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Jaguar E-Type

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Jaguar E-Type: One of the most beautiful cars ever made (1961-1975). XK inline-six then V12. Enzo Ferrari called it the most
Photo: DeFacto / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

One of the most beautiful cars ever made (1961-1975). XK inline-six then V12. Enzo Ferrari called it the most beautiful car in the world.

The Jaguar E-Type is one of the most celebrated car designs in history. Launched in 1961, its long bonnet, faired-in headlights, and sensuous curves were so striking that Enzo Ferrari reportedly called it the most beautiful car in the world. It backed the looks with genuine pace, monocoque construction, disc brakes, and a top speed near 150 miles per hour. Series 1 cars with the 3.8 and 4.2 liter XK inline-six are the connoisseur favorites; later Series 3 cars gained a 5.3 liter V12. On WhipJury, the E-Type is a blue-chip classic that reliably tops voting.

E-Type generations

Series 1 (1961-1968). 3.8 then 4.2 liter XK inline-six, covered headlights, the purest design. The most sought after.

Series 2 (1968-1971). Open headlights and revised bumpers and lights for safety and emissions rules.

Series 3 (1971-1975). 5.3 liter V12, wider track, flared arches. The grand-touring V12 era.

Frequently asked questions about Jaguar E-Type

Did Enzo Ferrari call the E-Type the most beautiful car?
The quote is widely attributed to him, that the E-Type was the most beautiful car ever made. Whether or not it is exact, it captures the impact the design had when it launched in 1961.
Which E-Type is the most desirable?
Series 1 cars, especially the early 3.8 liter examples with covered headlights and the purest detailing, are the most sought after by collectors. Flat-floor and outside-bonnet-latch cars command the highest prices.
Did the E-Type have a V12?
Yes, the Series 3 (1971-1975) introduced a 5.3 liter V12, moving the car toward a grand-touring character versus the lighter inline-six Series 1.
How fast was the E-Type?
Early cars could approach 150 miles per hour, remarkable for 1961 and a major part of the car launch sensation, alongside its monocoque construction and disc brakes.
Are E-Types expensive now?
Yes. Clean Series 1 cars routinely sell well into six figures, and exceptional or significant examples go much higher. It is a blue-chip classic.

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