Jaguar E-type (1961 – 1975) Review

Jaguar E-type (1961 – 1975) At A Glance

5/5

+Beautiful styling, excellent road manners, and in real terms, for a car with such iconic status, values are still realistic.

-They're a common sight at classic car events. 2+2 version looks ungainly compared with the rest of them.

Although automotive styling is subjective, the one vehicle that seems to top more opinion polls naming the most beautiful car in the world, the Jaguar E-type. Styled mainly by aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer, with significant input by Sir William Lyons, the coupe and roadsters caused a sensation when unveiled in 1961.

In short, the E-type redefined the way in which we all viewed sports cars, and how little it could actually cost to buy a 150mph car (it cost £2098, when an Aston Martin DB4 was over £5000). Except that those famous 150mph runs in pre-production models were never replicated by owners. Despite that the E-type was still fast enough to redefine what was expected from top-drawer manufacturers, such as Aston Martin and Ferrari. And yet, there was nothing new about the E-type - all of its significant componentry had been seen before: the 3.8-litre XK engine was married to a beautiful and aerodynamic body designed by Malcolm Sayer (and inspired by the D-type and XK-SS), underpinned by all-independent suspension.

Although the E-type coupé was the fastest and most useful of the breed, it’s the Roadster that attracts the most attention (and greater values) today. The open-top car was just as effective to drive as the coupe, thanks to a stiff under-structure. It was popular in the USA as well as Europe, and a high survival rate means that there are still plenty around.

But in 1964, the 3.8-litre was superceded by the newly-expanded 4235cc version of the XK engine. Although maximum power output remained unchanged at 265bhp, torque was increased, improving driveability. Performance remained pretty much unchanged, and many owners gave up tying to match the 150mph claim, as it simply wasn't possible with an unmodified car. But the 4.2 actually felt more grown-up to drive, thanks to its lower red line and greater torque at lower revs prompting some to say the zest had gone. Another improvement that came in with the 4.2-litre engine was the Moss gearbox (often retro-fitted to older cars).

Despite its global success and accolades, Jaguar knew that E-type sales were being held back by the
limitations of being a two-seater. And that's why it introduced the 2+2 in 1966. It was created by extending the wheelbase and cabin by nine inches to make room for kids in the back. But there were some visual compromises, such as the taller, more upright windscreen. With the arrival of the 2+2 came a useful boost sales, with the new variant outselling the fixed-head coupé from day one. Not as pretty, that's for sure, but today it's the easiest way into E-type ownership.

In 1967, there were further revisions to the range, creating what has become subsequently known as the Series 1½. It was only on sale for a year, and the Series 1½'s main purpose seems to have been to introduce new style headlamps with no covers but more chrome trim. They didn't look as good but they certainly worked better. The 1968 S2 brought more significant changes, like the larger grille opening, heavier front bumpers and bigger lamps.

Mechanical changes were limited to an improved cooling system and improved brakes, which were changed from Lockheed to Girling. Power steering was also introduced an option, ushering in the era of the 'soft' Jaguar E-type. The 2+2 in Series 2 form received the same upgrades ('changes' is perhaps a better word), as well as a more significant change. A new windscreen was introduced - its base had been moved as far as the bulkhead
would allow to increase the rake, improving aerodynamics. It also received with stiffer front torsion bars to counteract the additional weight.

Out of the lot, the Series 2 Coupes are the rarest of all the E-types. Fewer than 5000 were built, and they represented the end of the original shorter-wheelbase coupé body style. 

In 1971, the E-type would receive its most far-ranging changes. Walter Hassan, one of Britain’s pre-eminent postwar engineers and mastermind behind the Coventry Climax Formula 1 engines, worked with Jaguar technical boss Harry Mundy to produce an all-new V12. It was Jaguar’s first production V12-powered car, designed for maximum smoothness. Maxumum speed was still shy of 150mph, and fuel consumption was attrocious going into the 1973 energy crisis.

The front-end styling with its prominent chrome grille lacks the grace of the earlier cars', and the suspension was softer too, but as Jaguar was looking towards the American market, these changes were inevitable. The V12 was only 36kg heavier than the straight six, and handling balance wasn’t too drastically affected. Although many E-type fans criticised for being a cruiser and not a sports car, the E-type Series III still has massive appeal. 

And all Jaguar E-types remain pretty much the most iconic classic cars money can buy.

Ask Honest John

What duties and tax do I have to pay of importing a classic car from Italy to the UK?

"I am interested in buying a right-hand drive Jaguar E-Type (1970 build) from Italy and shipping it home to the UK. Are there any taxes or duties to pay in the UK?"
Yes. You'll need to pay VAT at 20% and there's normally a £50 custom's handling charge. There's also a 10% fee from importing vehicles outside the EU - although not currently relevant, it will be something to look at after the UK leaves the EU in a few weeks.
Answered by Keith Moody

Is a Jaguar E-Type a wise investment?

"I'm not really a "car guy" (a two year old pickup is my daily drive) but I've got a yen to buy a Jaguar XK-E (an E-Type as it's called in the UK...) which I'm sure you will agree is not just a car but a great work of art. Could I have your advice on what year and options are best? I'm in California and there are rust-free examples about but Jaguars of that vintage were not know for their reliability and all are at least 40 years old. If you think an XK-E is a bad choice can you suggest another beautiful car to spend my last years in? Thanks so much."
Let's face it, no E-type is a bad choice. The Series 1 roadster is perhaps the most desirable, but if it was our money we'd go for a 4.2 FHC. Why? Because the E-type is all about 'that' shape which is lost with the roof chopped off and the slightly lazier 4.2 makes it a bit easier to drive in modern traffic. But really, you should go out and drive as many as you can to find the right one for you.
Answered by Keith Moody

Can I mix different brands of oil?

"What are the consequences of mixing Castrol xl 20w/50 with synthetic Penrite 20w/50 classic oil?"
While it's not the best idea to mix different brands of engine oil (because of the different additives used), using two different varieties of the same type of engine oil (in this case 20w/50) shouldn't cause any problems. Even mixing mineral and synthetic oil is generally fine - as long as it's not happening regularly. However, if you are in any doubt, then drain the oil, flush the system through and replenish with fresh oil and filter.
Answered by Keith Moody

What do you think of using waterless coolant?

"I'm considering using the waterless coolant, as featured in the TR6 episode with Ed China, on my Jaguar E-Type Series 2. Also the ceramic coating on the exhaust manifold and a professional carbon clean. I would value your opinion."
It all depends on how your car is running at the moment. If you're not experiencing over-heating issues then there's no reason to use waterless coolant. If your car is overheating, then waterless coolant will show up any shortcomings in your system. Unlike conventional coolant, the waterless variety is often environmentally friendly, which means it can be disposed of down a drain - but be aware it does cost a lot more than traditional brands. Originally developed from NASCAR, it was popular with race teams because they ran their engines at extremely high temperatures. As for ceramic coating your exhaust manifold and having a professional carbon clean done, both have their benefits - but do you use your car enough to warrant spending the extra cash? After all, you're unlikely to see a return on your investment should you sell it.
Answered by Keith Moody
More Questions

What does a Jaguar E-type (1961 – 1975) cost?