The E-Type was based on the Jaguar XK150S racing car, and was developed by Jaguar's chief engineer, William Heynes. The car was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961, and was an immediate success. It quickly became known for its combination of performance and luxury, and was nicknamed the "E-Type" by the press.
The E-Type was available in three versions: the Series I, the Series II, and the Series III. The Series I, produced from 1961 to 1968, was the most popular and is considered by many to be the most beautiful. It was powered by a 3.8-litre inline-six engine, which produced 265 horsepower.
The Series II, produced from 1968 to 1971, was a revised version of the Series I. It featured a new grille, revised headlights, and a larger engine. The engine was now a 4.2-litre inline-six, which produced 283 horsepower.
The Series III, produced from 1971 to 1975, was a heavily revised version of the Series II. It featured a new body with a longer nose, a higher rear, and a more luxurious interior. The engine was now a 5.3-litre V12, which produced 310 horsepower.
The E-Type was a very successful car for Jaguar, and was sold in over 70,000 units. It was replaced by the Jaguar XJ in 1975.
In 2011, Jaguar announced plans to produce a new version of the E-Type. The new car, called the Jaguar E-Type Zero, is an electric-powered version of the classic sports car.
