The e-type jag is one of the most beautiful sports cars ever produced. Even those who don’t care for the aeronautical modernity of its design can’t help but fall in love with its sweeping curves and sensuous lines.

The E-Type evolved from the D-type, a road car which William Heynes’ team had produced for Jaguar’s 1957 competition season. Its monocoque design, fully independent rear suspension, XK engine and Lucas fuel injection were a complete match for Heynes’ driving philosophy: “You can’t make a good racer without a good racing engine.”

When the E-type was first shown at Geneva in March 1961, it was presented as two-seat coupe (FHC), and an open two-seater roadster (OTS). Engineers developed a stressed-steel body from the D-type; electric cooling fan, power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes on the front and independent rear suspension were standard.

The Jaguar E-Type: A Comprehensive Guide to the Iconic Sports Car

Upon release, the E-type became one of the most popular sports cars in the world. Its 3.8-liter straight-six produced 265 hp.

This was an enormous improvement over the 3.2-liter V-8 of its predecessor, and the redesigned, dual-overhead cams and triple SU carburetors gave it more oomph. But smog and safety laws, coupled with Leyland’s drive to lower prices, reduced power to a more modest 250 hp.

The E-type has a loyal following worldwide, and the Jaguar Classic division is working to bring its vintage beauty back to life. It has just released its latest restoration-modification project.