The Jaguar E-Type is the historic car one motoring reporter would most like to have on his drive, describing the iconic British sportscar as a true classic. Enzo Ferrari is credited with calling the vehicle the “most beautiful car in the world”.
A timeless classic
Luke Chillingsworth, Cars Reporter, said that apart from a classic 1970s Porsche 911, he could not think of another historic vehicle he would rather own. He noted that at any classic car show, heads turn when an E-Type arrives, and that more than six decades after its launch it still draws crowds.
Launched in 1961 at the Geneva Motor Show, the Series 1 E-Type caused a media frenzy and became an instant cult icon. The Series 1 offered buyers the same prestige as a Ferrari or an Aston Martin for less than half the price, retailing for just over £2,000 at the time.
Performance and evolution
The model was fitted with a 3.8-litre engine capable of 265bhp, and claims that the car topped 150mph made it the fastest production car in the world. Jaguar updated the bodywork for the Series 2, scrapping the glass headlight covers in favour of external fittings.
The Series 3, launched in 1971, was the quickest E-Type on the market, with a 5.3-litre V12 engine capable of 272bhp and 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds. However, the reporter said the Series 1 is the absolute pinnacle of the marque and the one model he would give anything to have on his driveway.
Rarity and value
Series 1 E-Types are now very rare, with just over 38,000 built by Jaguar in period, and many are being preserved by collectors. There are believed to be around 4,500 E-Types left on UK roads, a number that makes each model highly sought after.
Motorists looking to secure an E-Type should expect to pay well over £50,000, with £100,000 or more a likely budget for a really good quality model.
