Jaguar E-Type 50th Anniversary 2011

[TidiousTed]

2011 marks the 50th anniversary of one of the best known cars the world over - the Jaguar E-type.

To mark the occasion Jaguar will be celebrating at high-profile motoring events throughout 2011, including the Geneva motor show, Goodwood’s Revival and Festival of Speed, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the Nürburgring Old Timer Grand Prix and a host of Jaguar customer, dealer and lifestyle events worldwide.

When it was launched in 1961, the E-type caused a sensation. Today, such is the stature of the E-type, that it is a permanent exhibit in New York’s Museum of Modern Art. The now iconic E-type set new standards in automotive design and performance when it was launched in 1961 and its influence is still apparent in Jaguar’s modern range.

“Half a century of progress has not diminished the significance of the E-type,” said Mike O’Driscoll, managing director Jaguar Cars and chairman Jaguar Heritage. “It was a sensation when it was launched and remains Jaguar’s most enduring and iconic symbol. The E-type is simply one of the most exciting cars ever created and a legacy to the genius of Jaguar’s founder, Sir William Lyons.”

E-type owners included celebrities such as George Best, Brigitte Bardot, Tony Curtis and Steve McQueen and the sports car became as synonymous with the Swinging Sixties as the Beatles and the mini skirt.

“It is impossible to overstate the impact the E-type had when it was unveiled in 1961,” said Ian Callum, Jaguar design director. “Here was a car that encapsulated the spirit of the revolutionary era it came to symbolise. The E-type is a design that even today continues to inform the work we do in styling the Jaguars of the future.”

Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961, Jaguar’s E-type was capable of 150mph, but cost a fraction of the price of rivals with similar performance. It was the affordable supercar and became an instant hit - remaining on sale for 14 years.

Article By David Williams in The Telegraph, 25 Jan 2011

 

[Steven180]

The classiest car on the road. THE vehicle for dreamers and realists alike.

Thanks for the profile and the highlight. Rarely does a car have the history and the recognition of a Jaguar and especially the E-Type. Or the performance.

Always wanted one myself, and have attempted to quench that thirst in the past a little more cheaply with British Leyland works, but in the end there is only one.

Thanks for the post TediousTed. I look forward to the other perspectives and experiences out there!
M.

 

[TidiousTed]

A bit more history

[video=youtube;VvSJ5XxOLzs]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=VvSJ5XxOLzs[/video]

[video=youtube;2n4wduAEGsk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2n4wduAEGsk#![/video]

 

[scottyrocks]

The E-type is probably my ultimate dream car, the original coupe with the fully covered headlights the ultimate ultimate. Wire wheels with knock offs! <swoon>

 

[Edward]

Never been much a fan of the Sixties era, but it did produce some nice cars. I'd certainly be very happy with an E Type - but only if someone else was paying the insurance, and the fuel bill, and was happy to stand guard over it any time I parked it anywhere in a public place....

 

[Steven180]

Never been much a fan of the Sixties era, but it did produce some nice cars. I'd certainly be very happy with an E Type - but only if someone else was paying the insurance, and the fuel bill, and was happy to stand guard over it any time I parked it anywhere in a public place....

Especially in London! Still don't get the city car tax...

Best to all there!
M.