Jaguar Body Styles

The History of the Jaguar XK-E

The Jaguar is one of the very few special cars that has managed to transcend its medium. It is not only a dream car for many enthusiasts but has also permeated many aspects of culture. Although many enthusiasts count it among the finest classic British sports cars ever produced, its run would only last from 1961 to 1973.

The Jaguar Etype, also referred to as the Jaguar XK-E in the North American market, stands as a living testament to British automotive design. From stern to bow, Jaguar didn't miss an opportunity to sculpt some of the finest lines in automotive history. From every angle, the E-Type is iconic. The XK-E wasn't a shock to the automotive world when it debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961. People had come to expect wonderful-looking cars from the upper-crust British manufacturer. That said, even though the E-Type replaced the D-Type – a tough act to follow, indeed – it was still heralded in its time as something truly special.

Rooted in history and inspired by the racing success of the D-Type, which secured three consecutive victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans starting in 1955, the E-Type emerged as the next chapter of the legendary vehicle's aesthetic and design. This new design not only ushered in a new look for the company but also introduced a cutting-edge concept for its time - a front subframe seamlessly integrated with the engine, front suspension, and bodywork, eradicating the need for a traditional ladder frame chassis. The new design led to a remarkably lightweight contender for the track, with its earliest examples weighing only 1,315 kg (2,899 lbs).

What made the original Jaguar so special?

The E-Type wasn't just a revolutionary beauty; its status as an icon also relies on its exceptional performance. The original XK-E had a top speed of 150 miles per hour (240 km/h) and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in under 7 seconds. Not only did it house an exciting engine, but it also pioneered features like disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, and independent front and rear suspension. Its launch on March 15, 1961, left an indelible mark, garnering praise and admiration in heaps. While the claim that Enzo Ferrari hailed it as "the most beautiful car ever made" remains legendary, its iconic status is unquestioned.

Beyond the automotive realm, it has etched its shape into the panes of popular culture in more ways than we can possibly quantify. It is an instantly recognizable symbol of fine test and status. Aside from countless appearances on TV, film, video games, art, literature, poetry, and any other kind of culture-building mediums we have, the E Type is indelibly woven into our culture and our hearts. It is for these many reasons that ECD Automotive Design takes such pride in the heritage of the E-Type. And it is that pride that drives us to pour the same level of care, execution, and attention to detail into our revitalized versions of the most beautiful car ever made.