An automotive icon of design, engineering and speed
When introduced at the 1961 Geneva Salon, Jaguar's E-Type stirred passions with its extremely sleek and timeless design backed by staggering performance. The newcomer's design owed much to that of the racing D-Type. Indeed, the E-Type would be one of the last great sports cars developed directly from a successful competition ancestor.
Just as in the D-Type, a monocoque tub formed the main body/chassis structure while a tubular spaceframe extended forwards to support the engine. The latter was the same 3.8-litre, triple-carbureted, 'S' unit first offered as an option on the preceding XK150. With a claimed 265 horsepower on tap, the E-Type's performance furthered the standards set by the XK models: firstly, because it weighed around 500lbs less than the XK150 and secondly because aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer used experience gained with the D-Type to create one of the most elegant and efficient shapes ever to grace a motor car.
Developed from that of the original XK120 sports car and refined in the racing D-Type, the double wishbone, independent front suspension was mounted on the forward sub frame. At the rear the E-Type's suspension broke new ground for a large-capacity sports car, being independent at a time when most of its major rivals relied on the traditional live rear axle. Dunlop disc brakes were fitted to all four wheels; those at the rear being mounted inboard alongside the differential to reduce un-sprung weight.
Often called the most beautiful production car of all time, the E-Type remains an automotive icon of design, engineering and speed.
This E-Type Coupe is among the first 100 left-hand drive examples produced. Built in October 1961 and then sent new to Jaguar Cars of New York where it was delivered to its first owner. Finished in Opalescent Dark Green over Biscuit hides, Bonhams will be offering the beautiful 1962 Jaguar E-Type Fixed Head Coupe at their upcoming Greenwich Concours d'Elegance Auction on the 2nd June. For more information on this and other vehicles at the sale, click on the link below. Photos courtesy of Bonhams.