Car: Jaguar XK-E Convertible
Year: 1964
What makes it special: The Jaguar E-Type, or the Jaguar XK-E for the North American market, is a British sports car manufactured by Jaguar Cars Ltd between 1961 and 1975. Its combination of beauty, high performance, and competitive pricing established the model as an icon of the motoring world. The E-Type’s 150 mph top speed, sub-7-second 0 to 60 mph acceleration, monocoque construction, disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, and independent front and rear suspension distinguished the car and spurred industry-wide changes.
What made it famous: The E-Type was based on Jaguar’s D-Type racing car, which had won the 24 Hours of Le Mans three consecutive years beginning 1955, and employed a novel racing design principle, with a front subframe carrying the engine, front suspension and front bodywork bolted directly to the body tub. No ladder fame chassis, as was common at the time, was needed and as such the first cars weighed only 1315kg. The 3.8 litre engine was increased to 4.2 litres in October 1964. The 4.2 litre engine produced the same power as the 3.8 litre and same top speed but increased torque approximately 10% from 240 to 283 lb⋅ft. Acceleration remained pretty much the same and 0 to 60 mph times were around 6.4 seconds for both engines, but maximum power was now reached at 5,400 rpm instead of 5,500rpm on the 3.8 litre. That all meant better throttle response for drivers that did not want to shift down gears.
Why I would want one: Admittedly, I’m not a die hard Euro car fan, but there are certain models and classics that I would like to have, among them being the Jaguar XK-E.
Fun fact: On its release in March 1961, Enzo Ferrari called it “The most beautiful car ever made.” In 2004, Sports Car International magazine placed the E-Type at number one on their list of Top Sports Cars of the 1960’s.
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