Abhinand Venugopal on Unsplash
Look up any list of the most beautiful cars in the world and you'll see one name repeated over and over again. It isn't a sleek Ferrari or a curvaceous Bugatti or even the classic Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. No, according to just about every automotive news outlet or hobbyist, the most beautiful car ever made is the Jaguar E-Type.
A Speeding Bullet
First presented in 1961, this sleek two-seater sent shockwaves throughout the automotive world, changing the definition of "sports car" for the better. With its' elongated hood, sleek curves, and low body, the E-Type is just as cool now as it was sixty years ago. Enzo Ferrari was said to have called it "the most beautiful car ever made" and if anyone knew cars, it was him.
This bullet-like car was made to bridge the gap between competition and everyday driving. The lines are fluid yet powerful thanks to months of aerodynamic research that went into the design.You could just as easily imagine a young professional hopping out of his roadster in a busy London street as you could a movie star couple skirting around the French Riviera.
In a story which has since become legend, the E-Type almost didn't make it to its first press showing! Jaguar exec Bob Berry drove it from Coventry to Geneva in a 17-hour sprint, arriving just 20 minutes before the press conference was set to begin. Berry called it "the most incredible journey".
Beauty & Brawn
Pandemonium ensued after the prototype was revealed to the public. The E-Type resembled other coupes on the market, yet it was entirely different from the first moment in blazed onto the scene. Notably, it had aired-in headlights and a centered twin exhaust.
Every sports car to hit the market since, whether consciously or not, has chased the E-Type's success. Though many have tried, nobody has succeeded—at least not on the same scale. Though the E-Type has an undeniably pretty face, its success can't entirely be chalked up to its good looks.
Underneath that endless hood was a deceptively muscular engine. At 4.2 liters and 265 horsepower, the Jaguar E-Type could reach up to 150 mph. The race-inspired design also included disc breaks, independent rear suspension and a monocoque chassis.
One of the most astounding features of the E-Type was its weight. Despite the hefty engine, the E-Type weighed nearly 500 lbs less than the XK 150, which had the same engine. This lightweight package not only made the E-Type faster, but also more agile, taking tight corners and winding roads with ease.
Something else that set the E-Type apart was its price. While these cars aren't cheap today, they were a steal back in 1961. At its launch, the E-Type retailed for just £2,250—adjusted for inflation and converted to USD, that's around $58K, not too high for a new car, especially considering the car you're getting.
A Lasting Legacy
A similar model by Aston Martin would cost at least twice that, three times for a Ferrari! When you factor in the speed, handling, and beauty into the equation, the deal buyers got in 1961 is almost unbelievably today. The E-Type showed that a beautiful, quality sports car didn't need to break the bank.
The first time Frank Sinatra laid eyes on the E-Type he demanded one of his own. Peter Sellers and Britt Ekland sped around England in a custom Fiesta red E-Type. Arguably the most famous fictional Brit of all, apart from King Arthur, James Bond, briefly swapped out his Aston Martins for an E-Type in Thunderball.
With looks like this along with the power and legacy to back it up, how could you possibly deny the E-Type's legend status? Getting your hands on one—especially a 1961 Series 1—without selling a kidney is difficult, but, boy would it be worth it to jet around in one of these beauties.
So, is the Jaguar E-Type the most beautiful car ever made? We've made our thoughts clear on the matter. What are yours?
