Jaguar E-type Coupé '61

aspiration

NA (Naturally Aspirated)

Group

Gr.N

Displacement

3,781 cc

DriveTrain

FR

Height

1,222 mm

Length

4,455 mm

Weight

1,300 kg

Width

1,657 mm

Max Power

264 BHP / 5,500 rpm

Max Torque

36.0 kgfm / 4,000 rpm

Performance Point

PP 448.12

Manufacturer

Jaguar

The Enduring Legacy of the Jaguar E-type Coupé '61: A British Automotive Icon

The Jaguar E-type Coupé '61 stands as one of the most iconic vehicles in automotive history, instantly recognizable for its breathtaking design and groundbreaking performance. First unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961, the E-type created an immediate sensation among the press and public alike. Its sultry curves, articulated by designer Malcolm Sayer, drew inspiration from aeronautics and racing pedigree, giving birth to a sleek coupe with an unmatched silhouette. Enzo Ferrari famously declared it 'the most beautiful car ever made.'

Beneath the E-type's alluring bodywork lay advanced engineering for its era. It featured a monocoque construction, independent rear suspension, and disc brakes on all four wheels — a constellation of modern features rarely seen in its contemporaries. Powered by a 3.8-liter inline-six engine, the E-type delivered exhilarating performance with a top speed of around 150 mph, a feat few could rival in the early 1960s. Its blistering acceleration and agile handling quickly made it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.

The E-type Coupé's motorsport heritage further burnished its legacy. Adapting elements from the racing-proven Jaguar D-Type, the E-type served as both a touring car and a weekend racer, with drivers taking privateer examples to tracks across Europe. While the E-type was not developed as a dedicated competition vehicle, its robust platform and spirited engine ensured success in various racing events, especially in endurance racing circuits and club competitions. Its racing DNA was further augmented in special Lightweights and coupes, which are now among the most sought-after collectibles in the classic car world.

Beyond the racetrack, the E-type was a commercial triumph for Jaguar, selling over 70,000 units across all its variants by the time production ended in 1975. The 1961 Coupé established a reputation for providing exotic car performance at a fraction of the price of its Italian competitors. The car’s impact endures in the luxury sports car market, influencing generations of Jaguar designs and holding a revered place among classic collectors. Its continued appearance in film, pop culture, and virtual racing games like Gran Turismo 7 cements the Jaguar E-type Coupé '61 as a luxurious blend of beauty and brawn that captured, and continues to capture, the world’s imagination.