The 1961 Jaguar E-Type is a classic sports car that is known for its sleek design, powerful engine, and affordable price tag. It was one of the most popular sports cars of its time and continues to be popular with collectors today.
The 1961 Jaguar E-Type is a two-seater sports car that was produced by Jaguar Cars from 1961 to 1974. It is considered to be one of the most iconic and beautiful classic cars ever made. The E-Type was designed by Malcolm Sayer, who was also responsible for the design of the Jaguar D-Type racing car. The E-Type was based on the D-Type, but it was designed to be more affordable and practical for everyday use.
1961 Jaguar E-Type: Importance, History & Why to Buy?
Importance: The E-Type was important for a number of reasons. First, it was one of the first cars to combine stunning looks with high performance. It was also one of the first cars to be mass-produced with a unitary body construction, which made it lighter and stronger than traditional cars. The E-Type also featured a number of advanced features, such as disc brakes and independent suspension, which were not yet common on sports cars at the time.
History: The E-Type was designed by Malcolm Sayer, who also designed the Jaguar D-Type racing car. The E-Type was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961 and was an immediate sensation. It was praised for its beauty, performance, and affordability. The E-Type was produced in three series, from 1961 to 1974.
Why to Buy?: There are many reasons why someone might want to buy a 1961 Jaguar E-Type. It is a beautiful and iconic car with a rich history. It is also a great car to drive, with its powerful engine and agile handling. The E-Type is also a valuable investment, as prices for good examples have been rising steadily in recent years.
Here are some additional reasons why you might want to buy a 1961 Jaguar E-Type:
- It is a rare and exclusive car, with only 72,500 units produced.
- It is a highly desirable car, with a loyal following of collectors and enthusiasts.
- It is a well-built car, with high-quality materials and workmanship.
- It is a fun and rewarding car to drive, with its powerful engine and agile handling.
- It is a beautiful car, with a timeless design.
1961 Jaguar E-Type: Price, Release Date & Sale
1961 Jaguar E-Type Price
The E-Type was available in two trim levels: the Roadster and the Fixed Head Coupé.
| Trim Level | Price |
| Roadster | £2,176 |
| Fixed Head Coupé | £2,266 |
Release date: When was 1961 Jaguar E-Type Ready for Sale?
The 1961 Jaguar E-Type was released in March 1961 at the Geneva Motor Show. It was an immediate success, and it quickly became one of the most popular sports cars in the world.
1961 Jaguar E-Type: Interior Design & Comfort
The 1961 Jaguar E-Type was a revolutionary car in many ways, and its interior was no exception. The E-Type’s interior was designed to be both stylish and functional, and it featured a number of innovative features for its time.
Interior Design: The E-Type’s interior was designed by Malcolm Sayer, the same man who designed the car’s exterior. Sayer wanted to create an interior that was both luxurious and sporty. He used high-quality materials, such as leather and wood, throughout the interior.
Materials and Finishes: The E-Type’s interior was made from high-quality materials, such as leather, wood, and chrome. The leather seats were soft and supple, and the wood trim was elegant and refined. The chrome accents added a touch of luxury to the interior.
Seats & Comfort: The E-Type’s seats were comfortable and supportive. The seats were also adjustable, so drivers could find the perfect position. The cabin was spacious enough for two adults, but it was not as spacious as some other cars of its time.
Cabin Space: The E-Type’s cabin was spacious enough for two adults. However, it was not as spacious as some other cars of its time. The rear seats were very cramped, and they were only suitable for children or small adults.
Driver Assistance: The E-Type did not have any driver assistance features. This is because driver assistance features were not common in cars of the 1960s.
Infotainment System: The E-Type did not have an infotainment system. This is because infotainment systems were not common in cars of the 1960s.
1961 Jaguar E-Type: Exterior Design
The 1961 Jaguar E-Type is a masterpiece of automotive design. Its exterior design is both stylish and functional. The E-Type is a car that continues to be admired and desired by enthusiasts all over the world.
Front Design: The front design of the E-Type is characterized by its long hood, short tail, and distinctive grille and headlights. The hood is long and sweeping, and it gives the car a sense of power and speed. The grille is simple and elegant, and it is flanked by two large headlights.
Side Design: The side design of the E-Type is characterized by its sleek and aerodynamic profile. The car has a low waistline and a high roofline, which gives it a sense of elegance and sophistication. The wheels are large and well-balanced, and they add to the car’s overall sense of speed and aggression.
Rear Design: The rear design of the E-Type is characterized by its distinctive taillights and exhaust pipes. The taillights are large and round, and they are positioned high on the rear fenders. The exhaust pipes are also large and round, and they are positioned low on the rear bumper.
Functional Design Elements: The E-Type’s exterior design is not just for show. It also incorporates a number of functional design elements, such as its disc brakes on all four wheels and its aerodynamic design. The disc brakes provide excellent stopping performance, and the aerodynamic design helps the car to achieve high speeds.
