JAGUAR

E-Type Series 1

The JAGUAR E-Type Series I made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961, where it instantly stole every headline. The JAGUAR E-Type Series I was shaped by aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer, who sculpted its sensual long-bonnet form using mathematical formulae and instinct rather than a wind tunnel. The JAGUAR E-Type Series I drew directly on the racing heritage of the Le Mans-winning D-Type, of which it was conceived as the road-going successor. Its sheer beauty famously led Enzo Ferrari to describe the JAGUAR E-Type Series I as "the most beautiful car ever made". Power came from JAGUAR's proven XK twin-cam straight-six, fed by triple SU carburettors: a 3.8-litre unit from 1961, replaced by a torquier 4.2-litre version in late 1964 with improved gearbox and seating. The JAGUAR E-Type Series I was offered in three body styles: the Fixed Head Coupe (FHC), the Open Two Seater (OTS) Roadster, and from 1966 a longer 2+2 coupe with optional automatic transmission. The earliest and most coveted examples of the JAGUAR E-Type Series I feature elegant covered headlights, flat floors and external bonnet latches. Late cars built in 1967-1968, known unofficially as the "Series 1.5", adopted open (uncovered) headlights to meet new US safety regulations, bridging the gap to the Series II. With genuine 150 mph performance for a fraction of an exotic's price, the JAGUAR E-Type Series I redefined the affordable supercar and remains the definitive icon of the marque.