Among a long list of historically consequential, public-facing classic cars, the Jaguar E-Type remains one of the most distinguishable in the high societal standings. The classic Jaguar E-Type was made legendary by Hollywood, it captured the hearts of car collectors and car-lovers alike across the globe. This iconic car shouts the glamour and excitement of the swinging sixties. The beauty and power of the original makes it far more than a means of transport -- it has become an automotive icon with its own place in history. Much more than back to the future, the drawing power of this historical jewel is more than just the ride and the driving, tapping directly into an incurable addiction to high-profile life and the old glamour world of film.

Delving into the history of the Jaguar E-Type's rise to fame, it isn't hard to understand why this car has been so adored in Hollywood as the definitive classic car. From the celebrity owners who have famously possessed a model to help the E-Type become far more than just another classic car, to the car's numerous film appearances, this car's history has been rewritten repeatedly as its legendary status grows. Let’s look at the some of the deeper subliminal connections between the E-Type and Hollywood and go a little further back to swim in the glitzy underground pool where it has become a mainstay on the silver screen and in the garages of the super wealthy and famous.

The Adoration of Jaguar E-Types: Hollywood Style

The Jaguar E-Type was announced at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961, promising to stay "at least as long as anything available”. This radical design stood in stark contrast to the predictable sports models of the time and struck a chord with car enthusiasts all over the world, as well as the public. The E-Type became an instant hit and dominated the Geneva show so much that it is virtually synonymous with the Geneva Motor Show

The E-Type not only was the quintessential car in the automotive world but soon after became a pop culture icon; a car loved by generation after generation for its classic design and performance and celebrity endorsements, not to mention being spotlighted in many famous films.

Celebrities Who Owned the Jaguar E-Type

George Harrison

Manager Brian Epstein bought famed Beatles guitarist George Harrison a Jaguar E-Type for his 21st Birthday. His extensive collection, which also featured an Aston Martin DB5 and a McLaren F1, was underscored by this car, which was fitted with a dashboard-mounted record player.

Frank Sinatra

One of the best known was Frank Sinatra who reportedly announced, in 1961 at E-Type's launch, that he wanted to own one there and then. The E-Type was just as stylish as Sinatra, with luxury and a design that has become a moto.

Peter Sellers and Britt Eland

The following year, actor Peter Sellers, of The Pink Panther fame, had a custom ordered E-Type Coupe in Fiesta red delivered to his wife, 1967 Bond girl Britt Ekland. This example is one of the last Series 1 E-Types, and sports black upholstery along with a set of specially-fitted sports wing mirrors.

Tony Curtis

The late Tony Curtis was a lot of things, including an Oscar-nominated actor in classics like "Some Like It Hot" and "Operation Petticoat," and, as it turns out, an avid collector of classic cars. He showcased classic and stylish automobiles like a Series 1.5 E-Type roadster in his collection.

Feature Films Featuring the E-Type

In cinema, it's most famously seen in the 1970 hit "Love Story," where it's equally identified with the character Oliver Barrett III, played by Ryan O'Neal. His father, who appears in a variety of different lights, one of which is his wealthy and successful side, as it was his car, a Jaguar with the license plate "OB 3" which represents money and status in the narrative.

The 1971 cult classic "Harold and Maude" also pops into mind, in which the E-Type was crafted into an unusual hearse, underscoring that film's dark humor and counterculture ethos.

The 1969 release of "The Italian Job" saw a collection of vehicles grace the screen, but it was the Jaguar E-Type featured in an Italian Alps montage during a key Italian Alps curtain call that spoke to both its performance and its style.

The E-Type had a cameo in the memorable but brief 1978 film Convoy. The car is used in a scene shot against the backdrop of the White Sands National Monument, adding some style to the otherwise hard-working convoy of rugged trucks in the film.

In all those movies, the Jaguar E-Type is not just a prop, but a moving part of the narrative, which adds to the cinematic experience and further stretches its designation as a symbol of style and luxury in Hollywood.

The Jaguar E-Type: The Legacy and The Appeal

Introduced in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type has been a legend ever since thanks to dramatic curves, computer-defying aerodynamics, and innovations in both design and motoring that have made it a tour de force of both car culture and industrial history. Enzo Ferrari himself called it one of the most beautiful cars ever made. This allure has escalated with the addition of appearances in films and on the bodies of film and music stars, further solidifying its iconography as a totem for wealth and influence. The E-Type is today a very sought after classic, an automotive design and engineering icon that continues to grace fashion and advertising shoots, to influence car designers and to captivate collectors, fans, and enthusiasts the world.

The Jaguar E-Type virtually defined the complete concept of a Hollywood-style classic car with its unparalleled blend of beauty, performance, and luxury. This storied past, which includes its popularity among the world's elite as well as several iconic cinematic roles, serves as a testament as to why E-Type remains revered even half a century later. A symbol of style and sophistication, the E-Type is elegantly beautiful while showcasing the best innovation and the cultural significance of the times, firmly ensconced in the hearts of motoring enthusiasts.