Jaguar E-Type UK Classic Car 1961 to 1975
The E-type appeared like something from outer space in 1961. Nothing else at the price could compete with its combination of great beauty and amazing performance. It remains one of the all-time great sports cars.
“A combination of narrow bias-ply tyres, 265bhp and a 241km/h (150mph) top speed sounds like a real challenge, but the E-type is a joy to drive. The view down the never-ending bonnet promises the thrill of a lifetime and that’s just what the E-type delivers. Power flows smoothly from the superb straight-six engine and flooring the throttle, even at 160km/h (100mph), makes the nose rise as the car surges forward toward the 241km/h (150mph) mark.”
Simple but stylish – the E-type’s dashboard is stocked with all the necessary gauges for a sports car.
The E-type’s construction was advanced, with a central monocoque inspired by the racing D-type Jaguars. A square-section tube frame carries the engine and front suspension and is bolted to the bulkhead. The rear suspension, mounted on a separate subframe, is also advanced with wishbones and double shock units while the driveshafts also act as suspension arms.
In 1963, Jaguar built a small series of Lightweight E-types. They had aluminium monocoque and body panels rather than steel and also alloy block engines to save weight. Despite producing between 320bhp and 344bhp from their highly developed fuel-injected engines, they were outclassed on the track by Ferrari’s 250 GTO.
It is no surprise the Jaguar E-type is sleek – it is the work of aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer, with the usual input from Jaguar boss, William Lyons, himself one of the greatest English car stylists.
ENGINE
Type: Straight-six twin-cam
Construction: Cast-iron block and alloy cylinder head
Valve gear: Two valves per cylinder operated by twin chain-driven overhead camshafts
Bore and stroke: 87mm (3.43in) x 106mm (4.17in)
Displacement: 3781cc (231ci)
Compression ratio: 9.0:1
Induction system: Three SU carburetors
Maximum power: 265bhp at 5500rpm
Maximum torque: 260lb-ft at 4000rpm
Top speed: 241km/h (150mph)
0-96km (0-60mph): 7.3 sec
TRANSMISSION
Four-speed manual
BODY/CHASSIS
Steel two-seat convertible with centre steel monocoque chassis and front and rear subframes
SPECIAL FEATURES
Shallow and wide windshield needs three short wipers to keep it clear.
RUNNING GEAR
Steering: Rack-and-pinion
Front suspension: Double wishbones with longitudinal torsion bars, shocks and anti-roll bar
Rear suspension: Lower wishbones with driveshafts as upper links and twin coil spring/shock units per side
Brakes: Discs all around, inboard at rear
Wheels: Wire spoked 12.7cm (5in) x 38.1cm (15in)
Tyres: Dunlop 6.40 x 15 RS5 bias-plies
DIMENSIONS
Length: 4.45m (175.5in)
Width: 4.2m (165.3in)
Height: 1.2m (48in)
Wheelbase: 243cm (96in)
Track: 127cm (50in) (front and rear)
Weight: 1117kg (2463lbs)
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