The Register | Jaguar Drivers Club of Australia

E-Type

The iconic E-Type was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961. Jaguar showed the world their latest sports car the likes of which had never been seen before and unlikely to be seen again. The impact on the motoring press and the motoring public was huge. Few knew that the second car at the launch, an Open Two Seat, was driven all night from Coventry by the Test Driver Norman Dewis and arrived with only enough time for a wash before podium display!

During the 1950s Jaguar realised that they needed a replacement for the XK120. Work started in the Experimental Department. Building on the competition success of the C and D Types, prototypes were developed. Based on the D-Type, Prototype E2A was built in 1956. Jaguar had secured the services of the brilliant Aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer and following on the success with the C and D-Types and the traditional naming sequence, the E-Type was created. It was in essence the ‘road going’ D-Type. Malcolm used mathematics, a Slide Rule, a wind tunnel and wool tufted prototypes to visualise the airflow over the body shape.

The iconic E-Type was defined and the master lines and geometry were signed off by Sir William Lyons on 1 October 1960. Just 6 months later, the E-Type was revealed to the world at the Geneva Motor Show on 16 March 1961.

Enzo Ferrari said “the E-Type was the most beautiful car ever made.”

The breathtaking shape, 150mph performance and handling to match left the world awestruck. All this at around half the price of the contemporary competitors.

Over 14 years of E-Type Production, Jaguar manufactured 75,512 cars in three Series, namely 1, 2 and 3.

Key characteristics.

The pictures have been generously provided by JDCA members.

E Type Series 1

Famous and proven XK engine now with a capacity of 3.8L delivering 265 BHP and 283 LbFt of Torque which looked (at the behest of Sir William Lyons) as good as it performed. It mated to a strong 4 speed “Moss” gearbox.

Semi monocoque body configuration with a welded tube structure to carry the engine, independent torsion bar front suspension and massive forward hinged bonnet.

Four wheel disc brakes jointly developed for automobile application with Dunlop.

All new Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) frame mounted incorporating inboard disc brakes.

In 1964 the 3.8L engine was increased in capacity to 4.2L and a new Jaguar designed 4 speed all synchromesh gearbox was introduced.

The Braking System evolved introducing a Lockheed master cylinder and pedal box together with front and rear brake connection reversal at the power booster. The independent front and rear circuits were preserved.

There were 3 body styles, Open Two Seat (OTS), Fixed Head Coupe (FHC) and in 1966 a 2+2 to enable parents with young children to enjoy the experience of E-Type motoring. This increased the wheelbase by 9 inches which also applied to the doors.

In the last year of production, imminent US Safety Regulations were anticipated and accommodated by progressively making changes leading to the Series 2. To differentiate these cars (June 1967 to July 1968) enthusiasts later referred to them as the Series ‘1½’.

E Type Series 2

Towards the end of the 1960s Jaguar noted the declining sales of E-Types. To meet this challenge, Jaguar created the Series 3 with its silky smooth V12 5.3L engine at its heart. The tradition of introducing new engines into a sports car before introducing it into the saloons was continued. The engine tubular mounting frame was modified to accept the V12 in 1971.

The body shapes were reduced to two, OTS and 2+2 and the longer wheel base was adopted common to both models.

Flared guards accommodated the wider wheels and tyres.

A smaller diameter leather bound steering wheel and power steering were introduced. Air conditioning became a Factory option.

The air intake was filled in with a chrome grille.

The Grand Tourer designation (mentioned on the Master Lines Drawing No. 4.003.301 was fully realised in the Series 3. It was more like a Grand Tourer than the previous two Series, the Series 1 being essentially a Sports Car.

E Type Series 3

The body shapes were reduced to two, OTS and 2+2 and the longer wheel base was adopted common to both models.

Flared guards accommodated the wider wheels and tyres.

A smaller diameter leather bound steering wheel and power steering were introduced. Air conditioning became a Factory option.

The air intake was filled in with a chrome grille.

Special Interest Vehicles

The Jaguar Drivers Club of Australia was launched on 19th February 1964.

In 1986 the E-Type Register was created to coincide with the 25th Anniversary of the 1961 launch of the E-Type at the Geneva motor show. Initially until early 1986 the E-Types and the XKs were corralled together. To commemorate the anniversary the inaugural E-Type Register Secretary organised a run from the Cross Road Hotel to Berrima in March 1986. A sizeable number of E-Types supported the run including some for the very first time.

Over the years since formation, the Register Secretaries have organised several events for the JDCA while maintaining a focus on the E-Type.

The Future.

Jaguar has future proofed the E-Type with their EV (Electric Vehicle) design that has been fitted to a S1 OTS. Again, one of their ‘firsts’ introduced in a sports car. Jaguar will source and fit the EV system in an E-Type for customers or modify their own vehicle while preserving reversion to the original specification.

There never was and never will be again anything like the E-Type.

Bob Alexander

E-Type Register Secretary, JDCA

15 April 2021

Bob Alexander	Nov 2012 – present	Tony Pallas	Apr 2004 – Oct 2012
Ken Parsons	Oct 2000 – Mar 2004	Tim & Tracey Mallyon	Oct 1997 – Sep 2000
Chris Tumpane & Al Sebesfi	Jan 1996 – Sep 1997	Phillip Palangas	Dec 1993 – Nov 1995
Geoff Lowe	Sep 1991 – Nov 1993	Kerrie Dowling	Apr 1989 – Aug 1991
John Ratter	Feb 1986 – Mar 1989

Significant Events

E-Type 60^th Anniversary 16 March 2021

To commemorate and celebrate the 60^th Anniversary of the E-Type (E60) and the 50^th of the V12, the JDCA organised a weekend Run to Bathurst in the Central West of NSW. The “Diamond” weekend was held on the 24th and 25^th of April 2021.

Central to the Diamond weekend was a Photo Shoot on Mt Panorama. The location was the picturesque property of JDCA Club members inside motor racing’s famous Mt Panorama Track. The “E-Type Paddock” was located alongside Mountain Straight, just before Griffin’s Bend/Corner at the top of the Straight.

This setting was perfect for all the E-Types that came from many directions, some from interstate. We had 60 E-Types on the Run long with 25 other Jaguars and their owners. On Saturday the 24^th of April the E-Types drove up Mountain Straight and assembled on the E-Type Paddock for the Photo Shoot. The arrival and assembly was a sight to behold, in perfect weather with spectacular autumn colours. Provision was made elsewhere in the Mt Panorama Winery for the other Jaguars.

At the conclusion of the Photo Shoot, the E-Types filed out and proceed around the Track for a slow pass through the Chase at the bottom of Conrod Straight.

We had 164 participants, it was great to have members with E-Types from 5 other Clubs join us and make history together.

The June 2021 edition of the Club’s Magazine “The Australian Jaguar Driver” features the Diamond weekend. The history making event was captured in a Video which was posted on the JDCA website Home page. https://youtu.be/DjGb3y5zzWY

E-Types assembled on E-Type Paddock, Mt Panorama, Bathurst

Slow pass at the Chase

In 2011 to mark the 50^th Anniversary (E50) of the E-Type the JDCA organised a convoy of E-Types from “Uncle Leo’s” at Casula to the Jaguar National Rally in Canberra. At one stage of the journey, 80 E-Types were in convoy occupying the left-hand lane of the Federal Highway. A once in a lifetime experience followed by a gathering of 111 E-Type in Canberra beside Lake Burley Griffin the following day