Jaguar E-type

The Jaguar E-type or XK-E is an automobile manufactured by Jaguar Cars between 1961 and 1974. The E-type revolutionised sports car design, with performance, handling and looks ahead of its time. It was priced well below competing models, helping it to huge sales. In excess of 70,000 E-types were sold over 14 years.

In 2004, Sports Car International named this car number one on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1960s

Overview

The E-type was initially designed and shown to the public as a grand tourer in two seater coupe form (FHC or Fixed Head Coupe) and as convertible (OTS or Open Two Seater). The 2+2 version with a lengthened wheelbase was released several years later.

The model was made in 3 distinct versions generally referred to as "Series 1", "Series 2" and "Series 3". A transitional series between Series 1 and Series 2 is known unofficially as "Series 1½".

In addition, several limited-edition variants were produced:

• The "'Lightweight' E-Type" which was apparently intended as a sort of follow-up to the D-type. Jaguar planned to produce 18 units but ultimately only a dozen were reportedly built. Of those, one is known to have been destroyed and two others have been converted to coupé form. These are exceedingly rare and sought by collectors.
• The "Low Drag Coupe" which was a one-off technical exercise which was ultimately sold to a Jaguar racing driver. It is presently believed to be part of the private collection of the current Viscount Cowdray.
   

  Jaguar E-type: The Complete Story (Crowood AutoClassic) By Jonathan Wood available from Amazon.co.uk "A complete history of the Jaguar E-type in all its forms, from the first in 1961 to the last in 1974 when production ceased." American residents at Amazon.com

Series 1 (1961-1968)

The Series 1 was introduced in March 1961, using the triple SU carburetted 3.8 litre 6-cylinder Jaguar XK6 engine from the XK150S. The first 500 cars built had flat floors and external hood latches. These cars are very rare and valuable. After that, the floors were dished to provide more leg room and the hood latches moved inside the car. There are still two - one per side. The 3.8 litre engine was increased to 4.2 litres in late 1964.

All E-Types feature a fully-independent suspension for improved ride and handling, and power-assisted disc brakes on all four wheels, features that were uncommon for cars from that era.

The Series 1 can be recognised by the following features:

• Glass covered headlights (up to 1967).
• Small "mouth" opening at the front.
• Signal lights and taillights above bumpers.
• Exhaust tips are under the license plate in the rear.

3.8 litre cars have leather-upholstered bucket seats, an aluminium-trimmed centre instrument panel and console, and a 4-speed gearbox that lacks synchromesh for 1st gear ("Moss box"). 4.2 litre cars have more comfortable seats, vinyl-covered centre panels, improved brakes and electrical systems, and an all-synchromesh 4-speed gearbox. 4.2 litre cars also have a badge on the boot (trunk) proclaiming "Jaguar 4.2 Litre E-type" (3.8 cars have a simple "Jaguar" badge).

A 2+2 version of the coupe was added in 1966. The 2+2 offered the option of an automatic transmission. The body is slightly longer and the roof angles are different. The roadster remained a strict two-seater.

There was a transitional series of cars built in 1967-68, unofficially called "Series 1½", which are externally similar to Series 1 cars. The only new features were open headlights, different switches, and some de-tuning (with a downgrade of twin Zenith-Stromberg carbs, from the original triple SU carbs) for US models. Some Series 1½ cars also have twin cooling fans and adjustable seat backs. Series 2 features were gradually introduced into the Series 1, creating the unofficial Series 1½ cars, but always with the Series 1 body style.

Series 2 (1969-1971)

Open headlights without glass covers, a wrap-around rear bumper, re-positioned and larger front indicators and taillights below the bumpers, better cooling aided by an enlarged mouth and twin electric fans, and uprated brakes are hallmarks of Series 2 cars. De-tuned in US, but still with triple SUs in the UK, the engine is easily identified visually by the change from smooth polished cam covers to a more industrial 'ribbed' appearance. Late Series 1 cars also had ribbed cam covers. The interior and dashboard were also redesigned and slightly more comfortable seats fitted. Air conditioning and power steering were available as factory options. It was available in FHC, OTS, and 2+2 versions.

Series 3 (1971-1974)

A new 5.3 L 12-cylinder Jaguar V12 engine was introduced, with uprated brakes and standard power steering. The short wheelbase FHC body style was discontinued and the V-12 was available only as a convertible and 2+2 coupe. The convertible used the longer-wheelbase 2+2 floorpan.

Low Drag Coupe (1962)

Shortly after the introduction of the E-type, Jaguar management wanted to investigate the possibility of building a car more in the spirit of the D-type racer from which elements of the E-type's styling and design were derived. The first car was built to test the concept. It was designed exclusively as a coupe since aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer understood that a closed-top car is easier to make light and aerodynamic - unlike previous Jaguar racers which were exclusively build as open-top cars. Unlike the production E-types which used steel bodies, the LDC used lightweight (but more expensive and difficult to produce) aluminium. The chassis remained steel. It used a tuned version of Jaguars 3.8 litre engine with an experimental cylinder-head design they had tested in Le Mans racers.

The vehicle was complete in summer of 1962 but was sold a year later to Jaguar racing driver Dick Protheroe who raced it extensively and eventually sold it. Since then it has passed through the hands of several collectors on both sides of the Atlantic and now is believed to reside in the private collection of the current Viscount Cowdray.

Lightweight E-type (1963-1964)

In some ways, this was an evolution of the Low Drag Coupé. It made extensive use of aluminium alloy in the body panels and other components. However, with at least one exception, it remained an open-top car in the spirit of the D-type to which this car is a more direct successor than the production E-type which is more of a GT than a sports car. The cars used a tuned version of the production 3.8 litre Jaguar engine with 300bhp output rather than the 265bhp produced by the "ordinary" version. At least one car is known to have been fitted with fuel-injection.

The cars were entered in various races but did not earn any victories in Le Mans or Sebring like their illustrious predecessors.

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