Jaguar E Type Review

Jaguar E-Type – Favorite Feline Of The Sports-Car World

It was pure lust on wheels. Jaguars voluptuous E-type had car enthusiasts tongues hanging down to their knees when it was introduced. And to this day the car commands head-spinning attention whenever it makes the scene.

First conceived in 1956, the E-Type was originally intended as a replacement for the Coventry, England firms mighty D-Type endurance racers. Jaguar quit racing shortly after the E-Types development began, but work on the car continued nonetheless, culminating in a production roadgoing version introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March, 1961. Offered as a two-seat coupe or convertible, it was an immediate hit.

Among the cars revolutionary features was independent rear suspension, a first for Jaguar, at a time when almost all streetable sports cars still used a more primitive solid-axle setup. But the E-Types most compelling claim at the time was its speed. The cars smooth aerodynamics and 265-hp 3.8-liter inline six allowed it a top speed of 150 mph — strictly the domain of race cars and ultra-pricey exotics back then. Although not cheap, the E-Type offered such thrills for far less money than similar-performing machines.

To ensure the E-Types continuing sales appeal, Jaguar gave the car a succession of changes over the years. The 3.8-liter six was replaced for 1965 by a 4.2-liter version that had more torque. The following year, a 2+2 bodystyle was introduced. In 1971, Jaguar launched the final iteration of the E-Type, powered by a 314-hp 5.3-liter V12. The last of the 72,507 E-Types left the plant in early 1975.

Today, experts invariably list the E-Type as one of the worlds most beautiful cars. Combine that appealing design with the cars pleasing road manners and sporty smooth exhaust purr, and youve got one of the finest sensory delights known to man.

About the Author:
David Bellm is a seasoned automotive writer and historian. His work has been featured in a wide variety of online and print publications. For more articles on vintage sports cars, along with drive-test articles on todays hottest performance cars, go to www.autiv.com.