1963 Jaguar XKE E-Type

The design of the Jaguar E-Type was birthed from the D-Type, a competition car with sensuously curved aerodynamic styling that had achieved tremendous success in international competition. Malcolm Sayer, a trained aerodynamicist, developed the feline curves using wind tunnel testing and aircraft principles. It was given a lightweight monocoque that had a tubular sub-frame to carry the engine, front suspension and steering, and an independent rear axle. The engine was shared with previous models, a 3.8-liter development of the straight-six XK unit with a claimed 265 horsepower. This potent engine, combined with the E-Type's 500 lbs weight saving over the XK150, and its aerodynamic shape, gave it real performance gains. Most of its rivals relied on the traditional live rear axle, but the E-type broke new ground by using an independent setup all around, with the rear comprised of lower wishbones, fixed-length driveshafts, and twin coil spring/damper units. The front used wishbones and torsion bars. Dunlop disc brakes were fitted on all four wheels with those at the rear being mounted inboard alongside the differential to reduce unsprung weight.

Making its debut in Geneva in 1961, the E-Type was no more expensive than most other sports cars, but its beauty, 150-mph performance, and outstanding road manners had no equal. The first twenty examples off the line were allocated to customers who made clear their intention to race the car. Later in production, a short run of works-built lightweight cars were built specifically for competition purposes. Jaguar continued to develop the E-Type throughout its life, the first major improvement came in 1964 when the newly enlarged 4.2-liter XK engine was introduced, although maximum power remained unchanged at 265 hp (torque, however, increased). Other improvements included a twin SU petrol pumps and a fully synchronized Moss gearbox. A Lucas alternator was added along with a change to the electrics, now with a negative earth, a new pre-engaged starter was added, and a Lockheed vacuum servo replaced the Kelsey Haynes unit originally fitted. A redesign to the seats made them plusher and pleated, and the original aluminum instrument panel was later replaced by an all-black unit.

The Series 1 was built from 1961 through 1968 and was initially for export only, with the domestic market launch coming four months later in July 1961. The early cars used external bonnet latches which required a tool to open and had a flat floor design. This was soon changed to a design that offered more legroom and the twin bonnet latches moved to inside the car. The original 3.8-liter displacement grew to 4.2-liters by October 1964.

Bodystyles included a two-seater coup (known as FHC or Fixed Head Coupe and a two-seater convertible (OTS or Open Two Seater). A '2+2' four-seater version of the coupé, with a lengthened wheelbase, was released in 1966. Options included chrome spoked wheels and a detachable hardtop for the OTS. Dunlop 6.40 x 15 inch RS5 tires were standard, while later Series One cars were fitted with Dunlop 185-15 SP41 or 185 VR 15 Pirelli Cinturato AS radial-ply tires.

After 38,419 examples of the Series One cars were built, they were followed in 1968 by the Series 2 built through 1971. The Series 3 cars were built from 1971 through 1975 and were powered by a new 5.3-liter V-12 engine with larger brakes and standard power steering. Total E-Type Jaguar production, including Series 1, 2, and 3 examples, exceeded 72,500 units.

Its success was due in no small part to its high performance, stunning looks, and competitive pricing. The E-Type can best be described as the culmination of the best design and engineering techniques of the era in one of the best looking and drive cars from the 1960s. On its release on 15 March 1961 Enzo Ferrari called it 'the most beautiful car ever made'.

by Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2020