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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.

1966 Jaguar XKE E-Type photo
Coupe 2+2
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,....
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1966 Jaguar XKE E-Type Vehicle Profiles

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Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

1966 XKE E-Type
$6,100-$31,400
1966 Jaguar XKE E-Type Price Range: $5,400 - $6,100

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Other 1966 Jaguar Models

E-Type S1

Specification Comparison by Year

Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
96.00 in.
6 cyl., 230.73 CID., 265.00hp
$5,599 - $5,890
96.00 in.
6 cyl., 231.89 CID., 265.00hp
$5,599 - $5,890
96.00 in.
6 cyl., 230.73 CID., 265.00hp
$5,599 - $5,895
96.00 in.
6 cyl., 230.73 CID., 265.00hp
$5,300 - $5,500
96.00 in.
6 cyl., 258.44 CID., 265.00hp
$5,390 - $5,600
96.00 in.
6 cyl., 258.44 CID., 265.00hp
$5,400 - $6,100
96.00 in.
6 cyl., 256.30 CID., 265.00hp
$5,370 - $5,740

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