1962 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Series 1 Coupe

Description

Three key elements explain the phenomenal appeal of the Jaguar E-Type. Firstly, to most observers it was gorgeous. Secondly, it was anywhere between one-third and half the price of other sports cars with similar performance. Thirdly, it had a claimed top speed of 150 miles per hour in an era when most mainstream sedans topped out below 90! These three factors were so overwhelming that the car immediately achieved a kind of hero status. Jaguar founder Sir Williams Lyons certainly achieved some economies in the development phase. It is said that he bet engineer Bob Knight five quid that he couldn’t design an independent rear suspension within a month. Knight did. ‘Bill took out his wallet and handed over the £5 without a murmur,’ said Knight, ‘and I realised that I had £5 and Bill had his independent rear suspension.’ From day one E-Type customers could choose between the delectable droptop and the rakish coupe, the latter of course being swifter. The E-Type has always been the XKE in the North American market to capitalise on its relationship with its XK120, XK140 and XK150 predecessors. The E was the first Jaguar to feature triple carburettors. The model evolved through Series 1 ½ and Series 2 before culminating in the V12-powered Series III with the earlier cars the most cherished.