quality restoration conducted by the Jaguar specialists at Lippincott’s Garage. An early flat floor example finished in red with a biscuit leather interior, the car currently shows less than 52,000 original miles. The engine was totally rebuilt and the car also benefits from a stainless steel exhaust, aluminum radiator and new wheels and tires. Notable extras inc... more
Gallery: 2009 Automobiles of Amelia Island RM Auction

1963 Jaguar E-Type Series I Roadster 877788 - sold for €70,000 The Series I E-Type Roadster offered here was produced on 2nd August 1962 and shipped to Colorado, where it remained for its entire life with just three owners from new. Today, it is a remarkable example of originality and period correctness, clearly having benefited from decades of proper care and attention. With just one refinish in its original black, complemented by the original red leather interior and Wilton wool carpets, the Jaguar f... more
Gallery: 2010 RM Auctions Sporting Classics of Monaco

1962 Jaguar E-Type Series I Roadster - did not sell for $85,250 The outstanding E-Type presented here recently finished a total, high-point, show-quality restoration conducted by the Jaguar specialists at Lippincott’s Garage. An early flat floor example finished in red with a biscuit leather interior, the car currently shows less than 52,000 original miles. The engine was totally rebuilt and the car also benefits from a stainless steel exhaust, aluminum radiator and new wheels and tires. Notable extras inc... more
Gallery: 2009 RM Auctions Sports & Classics of Monterey

1963 Jaguar E-Type Series I Roadster - did not sell for $95,000 Marque specialist Classic Showcase completed a restoration of this beautiful example several years ago, including bodywork, proper fit, and paint color-sanding and buffing. The engine, transmission, suspension and many systems were re-built or restored as needed. Brightwork, upholstery, rubber seals and a new convertible top were installed. The car features its original engine, and the body is painted a spectacular combination of Opalescent Si... more
Gallery: RM Auctions' 2010 Sports & Classics of Monterey

1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8 Litre Roadster 875333 - sold for $162,250 A Well-Restored E-Type. Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certified. Thoughtfully Executed Mechanical Upgrades. Matching-Numbers Example. Desirable Early Series 1 with Exterior Bonnet Latches. Offered with Rare Factory Hardtop.
Gallery: 2011 Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company

1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8 Roadster 875053 - sold for $154,000 Retaining its original engine, this original left-hand drive E-Type Roadster is the 53rd constructed – an extremely early and very desirable external bonnet-latch, flat-floor car. According to correspondence with Jaguar, it was one of the earliest E-Types exported to Canada, and perhaps the first. At the 1961 Paris Salon, it was ordered new by Maclean’s magazine editor Ralph Allen. The magazine is named as the first registered owner. The E-... more
Gallery: 2011 Amelia Island Auction by RM Auctions

1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8-Litre Roadster 875616 - sold for $118,250 Believed to Have Less than 3,800 Original Miles. Matching-Numbers Certified by the JDHT. Stunning Color Combination. Preservation Class Quality. Offered with Original Tool Kit. An Early E-Type in Its Purest Form.
Gallery: 2011 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company

1962 Jaguar XKE Convertible - sold for $90,000 No less a figure than Enzo Ferrari called the new-for-1961 Jaguar E-Type “the most beautiful car in the world”, a sentiment instantly adopted by both the motoring press and the general public. The Museum of Modern Art came to the same conclusion in 1966 when it added a Blue convertible to its collection, a distinction reserved for only one other automobile at the time. This very rare 1961 XKE convertible is number 110 in the model’s product... more
Gallery: 2011 Monterey Daytime Auction by Mecum

Videos