Jaguar E-Type
The sports car Enzo Ferrari reportedly called the most beautiful car ever made.
Launched at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, the E-Type combined a long, sculpted bonnet with genuine 150 mph performance at a fraction of Ferrari or Aston Martin pricing. Its shape remains one of the most celebrated in automotive design history.
History
Series 1 (1961–1968) is the purest expression of the original design — covered headlights, small tail lights, and toggle switches inside. Early "flat floor" 3.8-liter cars with external hood latches are the most sought-after Series 1 examples.
Series 2 (1968–1971) brought open headlights, larger tail lights, and bigger bumpers to meet US safety regulations, softening some of the original's purity in exchange for practicality.
Series 3 (1971–1974) introduced a 5.3-liter V12 and was offered only on the longer 2+2 wheelbase for both the coupe and a newly widened roadster, trading some of the early car's sharpness for effortless V12 refinement.
Notable Versions
Series 1 3.8 Roadster
Flat floor, external hood latches. The most original and desirable early E-Type.
Lightweight E-Type
Aluminum-bodied racing variant built for competition. Roughly a dozen produced, among the most valuable Jaguars ever.
Series 3 V12 Roadster
Widened body, effortless V12 power. The most usable and refined E-Type for touring.
What to Look for When Buying
Key inspection points from experienced collectors.
Inspect the monocoque structure thoroughly
Sills, floors, and front subframe mounting points are common rust locations and are structurally critical — a poor repair here is dangerous and expensive to correct.
Verify matching-numbers engine
Engine swaps are common after 50+ years. Confirm the engine number against Jaguar factory records for full value.
Check cooling system health
The XK engine is prone to overheating issues if the radiator and cooling system haven't been properly maintained or upgraded.
Understand US-federalized changes vs. original UK spec
Many US cars received bumper and emissions changes — know what's original to your car's market before judging authenticity.
Verify the front subframe hasn't been improperly repaired
This is a stressed structural component; incorrect repairs are a safety issue as well as a value issue.
Quick Specs
- Engine
- 3.8L–4.2L I6 (S1/S2); 5.3L V12 (S3)
- Horsepower
- 265 hp (3.8) – 272 hp (V12)
- Wheelbase
- 96 in (S1/S2 roadster)
- Transmission
- 4-speed manual (5-speed late cars)
- 0–60
- approx. 7 seconds
Market Price Guide
Approximate USA asking prices
Jaguar E-Type For Sale
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