The Jaguar E-Type was a true revelation to the motoring world when it was unveiled for the very first time at the Geneva Motor Show in June 1961. The stylish, sleek bodywork and powerful engine made it the fastest and most spectacular production sports car available at the time.
The Jaguar E-Type's great appeal lay in the fact that its looks and specification owed so much to Jaguar's sports car racing successes of the Fifties. But while there were strong overtones of the D-Type in the design and the prototype and stillborn Jaguar XKSS in its presentation, this didn't suggest the unattainable to the common man. Surprisingly what was almost as stunning as the E-Type's looks and performance was the fact that is was affordable.
At around the price of ?2000 new in 1961, and straight off the forecourt of a Jaguar Dealer, the E-type offered sports car performance, style and envy at only half the price of an Aston Martin DB4 and only the third of the cost of a Ferrari.
If you are looking to purchase a Jaguar E-Type today, the price will have inflated by a factor of forty even for a poor version of the least popular model, the Mark 2 2+2 coupe. To purchase an original Mark 1 E-Type, expect to pay six figures. What began as a sports car for the common man has evolved into an artform for the richer collector.
The E-Type was manufactured and assembled by Jaguar at its Coventry Plant in Warwickshire over a period of fourteen years from 1961 until 1975. The car was originally produced with a 3.8l engine and later versions featured 4.2l six cylinder and the final 5.3l V12. There were many variations on the theme, a trait to which Jaguar Cars continues to this day, including open two seater roadsters, fixed head coupes, flat versus dished floors and the so called 'Series1.5' and Series 2s and 3s. Hardly surprising given the variations in model designs, prices for E-Types varied accordingly at new and continue to do so as classic cars.
The very first Jaguar E-Type was the Mark 1 3.8l, launched in June 1961 and discontinued in October 1964 with the arrival of the new 4.2l engine. The car was available as either an open top sports convertible or a fixed head coupe. Both were two seaters. The performance was stunning with the engine delivering 265 bhp at 5500 rpm, which coupled with a Moss four speed manual gearbox could reach a top speed of 149 mph and cover 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. The earliest models can be distinguished by a flat floored driving compartment which was modified in 1962 into a driving well. All 3.8 Mark1's have an embossed aluminium facia and dashboard.
In 1964 demand for a faster version led to the development of the 4.2l version of the Mark 1. The E-Type was basically the same model except for badging with an engine upgrade and Jaguar's own new four speed all synchro gearbox. Despite the larger engine, the later version of the Mark 1 only had similar performance to the earlier 3.8, but had better bottom end torque and mid range pick up.
Various versions of the original Jaguar E-Type appeared between 1967 and 1968 which were commonly called Series one and a half. In October 1968 Jaguar finally released the long awaited Mark 2 as both a roadster and hard top, with the same 4.2l straight six engine but with many design changes.
The Mark 2 can be identified by its uncovered headlights, larger air intake, side flasher units, full width bumpers and fenders, facia panel with rocker switches, recessed interior door handles and distinctive exhaust tail pipes, splayed to clear square rear licence plates. The performance of the UK models, unlike those exported to the US which were detoxed and called XKEs, was similar to the earlier 4.2 mark 1. Maximum speed was typically 143 mph.
In 1966 Jaguar launched the E-type 4.2 2+2 'four' seater coupe. It was a sort of 'family' car version in fixed head coupe guise, with the wheelbase lengthened nine inches to allow for rear seating. It had an awkward higher ceiling and was available as a three speed automatic version. The car was and is heavier and less desirable but much more affordable today than its short wheelbased relations. The maximum speed of the 2+2 was a respectable 139 mph and the car did 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds.
The final version of the E-Type, the Mark 3 was launched in March 1971 and continued in production until the assembly plant closed in February 1975. The Mark 3 featured as both a two seater roadster and fixed head hard top coupe and was fitted with the very powerful new Jaguar V12 all alloy engine with four Stromberg carburettors. At 5.3l the engine delivered an impressive 272 bhp at 5850 rpm. However the car still had the series two gearbox and came with a three speed auto option. Although its weight was up to nearly 30 cwt, the Mark 3 E-Type still managed to reach 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds and had a top speed of 145 mph.
In 1975 the last E-Type was made. Financial difficulties at Jaguar and the nationalisation of parent company British Leyland in 1975, coupled with the oil crisis and less demand for high powered cars led to the decision to end the cars production. With it ended the production of what could truly be called a British Muscle car.
Dave Healey is a classic car insurance underwriter who has a passion for Jaguar E-Type's gained from years of placing Jaguar E-Type Insurance for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Jaguar E-Types typically vary from Insurance Group 18 to 20 depending upon the car model and year of manufacture.
