E-Type Jaguar 60th Anniversary

Today marks the 60th Anniversary of the Jaguar E-Type which was launched to the world on the 15th March 1961. A car years ahead of its time in its design, on its launch, Enzo Ferrari famously announced that it was”the most beautiful car ever made” – high praise indeed!

The March launch was for export models only, the UK market launch came in July 1961. It was badged as the XK-E for the North American market. The car was designed by Malcolm Sayer who was an aircraft engineer during WW2 and transferred his skills to the automotive industry. He was also credited with the early styling of the E-Types successor, the XJS.

Manufactured from 1961 until 1975, the performance figures for the early 60’s were shattering – a 6.4 second 0-60 time and 150mph top speed. It was based on the highly successful D-Type which had won LeMans for three consecutive years 1955-57. A lot of the design principles were ground breaking. Unitary construction, disc brakes, independent front and rear suspension, and rack and pinion steering.

A regular competitor at Wiscombe Park Hillclimb is classic car restorer and E-Type specialist, Paul Slade from Fleet, Hampshire in his stunning 1964 Series 1 coupe with a 3.8 litre engine. This car at launch had triple SU carbs, and the six cylinder XK6 engine from the XK150S. Engine capacity was increased to 4.2 litres in October 1964 to give increased torque. A total of 7,670 Series 1, 3.8 Coupes were built.

From whichever angle you look at an E-Type, it gives immense pleasure.....a Big Cat on the prowl! It will be forever an icon of car design. Happy 60th Birthday to the E-Type!