1966 Jaguar XKE E-Type
The Jaguar E-Type (known as the XK-E for the North American market) was produced between 1961 and 1975 with over 70,000 examples produced worldwide. It combined stunning looks, competitive pricing, and high-performance components influenced by Jaguar's racing pedigree, including the race-winning Twin Cam power and streamlined styling. It was introduced in March of 1961 at the Geneva Motor Show when a large wooden crate was lifted and the E-Type Jaguar was first revealed.
The E-Type was built as a two-seater coupe, known as a Fixed Head Coupe or FHC, or a two-seater convertible 'Roadster' (a.k.a. Open Two Seater 'OTS'). These body styles were joined several years later by a 2+2 four-seater coupe resting on a lengthened wheelbase.
The E-Types built between 1961 and 1964 are known as the 'Series 1' and came with a 3.8-liter engine and partial synchromesh transmissions. The first 500 Series 1 cars built had external bonnet latches and a flat floor. E-Types built between 1965 and 1967, also known as Series 1, had a 4.2-liter engine with a fully synchronized transmission and new reclining seats, an electrical system that now used negative earth, upgrades to the brake servo, additional amenities, and an alternator replacing the dynamo. The styling, however, remained unchanged.
The venerable and race-proven, dual overhead cam, XK straight-six engine with the 3.8-liter displacement produced 265 horsepower and had a top speed of 150 miles per hour. The E-Type used a fully-independent rear suspension and disc brakes at all four corners, with the rear brakes, mounted inboard. The 4.2-liter engine delivered the same power and top speed as the 3.8-liter, but had an increase in torque by 10-percent, from 240 to 283 lb-ft. The result was improved throttle response and less of a need to downshift. The 4.2-liter had a completely redesigned block to accommodate larger bores, and the crankshaft was modified to accept newer bearings. Other changes included a new electric cooling for the radiator and a new alternator.
Most of the Series 1 cars received glass-covered headlights (through 1967), exhaust tips under the number plate in the back, signal lights and tail-lights above the bumpers, and a small opening in the front. The 3.8-liter S1 cars had leather-upholstered bucket seats (in 1963 it changed to leather and vinyl), and an aluminum-trimmed console and instrument panel. The 4.2-liter cars are easily identified by the 'Jaguar 4.2 Liter E-Type' badging located in the back, while the 3.8-liter cars simply had the 'Jaguar' badge.
Standard equipment included Dunlop 6.40 × 15 inch RS5 tires on 15 × 5K wire wheels. Those intended for competition received 15 × 5K½ rear wheels with 6.50 X15 Dunlop Racing R5 tires. Later S1 cars had Dunlop 185 - 15 SP41 or 185 VR 15 Pirelli Cinturato AS radial-ply tires.
For 1966, the E-Type was be purchased as a 2+2 coupe, joining the roadster and coupe. Pricing began at $5,390 for the coupe and $6,070 for the 2+2 version. The 4.2-liter engine used three SU side-draft carburetors, Lucas ignition, and seven main bearings. It had a cast-iron block and lightweight aluminum heads, an 8.0:1 compression, and offered 265 horsepower at 5400 RPM. A four-speed manual transmission was standard with overdrive being optional. A Borg-Warner automatic could be purchased on the XK-E 2+2 coupe.
The body of the 2+2 was 9 inches longer than the 2-passenger coupe and had a different angle for the roof.
The Series 1 cars were followed by a transitional series of cars known as the 'Series 1½,' produced in 1967 and 1968. They had open headlights, detuned engines for the U.S. to comply with emission standards, adjustable seatbacks, twin cooling fans, and other changes.
Many of the changes found on the Series 2 cars, produced from 1968 to 1971, were implemented due to U.S. National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration mandates. They were devoid of the glass headlight covers, had a wrap-around rear bumper, larger front indicators, and repositioned tail lights.
A total of 15,498 examples of the Series 1 3.8-liter cars were built and 16,195 of the Series 1 4.2-liter version. The Series 1½ production reached 6,726 units. Total Series 1 Jaguar E-Types were 38,419.
by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2020
Related Reading : Jaguar E-Series History
The Jaguar E type, also known as the XK-E, brought style and performance together to create a mass-produced supercar. The road-going sports car was conceived in 1956 as a replacement for the D-type. In March of 1961, the E-Type was officially introduced to the world at the Geneva, Switzerland Motor show. Its design was created by an aerodynamic engineer named Malcolm Sayer. The front-engine,....