Aerodynamic Excellence: The E-Type’s aerodynamic design is one of its most distinctive features. The car has a low coefficient of drag, which means that it can cut through the air with ease. This helps the car to achieve high speeds and to improve fuel efficiency.
1961 Jaguar E-Type: Different Trim Levels
The 1961 Jaguar E-Type was available in two trim levels:
- Roadster: The Roadster was the most popular trim level. It was a two-seater convertible with a soft top.
- Fixed Head Coupé: The Fixed Head Coupé was a two-seater coupe with a hardtop roof.
1961 Jaguar E-Type: Engine, Transmission, Acceleration & Power
The 1961 Jaguar E-Type was a high-performance car for its time. It was powered by a powerful engine and paired with a smooth-shifting transmission.
- Engine: The 1961 Jaguar E-Type was powered by a 3.8L straight-six engine. The engine was designed by Jaguar’s chief engineer, William Heynes. The engine was known for its reliability and its ability to produce high horsepower.
- Transmission: The 1961 Jaguar E-Type was paired with a four-speed manual transmission. The transmission was known for its smooth shifting and its ability to handle the engine’s high torque output.
- Acceleration & Power: The 1961 Jaguar E-Type could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds and had a top speed of 150 mph. These were impressive performance numbers for a car in the 1960s.
| Features | Specification |
| Engine | 3.8L straight-six |
| Transmission | Four-speed manual |
| Acceleration & Power | 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, top speed of 150 mph |
1961 Jaguar E-Type: Speed & Range
Speed: The E-Type’s top speed was made possible by its powerful engine and aerodynamic design. The E-Type was powered by a 3.8L straight-six engine that produced 265 horsepower. The E-Type also had a low coefficient of drag, which means that it could cut through the air with ease.
Range: The E-Type’s range was not as impressive as its speed. The E-Type had a fuel tank capacity of 13.2 gallons, and it could get about 20 mpg. This meant that the E-Type had a range of about 264 miles.
| Specification | Measurement |
| Top speed | 150 mph |
| 0 to 60 mph | 7 seconds |
| Fuel tank capacity | 13.2 gallons |
| Range | 264 miles |
1961 Jaguar E-Type: Fuel Efficiency & Mileage MPG
The E-Type is powered by a 3.8L straight-six engine that produces 265 horsepower. This engine is not very fuel-efficient, and it gets an average of 15-18 mpg in combined city and highway driving. The E-Type has a fuel tank capacity of 14 gallons. This means that the car can travel approximately 210-252 miles on a single tank of gas.
| City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG | Mileage |
| 15 | 18 | 15-18 | 210-252 |
1961 Jaguar E-Type: Towing Capacity & Cargo Space
The 1961 Jaguar E-Type had a towing capacity of 1,000 pounds. This means that it could tow a small trailer, such as a boat trailer or a utility trailer. However, it is important to note that the E-Type’s towing capacity was limited by its engine and suspension. Towing a heavy trailer could damage the car. The 1961 Jaguar E-Type had a small amount of cargo space. The trunk was located in the front of the car, and it had a capacity of 7 cubic feet. This is enough space for a few suitcases or a few golf bags.
| Feature | Value |
| Towing capacity | 1,000 pounds |
| Cargo space | 7 cubic feet |
1961 Jaguar E-Type: Wheels, Tires & Brakes
The 1961 Jaguar E-Type was equipped with state-of-the-art wheels, tires, and brakes. The wire wheels were lightweight and strong, the bias-ply tires were the most common type of tire at the time, and the disc brakes on all four wheels provided excellent stopping performance.
- Wheels: The E-Type came standard with 15-inch wire wheels. The wire wheels were lightweight and strong, and they gave the car a classic and sporty look.
- Tires: The E-Type came standard with 6.40R15 bias-ply tires. Bias-ply tires were the most common type of tire at the time, but they were not as safe or as high-performance as radial tires.
- Brakes: The E-Type was one of the first cars to be equipped with disc brakes on all four wheels. Disc brakes provide excellent stopping performance, and they were a major innovation at the time.
| Features | Specification |
| Wheels | 15-inch wire wheels |
| Tires | 6.40R15 bias-ply tires |
| Brakes | Disc brakes on all four wheels |
1961 Jaguar E-Type: Full Technical Specs or Specification
The 1961 Jaguar E-Type was a revolutionary car, and its technical specifications reflect this. Here are the full technical specifications.
