Jaguar E-type S3 V12 Coupe

The Jaguar E-Type was originally designed as a rear-wheel-drive grand tourer, available as a fixed-head coupé (FHC) and as an open two-seater (OTS). Within a few years, a longer wheelbase 2+2 version was also introduced. Series 1 was first unveiled to the public in 1961, and right after the new sports car was presented, rival Enzo Ferrari made his now-historic remark: “I think it’s the most beautiful car ever made.” That settled it — the Jaguar E-Type became a favorite among the rich and beautiful.

Thanks to its reasonable price, the car was also accessible to a much wider audience than, for example, the Ferrari 250 GT. The Jaguar E-Type was produced in three different model series under the collective names: “Series 1,” “Series 2,” and “Series 3.” Additionally, there exists a transitional model between Series 1 and 2, unofficially known as “Series 1½.”

The very first E-Type Jaguar to officially come off the production line was an open-top car with a 3.8-liter inline-six engine, and it was immediately tested by the British car magazine The Motor. The test recorded a top speed of 149.1 mph (240.0 km/h) and an acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 7.1 seconds. These were record-breaking results for the time and clearly demonstrated that this beautiful car was also technically capable.

“Series 3” models were the first to use Jaguar’s new 5.3-liter V12 engine, along with a fully updated braking and steering system. Series 3, produced between 1971 and 1974, was available only in the longer-wheelbase 2+2 coupé and convertible versions.