Profile: 80 | Jaguar E-type 3.8 Series 1 1961 to 1964

Jaguar's perfect moment, the E-type sportscar is one of the symbols of the British car industry. Produced from 1961 to 1964. Originally fitted with a 640-15 crossply tyre, a suitable radial replacement would be 185HR15.

When it comes to sensational car launches, few can match the excitement that surrounded the unveiling of the Jaguar E-Type at the 1961 Geneva motor show. At first the Jaguar E-Type featured a 3.8-litre straight-six engine and came in coupé for roadster forms, but a 4.2-litre unit was fitted from 1964 and in 1966 a 2+2 edition was introduced, with a stretched wheelbase and raised roof line to accommodate occasional rear seats.

The Series 1 ½ of 1967 dispensed with the headlight fairings fitted to earlier cars and the engine was modified to meet American emissions regulations. Just a year later the Series 2 arrived, designed to meet US safety regulations so there were now wrap-around bumpers, bigger sidelights (now below the bumper) and less power.

The big change happened in 1971 with the introduction of the longer and wider E-Type Series 3 which swapped the straight-six engine for a 5.3-litre V12. Offered only in roadster and 2+2 forms, the E-Type Series 3 was built until 1974.