1961 Jaguar E-Type: Overview
The 1961 Jaguar E-Type, a classic sports car, redefined automotive design and performance. Below is an overview of key details in a concise table format, encompassing the car’s name, model, manufacturer’s location, type, door configuration, and official website.
| Description | Data |
| Name of the Car | Jaguar E-Type |
| Model | 1961 E-Type |
| Manufacturer’s Location | United Kingdom |
| Type of Car | Sports Car |
| Number of Doors | 2-Door |
| Official Website | https://www.jaguar.com/ |
1961 Jaguar E-Type: Exterior Dimensions
The 1961 Jaguar E-Type is a classic sports car known for its sleek and aerodynamic design. Here is a table of the car’s exterior dimensions:
| Dimension | Value |
| Exterior Length | 173.2 in (4399 mm) |
| Exterior Width | 65.9 in (1674 mm) |
| Exterior Height | 47.0 in (1194 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 94.4 in (2400 mm) |
| Ground Clearance | 4.5 in (114 mm) |
1961 Jaguar E-Type: Interior Dimensions
The E-Type’s interior is relatively spacious for a sports car, but it is not as spacious as some other cars of its time. Here are its interior dimensions:
| Dimension | Value |
| Head Room (1st Row) | 37 inches |
| Leg Room (1st Row) | 41 inches |
| Shoulder Room (1st Row) | 54 inches |
| Hip Room (1st Row) | 50 inches |
| Cargo Volume (Behind 1st Row) | 10 cubic feet |
1961 Jaguar E-Type Colors: Exterior & Interior
The 1961 Jaguar E-Type was available in a wide range of exterior and interior colors.
| Exterior Color | Interior Color |
| Opalescent Dark Green | Black |
| Opalescent White | Tan |
| Opalescent Silver Grey | Red |
| Opalescent Maroon | Blue |
| Opalescent British Racing Green | Green |
| Black | Cream |
| Signal Red | Beige |
| Cream |
1961 Jaguar E-Type: Safety Features
The 1961 Jaguar E-Type was a state-of-the-art sports car, and it was equipped with a number of innovative safety features for its time. Here is a list of some of the E-Type’s safety features:
- Disc brakes on all four wheels: Disc brakes provide excellent stopping performance, and they were a major innovation at the time.
- Independent front and rear suspension: Independent suspension improves handling and stability, and it can also help to reduce the severity of accidents.
- Seat belts: Seat belts were not required by law in 1961, but Jaguar made them standard equipment on the E-Type.
- Collapsible steering wheel: The collapsible steering wheel was designed to reduce the risk of injury to the driver in the event of a head-on collision.
- Reinforced passenger compartment: The passenger compartment of the E-Type was reinforced to protect occupants in the event of a collision.
1961 Jaguar E-Type: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Sleek and aerodynamic design | Relatively cramped interior |
| Powerful engine | Not as fuel-efficient as some other cars of its time |
| Excellent handling and performance | High price tag |
| Classic and iconic status | Expensive to maintain and repair |
| Disc brakes on all four wheels | Limited safety features by modern standards |
People Also Ask: FAQs
How much did a 1961 Jaguar E-Type cost when it was new?
The 1961 Jaguar E-Type cost £2,176 for the Roadster and £2,266 for the Fixed Head Coupé. This was equivalent to approximately $6,000 and $6,300 in today’s dollars, respectively.
What was the top speed of a 1961 Jaguar E-Type?
The 1961 Jaguar E-Type had a top speed of 150 mph. This was very fast for a car of its time.
How many 1961 Jaguar E-Types were produced?
A total of 72,367 1961 Jaguar E-Types were produced. This includes both the Roadster and Fixed Head Coupé models.
What are some of the common problems with 1961 Jaguar E-Types?
Some of the common problems with 1961 Jaguar E-Types include rust, electrical problems, and engine problems. It is important to have a 1961 Jaguar E-Type inspected by a qualified mechanic before purchasing one.
What is the value of a 1961 Jaguar E-Type today?
The value of a 1961 Jaguar E-Type today depends on a number of factors, including the condition of the car, the mileage, and the trim level. In general, 1961 Jaguar E-Types are worth between $100,000 and $500,000.
Conclusion
The 1961 Jaguar E-Type was a revolutionary car when it was first released. It was one of the first sports cars to be equipped with disc brakes on all four wheels, and it had a sleek and aerodynamic design. The E-Type was also relatively affordable, which made it popular with a wide range of buyers. The E-Type was an instant success, and it quickly became one of the most popular sports cars in the world. It was praised for its performance, handling, and design. The E-Type was also a favorite with celebrities, and it was featured in a number of movies and TV shows. The E-Type was produced until 1974, and during its production run, over 70,000 E-Types were produced. The E-Type is now a classic car, and it is one of the most sought-after collector cars in the world. The 1961 Jaguar E-Type faced competition from other iconic sports cars of the era, such as the Aston Martin DB4, Ferrari 250 GT, and Porsche 356. However, the E-Type was able to set itself apart from its competitors with its combination of performance, affordability, and style.
