Jaguar e-type roadster

The Jaguar E-Type Roadster, launched in 1961, is a British automotive icon that revolutionized design and sports performance.

About this subject

The Jaguar E-Type, also known as the XK-E in the United States, was unveiled at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show. Its aerodynamic design, penned by Malcolm Sayer, combined sleek lines with an aggressive stance, setting a new aesthetic standard for sports cars. The Roadster, an open-top version, offered a visceral driving experience with a manual soft top and low windshield.

Under the hood, the E-Type Roadster carried a 3.8-liter straight-six engine (later 4.2 liters) capable of 150 mph, making it one of the fastest cars of its era. Innovative engineering included four-wheel disc brakes and independent suspension, advanced features for the 1960s. Enzo Ferrari himself called the E-Type "the most beautiful car ever made," a compliment that resonates to this day.

Produced from 1961 to 1974, the E-Type went through three series (Series 1, 2, and 3), with changes to the engine, transmission, and styling details. The Series 1 Roadster, with covered headlights and a narrow grille, is the most coveted by collectors. Only about 30,000 roadsters were built, compared to 40,000 coupes, making convertible examples rarer.

Culturally, the Jaguar E-Type Roadster became a symbol of the swinging sixties, associated with the British lifestyle and celebrities like Steve McQueen and Brigitte Bardot. Its design influenced generations of sports cars, and its reputation remains intact, with well-preserved examples fetching millions at RM Sotheby's auctions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the top speed of the original Jaguar E-Type Roadster?

The Series 1 3.8-liter model reached about 150 mph (240 km/h), making it one of the fastest production cars of its time.

How many Jaguar E-Type Roadsters were produced?

Approximately 30,000 roadsters were built over the entire production run (1961-1974), compared to 40,000 coupes.

What makes the Jaguar E-Type an automotive design icon?

Its aerodynamic design by Malcolm Sayer, combined with sensual curves and perfect proportions, was praised even by Enzo Ferrari as 'the most beautiful car ever made'.