Jaguar

The Jaguar E-Type was introduced in March 1961 and quickly became one of the most celebrated sports cars of its era, admired for its sleek design, advanced engineering and remarkable performance. Early Series 1 models were offered as a two-seater roadster and a fixed-head coupé, both powered by Jaguar’s 3,781 cc straight-six engine from the XK 150 S. These early cars featured external bonnet latches and a flat-floor interior layout. Reportedly, Enzo Ferrari called it "the most beautiful car ever made". In October 1964 the engine was enlarged to 4,235 cc, increasing torque and bringing improvements such as a fully synchromesh gearbox and more comfortable reclining seats. In 1966 Jaguar introduced a longer-wheelbase 2+2 coupé, offering occasional rear seats and the option of automatic transmission.

The Series 2 introduced a number of design changes due to U.S. National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration mandates. The most distinctive exterior feature is the absence of the glass headlight covers, which affected several other imported cars, such as the Citroën DS, as well. Unlike other cars, this step was applied worldwide for the E-Type. Other hallmarks of Series 2 cars are a wrap-around rear bumper, larger front indicators and tail lights re-positioned below the bumpers, and an enlarged grille and twin electric fans to aid cooling.

Introduced in March 1971, the Jaguar E-Type Series III represented the final evolution of Jaguar’s iconic sports car. The most significant change was the adoption of Jaguar’s new 5.3-litre V12 engine, providing smoother performance and substantially more power than the earlier six-cylinder versions. To accommodate the larger engine and improve cooling, the front end was redesigned with a wider grille and flared wheel arches. The Series III was offered primarily as a roadster and as the longer-wheelbase 2+2 coupé, both featuring improved brakes, power steering and greater refinement. Production continued until 1974, by which time the E-Type had firmly secured its reputation as one of the most celebrated sports cars ever built.