Jaguar unveiled the E-Type sports car at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show.
The E-Type, known as the XK-E in North America, was introduced as a road-going sports car with styling by Malcolm Sayer. Its design combined a long bonnet, a short rear section, and a smoothly shaped body with engineering influenced by Jaguar’s successful racing cars.
The car used a front-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive. Early versions were powered by Jaguar’s 3.8-litre inline-six engine and used disc brakes, independent rear suspension, and a monocoque structure with a front subframe. The combination of appearance, performance, and comparatively competitive pricing made the model especially influential.
Enzo Ferrari reportedly called it “the most beautiful car ever made,” although that quotation is commonly repeated with varying sourcing. The E-Type was offered in roadster, fixed-head coupé, and later 2+2 forms. It remained in production until 1975, with later cars receiving larger engines and updated equipment.