Continue Reading >>
The Jaguar nameplate of Coventry, England began with the Swallow Sidecar Company, founded by William Lyon in the late 1920's as a manufacturer of motorcycle sidecars. By 1931, they turned to producing special bodies for sporting cars. In 1935, the SS....[continue reading]
Chassis Num: 1E12880
Engine Num: 7E8698-9
This 1966 Jaguar Series I E-Type Roadster was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held at Amelia Island, Florida where it was estimated to sell between $115,000 - $130,000. The car is powered by a 4200cc overhead valve twin cam six-cylinder eng....[continue reading]
Chassis Num: 1E31669
This 1966 Jaguar E-Type Coupe Racer was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held in Amelia Island, Florida. The car was offered without reserve and estimated to fetch between $75,000 - $100,000. It is powered by a 4.2-liter six-cylinder engine....[continue reading]
Chassis Num: 1E 12880
Engine Num: 7E 8698-9
This 1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2 Roadster was offered for sale at the 2007 Christies auction of 'Exceptional Motor Cars at the Monterey Jet Center.' It is finished in Old English White with red leather interior. The engine is a six-cylinder uni....[continue reading]
Chassis Num: 1E31482
This 1966 Jaguar Series I E-Type Fixed Head Coupe was brought to the 2007 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $60,000 - $70,000. It was offered without reserve. As the gavel fell, the l....[continue reading]
Its combination of good looks, high performance, and competitive pricing resulted in a great success for Jaguar, with more than 70,000 XKE's being sold over its lifespan. The car, technically referred to as the E-Type Jaguar, has become an icon of 1....[continue reading]
Chassis Num: 1E33576
The E-Type was unveiled to the public at the 1961 Geneva Auto Show. It was later selected by the New York City Museum of Modern Art as the 'world's most beautiful automobile.'....[continue reading]
The Jaguar's E-Type was penned by Malcolm Sayer, whose aircraft design background paid aerodynamic dividends for the E-Type, as well as the C and D racing types that preceded it. Along with the dazzling design, there was advanced engineering. The E-T....[continue reading]
Chassis Num: 1E 12126
Engine Num: 7E7014-9
Gearbox Num: 4E 3565
The Jaguar E-Type created a sensation when introduced in 1961 at the Geneva Auto Show as a convertible and fastback coupe. At the time, the E-Type was the world's fastest production car with a top speed of 150 MPH and sold at a much lower price than ....[continue reading]
Chassis Num: 1E 12009
Engine Num: 7E 6769-9
Gearbox Num: EJ 5868
This 1966 E-Type 4.2-Litre Roadster has resided in the southwestern United States for its whole life. It has recently been given a complete restoration to concours standards. It is finished in black over tan Connolly hides, and there is triple-plated....[continue reading]
Chassis Num: 1E12807
This Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Roadster is an original left-hand-drive example that was completed on March 16th of 1966. It was sent to distributor Jaguar Cars, New York on April 5th, and sold new to an owner in Queens. Eventually, the car was re-locate....[continue reading]
Chassis Num: 1E 13442
Engine Num: 7E 10049-9
The Jaguar E-Type that was introduced in 1965 was powered by a 3.8-liter straight-six and 4.2-liter powerplant, which was carried through from the XK150 S. The 4.2-liter engine delivered the same amount of horsepower as the 3.8 version, yet its torqu....[continue reading]
Engine Num: 7E 5071-9
Gearbox Num: EJ4167
This Jaguar is a completely original survivor with less than 20,000 miles. The first owner ordered it through a Jaguar dealership in Detroit but the car was damaged on the boat during shipment from the factory. When it arrived in Detroit, the new own....[continue reading]
Chassis Num: 1E 76624
Engine Num: 7E 52084-9
Gearbox Num: EJS 10291
This Jaguar was a California black place car before it was given a recent comprehensive restoration and completed in early 2014. The interior is finished in correct red leather and there is a pushbutton AM radio. The E-Type comes with wire wheels and....[continue reading]
The Jaguar E-Type, also known as the Jaguar XKE in the North American market, was made from 1961 to 1975. Its combination of the beauty, high performance and competitive pricing established the model as an icon of the motoring world. At a time when m....[continue reading]
Chassis Num: 1E 14412
Engine Num: 7E 11665-9
The Jaguar E-Type was launched in 1961 at the Geneva Motor Show. It offered supercar performance, superb styling, and a low price tag. Built as a monocoque with a front sub-frame to cradle the engine, the model's combination of all-round independent ....[continue reading]
Chassis Num: 1E12457
Engine Num: 7E7693-9
The Jaguar E-Type made its debut at the Geneva Motor Salon in March of 1961 in Coupe form. Its design was heavily influenced by the racing D-Type, a monocoque tub forming the main structure while a tubular spaceframe extended forwards to support the ....[continue reading]
Chassis Num: 1E 12474
Engine Num: 7E 7757-9
This Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2-Litre Roadster was built on January 18th of 1966 and dispatched to Jaguar Cars New York for Thomas J. Watson. The current owner acquired it several years after, after which a restoration was performed. All major mechan....[continue reading]
Chassis Num: 1E 12834
Engine Num: 7E 8597-9
Gearbox Num: EJ 7907
The Jaguar E-Type was upgraded in 1964 with a larger version of its six-cylinder XK engine, now displacing 4.2 liters and offering 265 horsepower. This particular roadster has been given a comprehensive restoration around 2011 and finished in its ori....[continue reading]
Roadster
Chassis #: 1E12880
Roadster
Chassis #: 1E 12880
Roadster
Chassis #: 1E 12126
Roadster
Chassis #: 1E 12009
Roadster
Chassis #: 1E12807
Roadster
Chassis #: 1E 13442
Coupe 2+2
Chassis #: 1E 76624
Roadster
Chassis #: 1E 14412
Roadster
Chassis #: 1E12457
Roadster
Chassis #: 1E 12474
Roadster
Chassis #: 1E 12834
