The jaguar type e is a classic car that is synonymous with automotive history and is often seen as the pinnacle of British engineering. It has been a staple of the UK’s auto industry for decades and remains popular among enthusiasts across the globe.

Developed from 1957

In 1957, Jaguar’s Technical Director and Chief Engineer William Heynes was tasked with developing a replacement for the D-type. His team decided to base the design on a monocoque construction, using a similar structure to the D-type, with a new independent rear suspension system. This model was officially known as the E1A.

It was a very early prototype that was never released to the public and was only ever used for factory testing. It was a real test of Jaguar’s abilities and a very impressive piece of engineering.

Originally aimed at the US market, the car was later given a re-shape and enlarged front air intake. It also gained power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering as an optional extra.

The Jaguar E-Type and the Birth of the Supercar

Although a very good sports car, it was not without its faults. Its high oil consumption was a common complaint at the time.

Its four-speed Moss gearbox lacked synchromesh on first gear, so it was very hard to shift. It was a true ‘box of the period’ and requires a bit of a harder touch than modern ‘boxes, but that doesn’t stop it being a very enjoyable drive if you are prepared to put some work in!

In 1963, the XK engine was re-developed to produce a more powerful version. This 3.8-litre six-cylinder engine was known as the Lightweight E-type and it was designed to be more competitive on the track. It was only ever manufactured in 12 cars, but these remain one of the most sought-after variants of the car today.