Jaguar E-Type - an icon of British motoring

[Wizzo]

2011 marks the 50th anniversary of one of the most famous and enviable cars in automotive history - the Jaguar E-Type.

Back in 1964, a Low Drag lightweight Jaguar E-Type met with a crash at the Montlhery circuit in France. The crash took the lives of the driver Peter Lindner, along with another driver and two marshals. At that time, it was thought that it won’t be ever possible to restore the car.

But, it has actually happened now, thanks to Peter Neumark, owner of Classic Motor Car business, CMC, in Bridgnorth. Around 7,000 hours of restoration in Shropshire have resulted in what could be the most expensive Jaguar E-Type ever, worth £5 million ($8.2 million).

This is one of the most major restorations ever to take place in the world. Many said that it could not be done but they have proved them wrong. This E-Type was one of only 12 lightweight models built by Jaguar in 1963.

Interesting facts: Jaguar E-Type History

On its release Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari called it “The most beautiful car ever made.”

• The E-Type was presented to the world’s press at the restaurant du Parc des Eaux Vives in Geneva on March 15, 1961. It was initially designed and shown to the public as a grand tourer in two-seater coupé form (Fixed Head Coupé) and as convertible (Open Two Seater). A 2+2 version of the coupé was added in 1966.

• The E-type’s straight-six engine got Jaguar five Le Mans victories in the 1950s and by 1961, in 3.8-liter form produced 265bhp and 260lb ft of torque, making the car a genuine 150mph proposition and like its XK120 predecessor, the fastest production car in the world.

• At launch, the E-Type cost £2,256, which translates to £38,000 as of today.

• The E-Type’s stunning bodywork was the work of Malcolm Sayer, an aeronautical engineer by training. He began his career at Jaguar by creating two classic racing machines, the C- and D-types.

• The E-type remained in production for 14 years, selling more than 70,000 units, which make it Europe’s first mass-produced sports car.

[cosworth151]

I agree with The Commendatori. The E-Type (XK-E over here) was the most beautiful production car ever built. When it was first introduced, it looked like a space ship compaired to the cars of the day. Fifty years later, it doesn't look a bit dated.

Our annual British Car Show up in Columbus will be on the 15th. The E-Type will be one of the two Featured Marques.

The restoration of the lightweight looks fantastic. Glad to see it was saved.

One correction:

The E-Type remained in production for 14 years, selling more than 70,000 units, which make it Europe's first mass-produced sports car.

 
Over 100,000 MGA's were built between 1955 and 1961.

Cos (MG owner    )

[John S]

One correction:

The E-Type remained in production for 14 years, selling more than 70,000 units, which make it Europe's first mass-produced sports car.

 
Over 100,000 MGA's were built between 1955 and 1961.

Cos (MG owner    )

Quite right Cos, and other MG Sportscars were produced in even greater numbers around the same era as the E type. Even the MGB GT hardtop, a derivative of the B had 125,282 roll off the line in 16 years between 1965 -80. But a staggering 399,070 MGB roadstars were produced in 18 years between 1962–80.

Even the six cylinder Triumph TR6, only in production for 8 years 1969–76, had more units than the E type with 94,619 cars built.



 

[David]

Beautiful restoration, I would love to have a look round that car in the flesh.

[lkjohnson1950]

I always liked the shape of the production car a little better than the light weight. The C Type is my favorite though.

Lonny

[cosworth151]

From AutoWeek:

http://www.autoweek.com/article/20110517/CARNEWS/110519861

[Willy]

Wonderful restoration of an iconic breed.
The XK-E has always been my favorite British Car. A world leader in design.

I wish they had also restored the racing numbers as it was in full race trim.
Or maybe I am being macabre and in light of the deaths it is better to not go down that road.

[Ian]

I always prefered the soft top version.

[Dare]

I always prefered the soft top version.

me too Ian but the coupe would do in a pinch

                 and
they call them ragtops here

[Ian]

And now the 21st Century E-Type, mmmm, nice too.

http://www.topgear.com/uk/photos/Eagle-Speedster-gallery-2011-06-01?imageNo=0

[Scott]

Wow - I'm surprised how good a job they did keeping it simple and classic.   

I'd buy one, but of course it would have to be black.

[cosworth151]

Make mine green, please! 

And hold the waffle pattern upolstery. Just a nice tuck & roll will do fine, thank you.

[Willy]

I'll take one in British Racing Green.
Very nice.