In the 1960’s the market for the phenomenally successful XK series was decreasing. The XK-150 had all the horsepower and braking capabilities of a modern racecar, but under its shiny exterior was a 1948 chassis. Something more innovative and fresh was needed, and Jaguar was looking to build a new car to fill the void. From the Le Man’s winning D-Type came the design that made this new car look like nothing else on the road; it was called the E-type.

Launched in 1961 at the international motor show in Geneva, the E-type, or XKE, echoed the sensation of the XK-120 , perhaps even more. An astonishing performance package, with amazing speed and handling, the XKEs’ brand-new 4-wheel independent suspension system was so well conceived, it was used by Jaguar for over thirty years.

 Like the XK-150, the early E-type retained the 3.8-liter, tri-carb 265bhp gold head engine and 4 wheel disk brakes. The engine and front suspension design came directly from the D-type racecar, and was both strong and light, boasting a virtually 150 mph performance.

The first series I E-types offered two models, the OTS (open two seater) or roadster, and the FHC (fixed head coupe). The coupe was the first model announced, often considered the truest form of the E-type, and the roadster followed. In 1967 the 2+2 was introduced, and aimed at North Americans as a family car due to its ‘+2’ extra seats. Among the many features of the car, such as innovative styling and performance, the 3.8 benefited from a minimal amount of body trim, which was not so in the later series of E-types.

The later model E-types are so identified by the 4.2-liter engine and the new, all-synchro 4-speed gearbox introduced by Jaguar in 1965. These new XKEs had thicker, more comfortable seats, a console glove box, and arm rests. The dash center panel and console top were now covered in fabric, the dash panel in black, the console to match the upholstery. The second group of changes, made in 1968, were primarily made to meet U.S. federal safety and emissions standards. These changes included removal of the clear glass headlight covers, and for North Americans the addition of a standard outside rear view mirror. Among the interior modifications were adjustable back seats, and anti-burst door locks, but the biggest difference was in the engine. An unimposing pair of low-emission, Zenith-Stromberg units on a different, exhaust-heated intake manifold replaced the row of three 2-inch SU carburetors.

From the later changes in the Series 1 E-type came the Series 11, a 1969 model. The Series 11 XKE employed the 4.2 engine, and much improved Girling brakes. The internal instruments were changed to the rocker type, a more efficient heating system was added, and the ignition key and starter button merged into one. Among the exterior changers were forward moved headlamps, wrap around bumpers, and two big windshield wipers, versus the three of the early Series 1 cars. A new radiator aimed at cooling the heat-prone engines of the American cars was fitted, new camshafts and a modified valve gear which made the vehicles run quieter and more efficiently.

             Fourteen years and three series later, the Jaguar E-Type closed production, but almost 35 years after is a mainstay among Jag collectors. Collectors and enthusiasts alike recognize the XKE as a stunning vehicle far ahead of its time, making the XKE one of the most desirable collector cars available.