Like any normal human, I've always considered the Jaguar E-Type among the most beautiful of automobiles ever created. The first E-Type (Series 1) hit showrooms in 1961 with a 3.8-liter, six-cylinder engine (though a larger 4.2-liter engine was introduced in late 1964). Many "purists" feel these are the best versions of the car, and consider all later models inferior.
The Series 2 models came out in 1969 and offered upgraded cooling and braking systems, as well as open (non-covered) headlights and other subtle styling changes. All Series 2 cars used the 4.2-liter engine.
The model pictured above is listed by Jaguar as a 1970 Series 3, which is interesting because the official production dates for Series 3 cars are considered 1971-1975. The documentation on this car confirms it is one of the earliest E-Types with the 5.3-liter V12, listed as the 10th right-hand drive model built. It was also in the official Jaguar press fleet and used in a story at the time where it "raced" a jet fighter aircraft to produce dramatic photographs. So if Jaguar says it's a 1970 model, I ain't arguing with them.
Especially because I was fortunate to drive it last week.
Probably the most striking aspect of this 40-year-old car is how completely modern it feels. I've driven plenty (maybe even too many...) cars from this era, and I'm well aware of how they compare to new cars. Most of them, including the domestic muscle cars as well as the European sports cars I've experienced, are fully capable of being operated on modern roads alongside modern traffic, but they certainly don't feel modern.
But this E-Type does. Sure, the four-speed transmission took some getting used to, as the shifter throws are pretty wide by today's standards (much like my old Saab Sonett). However, the steering, suspension, brakes and particularly that glorious V12 were all tremendously well executed given the era from which they spring.
Whether you're talking power, torque or just overall refinement the 5.3-liter engine is an epiphany. It can pull without lugging from 500 rpm in fourth gear (or about 10 mph), and it will rev in a willing-yet-smooth manner that would satisfy even modern luxury car shoppers.
I know there are people who dismiss the later V12 E-Types as somehow unworthy of respect and admiration.
These people are idiots.
Not that I'm complaining. If "the market" has dubbed the V12 E-Types as less desirable, and thus less valuable, it just widens the appeal of considering one for myself, before the market wises up and the price on these models skyrockets as it already has on the earlier versions.
And I'll take mine in Regency Red, too, just like this one from the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust. But I'd probably go left-hand drive if possible.
By slowloris
on October 5, 2010
09:47 PM
When I look at 1970 Jag something comes to mind ah! 1955 Citroen DS named The Most Beautiful Car of All Time.
Look at this Jag: copied hood slope, windshield, maybe headlights. On the different side Jag is kind of disproportional: small cabin, enormous hood for that V12. But Jag might still be a likable car in this "Bordeau" paint.
By dougtheeng
on October 6, 2010
06:11 AM
love it.
By vwblues
on October 6, 2010
12:02 PM
I hope you guys are just on vacation and aren't letting this blog wither and die.
By rsholland
on October 8, 2010
06:22 PM
Regency Red? Not British Racing Green?
By firstwagon
on October 8, 2010
07:38 PM
"When I look at 1970 Jag something comes to mind ah! 1955 Citroen DS named The Most Beautiful Car of All Time.
Look at this Jag: copied hood slope, windshield, maybe headlights. On the different side Jag is kind of disproportional: small cabin, enormous hood for that V12. But Jag might still be a likable car in this "Bordeau" paint"
Seriously????
The Citroen is interesting but not beautiful and you're really stretching if you think they look anything alike.
I was never a big fan of the 2+2 version but E-Types are widely accepted as the most stunningly beautiful cars ever made.
By theedge
on November 30, 2011
08:50 PM
All of what you said about the car is right on the mark Karl. After wanting an E-Type for over forty years, I was finally in a fortunate enough position to buy one two years ago. I was also fortunate enough to find a very low mileage Series III idential to the one in your article (except it's LHD) in my home city. I continue to be wowed by the "pace, grace and space of this 40 year old car. You can see my car in this video: http://youtu.be/i5cTy0FjPwA