Jaguar E-Type

The Jaguar E-Type (1961-1975) was designed by Jaguar's aerodynamicist, Malcolm Sayer. This car would establish a massive following in both European, as well as American (XK-E), markets. First appearing in hardtop coupe form, a roadster would soon follow. Jaguar claimed a top speed of 150mph but, in actuality, very few could actually hit that mark.

A new lightweight coupe frame, the 'Low Drag Coupe', was introduced in 1964. These were specifically designed for Le Mans racing and featured a squat rear end with a slightly revised nose. The goal was to achieve low drag during the long straights, which made it a serious threat to Ferrari's utter dominance of the sport.

Sex sells (model in 1960s ad at top), but you can never mix business with pleasure. The free and funky spirit of the 60s was seriously stifled by 1970s bureaucratic camel-colored turtleneck wearing boringness. And a little thing called OPEC.

The energy crisis in the mid-70s killed production of this gorgeous machine. Bye bye naughty fling. You were fun while you lasted. I'll keep the champagne on ice and anxiously await your return.

Specification: Jaguar E-Type (3.8 liters)
Engine location: Front, in-line
Configuration: Six-cylinder
Bore and stroke: 87 x 106mm
Capacity: 3781cc
Valve operation: Twin overhead camshafts
Horsepower: 265bhp @ 5500rpm
Transmission: Manual four-speed
Drive: Rear
Chassis: Monocoque/squared tubular front sub-frame
Suspension - front: Wishbones and torsion bar
Suspension - rear: Wishbone and coil spring
Brakes: Disc
Top Speed: 150mph
Acceleration: 0-60mph in 7 seconds

1961 Jaguar E-Type hardtop coupe at its Geneva Auto Show debut. The red wall tires on these cars look just as dynamic.

1961 Jaguar E-Type. 1962 Le Mans racer.

That's a 1962 cat in this screen freeze from the awful 1963 movie, "The Young Racers", which featured a behind the scenes sound guy by the name of Francis Ford Coppola.

This cat sits low on its haunches, ready to pounce at the drop of the flag.

1968 E-Type convertible (foreground) and hardtop (rear). Good luck driving 'em out of all that corn, man.

1969 XKE convertible.

Oh, hello there 1970. I'm not sure what you're all about yet but I'll still give it a go.

Introduction of the 1972 V12. I love the wheels but they're definitely better suited to the sedans.

1972 Jaguar E-Type Coupe V12.

1972 Jaguar E-Type Coupe V12. All chromed out with nowhere to go.

1974 Series III Roadster. And more foliage.

1974 Series III.

This cat plays rough but has a sensitive side. Or so it would appear in this 1960s advertisement.

Man, this is WHY you need to know how to change a tire. It stands true today as it did in the 1960s.