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With the exception of the Mini, the E Type Jaguar is probably the most iconic of all British motorcars. First shown to the public in 1961 at the Geneva Motor Show it immediately caused a sensation due to its ‘sexy’ design and great performance, but with a relatively inexpensive price tag of £1,830. It had been developed out of the Jaguar Company’s racing success in the 1950s and was powered by the XK engine, which had been the cornerstone of Jaguar’s success at the Le Mans 24 race.

The E Type’s sleek, exciting design seemed to fit with the social and fashion revolution of the 1960s and become an icon of that period. In more recent times its iconic status has been parodied in the spoof spy movies featuring Austin Powers; he renamed his E Type the Shaguar, perhaps summing up why the car became popular with male drivers.

The museum’s E-Type was made in 1975 and is one of the last off the production line.

Category: Product

Institute: Coventry Transport Museum

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