Enzo Ferrari called it the most beautiful car in the world.
It was introduced to the press and the public in March 1961 in Geneva. Designed
by Malcom Sayer, a legendary aerodynamicist, it had a sensuous sleek design,
and was an instant hit at the show. This sexy and powerful car was The Jaguar
E-Type or Jaguar XKE as it would come to be known in the United States. It
would remain in production until 1975.
Power was provided by a DOHC six-cylinder engine that first
appeared in the Jaguar XK120. Outfitted with three S U carburetors it produced
265- horsepower that provided power to the wheels through a four speed manual
transmission. with rear end gearing of
3:31. The rear setup used a Lotus racing car design that used U-jointed half shafts which doubled as upper
control links.
The
frame was based on Jaguar’s D-Type race car that featured monocoque
construction, incorporating a frame-less center sectionthat gained
strength from the front and rear boxed tubular construction. The rear housed a
limited slip differential, and disc brakes all around, a new and innovative
concept at the time that gave the new design plenty of stopping power. Rack and
pinion steering, and front and rear independent suspension helped keep the car
going where it was aimed.
This sleek machine, available as a roadster and hatchback,
with its long curving hood, and weighing 2700 pounds, could reach a top speed
of 150 mph and sprang from 0 to 60 in under 7 seconds. A small oval intake at
the front , chrome nerf bumpers, and tucked in glass headlights augmented the distinct design statement the
car made.
One could purchase this new car for around $5700 at the
time. Today, the original 1961 cars are highly sought after. Although produced
many years ago, their sleek design is timeless.
