Jaguar E-Type
Key specifications
Differences between variants
| Specification | Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Fixed Head Coupé | Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Fixed Head Coupé | Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Roadster | Jaguar E-Type Series 2 4.2 Fixed Head Coupé | Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster | Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body style | Coupe | Coupe | Roadster | Coupe | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine | 3.8 l · Inline 6 | 3.8 l · Inline 6 | 4.2 l · Inline 6 | 4.2 l · Inline 6 | 5.3 l · Naturally aspirated · V12 | 5.3 l · V12 |
| Power | 197.61 kW | Not recorded | 197.61 kW | 183.44 kW | 202.83 kW | Not recorded |
| Transmission | Manual · 4 speeds | Manual · 4 speeds | Manual · 4 speeds | Multiple transmission options · 4 speeds | Multiple transmission options · 4 speeds | Multiple transmission options |
| Production period | 1961-1964 | 1961- | 1964-1968 | 1968-1971 | 1971-1974 | 1971- |
Generations and variants
Jaguar E-Type - Series 1
Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Fixed Head Coupé
1961-1964- Body style
-
Coupe
- Engine
- 3.8 l · Inline 6
- Power
- 197.61 kW
- Drivetrain
-
Rear-wheel drive
- Transmission
-
Manual· 4 speeds
Jaguar E-Type 4.2 Roadster
1964-1968- Body style
-
Roadster
- Engine
- 4.2 l · Inline 6
- Power
- 197.61 kW
- Drivetrain
-
Rear-wheel drive
- Transmission
-
Manual· 4 speeds
Jaguar E-Type - Series 2
Jaguar E-Type Series 2 4.2 Fixed Head Coupé
1968-1971- Body style
-
Coupe
- Engine
- 4.2 l · Inline 6
- Power
- 183.44 kW
- Drivetrain
-
Rear-wheel drive
- Transmission
-
Multiple transmission options· 4 speeds4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic
Jaguar E-Type - Series 3
Jaguar E-Type V12 Roadster
1971-1974- Body style
-
Roadster
- Engine
- 5.3 l · Naturally aspirated · V12
- Power
- 202.83 kW
- Drivetrain
-
Rear-wheel drive
- Transmission
-
Multiple transmission options· 4 speeds4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic
Facts
In 1971, the E-type gained a V12 engine, beginning the model's final major phase of development.
The E-type used disc brakes on all four wheels from the outset, building on Jaguar's racing experience.
The E-type used an independent rear suspension developed under Bob Knight, a layout that became important to Jaguar for many years.
The E-type evolved ideas from the racing D-type, combining a monocoque cabin with a front subframe supporting the engine and suspension.
According to Jaguar Heritage, a total of 72,512 E-types were produced from 1961 to 1974.
Bob Berry drove the first display coupe, registration 9600 HP, from Coventry to Geneva for the model's launch.
The Jaguar E-type was presented to the world's press in Geneva on March 15, 1961.
In 1964, the E-type's six-cylinder engine grew from 3.8 to 4.2 litres and a fully synchronized gearbox was introduced at the same time.
In 1966, Jaguar expanded the E-type family with a longer 2+2 version providing additional rear seating.
When launch demand exceeded expectations, Norman Dewis drove a second E-type, roadster 77 RW, overnight from Coventry to Geneva in about 17 hours.