Jaguar E-Type, a Timeless Icon with a Dash of Roaring Charm
From Racetrack Royalty to Road Rebel
The Jaguar E-Type series isn’t just a sports car range; it’s an enduring love letter to speed, style, and British engineering. Manufactured from 1961 to 1975, it didn’t just leave skid marks on roads—it left a legacy in the world of motoring. So, what sets the different Series apart, and what’s the story behind this automotive heartthrob? Buckle up, because by the end of this article, you’ll be an E-Type aficionado ready to school even the most seasoned gearheads.
The E-Type’s pedigree traces directly to its racier elder sibling, the Jaguar D-Type, a car that ruled racetracks from 1954 to 1957. But let’s face it—not everyone wants to drive a race car to the grocery store. Enter the E-Type: the refined, road-ready evolution, designed to combine the thrill of a racer with the comfort of a daily driver. Think of it as James Bond swapping his tuxedo for a leather jacket—it still oozes style, just with a bit more accessibility.
Sports Car International declared it the best sports car of the 1960s, and its timeless appeal keeps it firmly on the podium, sitting third in the magazine’s all-time greatest sports car list. That’s one way to earn a lifetime achievement award.
The Jaguar E-Type didn’t just rest on its laurels—it evolved, refined, and occasionally threw in a surprise to keep things interesting. Over its production life, this icon saw three official Series and one cheeky transitional model. Let’s dive into the details and see how the E-Type went from legendary to even more legendary.
Series I (1961–1968)
The Series I launched with a 3.8-liter six-cylinder engine derived from the Jaguar XK150S. It was available in two body styles:
Fixed Head Coupé (FHC): A hardtop two-seater.
Open Two Seater (OTS): A convertible roadster.
In 1966, Jaguar added a 2+2 coupé variant, offering additional rear seating and an extended wheelbase.
Key Features and Changes:
Early models featured an outside bonnet latch, replaced later by an internal bonnet lock.
The original flat floor was redesigned in 1962 to improve legroom.
In 1964, the engine was upgraded to a 4.2-liter unit, offering improved torque, better brakes, and fully synchronized gearing.
Series I.5 (1967–1968)
Often referred to as a transitional model, the Series I.5 incorporated changes that anticipated the Series II. This was largely driven by U.S. regulations focusing on safety and emissions. Key updates included:
Open headlights, replacing the glass-covered units.
Modified dashboard switches for improved safety.
Zenith-Stromberg carburetors, replacing SU carburetors for better emissions compliance.
Enhanced cooling with dual fans.
Series II (1969–1971)
Building on the Series I.5, the Series II featured noticeable aesthetic and mechanical refinements:
Larger grille for improved cooling.
Glassless headlights to prevent fogging.
New bumpers with integrated reflectors for enhanced safety.
Redesigned seats with headrests for greater comfort.
The Series II continued to offer FHC, OTS, and 2+2 configurations, with a total of 18,809 units produced.
Series III (1971–1974)
The Series III marked a significant evolution with the introduction of a 5.3-liter V12 engine, delivering 272 horsepower and achieving 0–100 km/h in under seven seconds. Notable changes included:
Discontinuation of the FHC model, leaving the OTS and 2+2 as the sole body styles.
Power steering and improved brakes as standard.
Optional automatic transmission, air conditioning, and wire wheels.
Distinctive Design Elements:
Large chrome grille and a lower air intake flap for enhanced cooling.
Flared wheel arches, wider tires, and four exhaust tips.
V12 badging at the rear.
Separating the Series (or Is It Four?)
By now, you should be able to distinguish the 3 official Series—or perhaps 4 if you count the Series I.5. If you're still uncertain, a visit to see these cars in person is the best way to appreciate their unique differences.
Whether you admire its beauty, engineering, or cultural impact, the Jaguar E-Type remains a masterpiece of design and innovation—a car that continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike.
