Initially launched in 1961 as the “E” Type Open Two Seater, the E-Type (XKE) is Jaguar’s most iconic car. Jaguar described it as being “developed from the famous “C” and “D” Type Sports-Racing cars” because it had a monocoque chassis similar to the D-Type. They called it “an entirely new concept of high speed motoring.” The result was a 150 mph cruiser that had companies like Ferrari scrambling to make sure there next generation supercar could match the E.

The first E-Type to be shown in public was driven to the Geneva Motor Show and introduced to the world. It was the product of five years of development and borrowed much from the preceding race cars coming from Coventry. In fact, the Competition Department in 1956 became the Prototype Shop to specifically develop the D-Type as a road car. In it, Malcom Sayer and Bob Knight created the shape for E1A, the very first E-Type prototype.¹

Because saloon production was Jaguar’s primary concern, only a small team was devoted to E-Type development. Test driver Norman Dewis worked primary with Bob Knight while Bill Heynes oversaw the entire project for Sir William Lyons.

From the first aluminum prototypes, Cyril Crouch had to design the E-Type from the bottom-up in steel. The process took an exceptionally long time to sort out, especially the new independent rear suspension. Bob Knight developed the new system which used a lower wishbones and half-shafts. Attached to the body by an enclosed sub-frame, the suspension was completely contained with the onboard brakes, twin spring/damper units and all the pickup points.

Like the D-Type, the E used a specialized front sub-frame made of Reynolds 531 alloy that attached to front bulkhead of the monocoque body. It supported the 3.8-litre engine first developed for the large Mark IX saloon.

Production began in March of 1961. In 1964 Jaguar updated the engine to 4.2 liters which had noticeably more torque but retained the 150 mph top speed. With its all synchomesh gearbox, improved brake servo, clutch and electrical cooling system, the 4.2 became the preferred driver’s car. Additional refinements included better seats, revised dashboard, armrests and a storage compartment on the transmission tunnel.

The first 500 cars made in 1961 and 1962 are different from later production cars by having early details such has outside hood latches and a fully spot-welded hood with a separate louvre panel. These cars were only sold to Jaguar dealer’s top customers and are highly sought after for this reason.

Sources & Further Reading.

1. Porter, Philip. Jaguar E-Type The Definitive History. Foulis: 1989.
2. Haddock, Dr. Thomas. Jaguar E-Type 6&12 Cylinder Restoration Guide. Motorbooks:1997.

1961 Geneva Launch Car