Jaguar E-type (1963)

At its reveal at the Geneva Motorshow in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type caused quite a stir, a beautiful 150mph car available at half the price of an Aston Martin. Manufactured by Jaguar between 1961 and 1975, a combination of good looks, high performance, and competitive pricing ensured the car was an instant legend. In period, a Ferrari cost three times more and supplied less horsepower which established the E-Type as an icon not just of 1960s motoring but of British culture. The model became a great success for Jaguar; at its release Enzo Ferrari called it "The most beautiful car ever made". The model was made in three distinct versions which are now generally referred to as "Series 1", "Series 2" and "Series 3". A transitional series between Series 1 and Series 2 is known, unofficially, as "Series 1½". For collectors today, the earlier cars are the most desirable.

As successful as the E-Type was with consumers, it was perhaps even more significant when it arrived at the track. The race car’s aluminium bodywork, independent suspension and disc brakes were evocative of the D-Type before it and were still incredibly advanced at the time. This made the E-Type a very well performing car, and it underwent several racing guises. The E-Type racing legacy began with the Low Drag Coupe and was followed by twelve, now eighteen, factory lightweights. Unfortunately, Jaguar did not fully commit to any 1960s racing endeavours, but thanks to third party efforts both in period and more recently, the E-type has a continued legacy not only as a stylistic and cultural icon, but also as a staple model in any historic racing paddock.