Why the Jaguar E-Type May Be Our Automotive Ideal

Enzo Ferrari was reputed to have called it “the most beautiful car in the world” when he first laid eyes on the Jaguar E-Type following its reveal in March of 1961. And really, who could argue? The mercurial Il Commendatore, father of cars that have since become the most coveted sports and racing icons, gave credit where credit was due. Jaguar designer Malcom Sayer’s exquisite bolide exploded preconceptions of automotive beauty and performance.

The following decade-plus—from 1961 through 1974—brought us the greatest road-going examples from Jaguar ever made. When they hit the scene, these were legitimate supercars rivaling the best and the fastest, and looked like nothing anyone had ever envisioned. Based on Jag’s D-Type race car, the E-Type comprised three series during its production run, each one offering its own delights and debacles in equal measure.

Examples of the E-Type Series I, made from 1961 through 1967, are the purest form of the model, though they can be high-strung and sometimes unreliable. For many owners, both then and today, the beauty of these car was—and is—worth suffering, and understandably so when everything performs on cue.

There is nothing more exquisite than a flat-floor E-Type (1961 through 1964), whose 3.8-liter inline-six engine is capable of propelling the car to nearly 150 mph at full tilt. Its power plant was succeeded by the 4.2-liter engine, coupled with a (finally) all-synchro four-speed gearbox, which together, brought the E-Type up to date by 1965. In total, almost 40,000 coupe, convertible, and 2+2 Series cars were built through 1967.

By 1968, the E-Type Series II was born, featuring open headlights—mandated by America’s Department of Transportation (DOT)—replacing the iconic glass-covered versions, in addition to other aesthetic indignities such as flat rear tail lamps. Today, this is the most accessible of the E-Types. They weren’t quite as pretty—but nearly so— and with almost 19,000 units made through 1971, they are an excellent entry point for enthusiasts who want the most memorable Jaguar without entering the six-figure realm. Series III ushered in a 5.3-liter V-12 monster, available in only a roadster variant and an ungainly 2+2 version, of which a little more than 15,000 were made, somewhat equally divided.

As to which Jaguar E-Type to buy, choose your preference: a convertible, a seductive coupe, or a hump-backed 2+2 for a whale of a discount. Series I cars are most expensive, ranging from about $400,000 for the best-of-the-best roadster to $50,000 for a 2+2 in very good condition. Series II cars hit the sweet spot, offering the same E-Type experience for a fraction of the price, ranging from $200,000 for a show-quality convertible to less than $40,000 for a 2+2 in very good condition. Series III cars, more boulevard cruisers than sports cars, have V-12 engines that make about 272 hp, aren’t exactly Ferraris, and range from $200,000 for a lawn-queen roadster to $60,000 for a very good example, with the 2+2 variants about half as much.

Across the board, the inline-six engines are reliable and as sweet as they come; a DOHC design that ladles on torque and loves to be revved. Sitting behind the wheel of an E-Type makes a driver think, “what took me so long to get here?” The cockpit of an E-Type is maybe the most wonderful place to be when chasing the “sports-car” experience, its three-spoke steering wheel and wrap-around windshield evocative of a bygone era where toggle switches were standard and seat belts were optional.

Sadly, Jaguar’s most significant sports car—among the most important of its era—has arguably become less relevant as the once-proud marque seems to now be ignoring its place in automotive history. If that is the case, shame on Jaguar for abandoning its heritage as it catatonically shuffles into oblivion. Which is all the more reason that an E-Type should be de rigueur in collectors’ garages. Especially because they are such a thrill to drive.

Click here for more photos of this 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series I 4.2-Liter Roadster.