Did you know?
LEGENDS
Even Enzo Ferrari admitted that the Jaguar E-Type was “the most beautiful car in the world”
1961 JAGUAR E-TYPE
O
f all the classic Jaguar sports cars in the past 80 years, there are few that measure up to the immortality of the Jaguar E-Type. The E-Type sedans were made between the years of 1961 and 1971, and their sleek design and muscle-car mentality are entirely unique. Widely considered to be one of the coolest cars ever designed, Jaguar made sure what it had under the hood equalled the look of the hood itself. The first thing that strikes you about the Jaguar XKE is its distinctive hood and headlights. The hood is large and curvy, and the headlights look like they’re scooped out of the chassis. The interior cab, which is situated near the back of the car, seats two. Overall, the car has the kind of aesthetic that is truly unique and timeless, and that’s why E-Type roadsters and coupés are incredibly desirable.
engine to 4.2L, adding more comfortable seats, improved brakes and electrical systems and an all syncro-mesh four-speed gearbox. In 1971, Jaguar again upgraded the car with a bigger 5.3L 12-cylinder engine with upgraded brakes and standard power steering. The V12 model was only available as a convertible. The Jaguar E-Type was very successful in SCCA Production sports car racing with Group44, with Bob Tullius taking the B-Production championship with a Series-3 V12 racer in 1975. It was considered as an icon of 1960’s motoring with its good looks, high performance and competitive pricing. Jaguar has sold more than 70,000 E-Types during its lifespan.
The initial production run of the car used the triple SU carburettor 3.8L six-cylinder engine which could reach top speeds of 240kmph and could accelerate from zero to 100kmph in 7.1 seconds. The cars were made with leather-upholstered bucket seats, an aluminium trimmed centre instrument panel and console, and a Moss fourspeed gearbox. In 1964, Jaguar upgraded the
Proper driving position • Sit slightly reclined, with your shoulders comfortably resting on the seat. Sit as far back from the steering wheel as possible while still in safe control of the vehicle. • Hold the outside rim of the steering wheel at ‘9 and 3 o’clock’ or slightly lower. This position will minimise the risk of injury to your arms, hands and fingers in case your airbag deploys. Your arms should be bent slightly. • Be able to pivot your right foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal without lifting your heel from the floor. • Not checking your ‘blind spots’ – those areas just outside the field of vision – can have disastrous effects when merging onto the highway or changing lanes. One of the ways you can protect yourself is to make sure your vehicle’s side and rearview mirrors are positioned for maximum road view. • For the driver-side mirror: Place the side of your head against the window, then adjust the mirror until the side of your vehicle comes into view. • For the passenger-side mirror: While sitting in the driver’s seat, lean to the right so that your head is in the car’s centreline. Adjust the mirror until the side of your vehicle comes into view. • There’s an easy test you can take to make sure your mirrors are aligned correctly – When a vehicle leaves the field of vision of your rearview mirror you should be able to see it immediately in one of your side mirrors.
October 2011