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Jaguar E-type Series 111 Roadster
| Make: | Jaguar | Model: | E-type Series 111 | |||
| Body Style: | Convertible | Engine: | 5.3 V12 | |||
| Year: | 1974 | Band: | 6 | |||
| Seating: | 2 | Transmission: | 4 spd Man |
272 bhp V12 5.3 litre engine, with the longest bonnet this side of the Atlantic
In 1961 the Jaguar E-type 3.8 captured the worlds imagination with its stunning pure lines, incredible turn of speed and delicate handling. Over the subsequent years the model developed, gaining a 4.2 litre engine a more refined all synchro gearbox and more comfortable cockpit.
By 1971 the E-type was no longer the ground breaker it had been a decade before. Many early series one cars were rotting away and the range needed serious a overhaul if it were to survive. To this end Jaguar took the decision to develop an incredible V12 engine for the car. This was monumental, as a mass production V12 had not been seen since Lincoln in 1948. The light aluminium twelve weighed barely more than the in line six it replaced.
It was a bold move and one which paid off as sales soared once again. The car lost its outright sporting edge, but gained incredibly smooth, refined power, the like of which had never been seen before in a production car. The V12 engine went on to power saloons in the Jaguar/Daimler range and in 1975 even found its way into the E-types radical successor, the XJS.
In accordance with the flamboyant style of the era, the car became squatter, with wider arches, now being filled by broad tyres. The front of the car took on a new appearance with a large grill and air scoop. This resulted in the loss of the uncluttered, feminine grace, of the original in favour of a more aggressive posture.
The car softened overall, with a luxurious interior and heavily padded seats, cosseting its inhabitants. The near 150 mph car had become a two seater grand tourer. With performance to match the likes of the vastly more expensive and less refined Aston Martins of the day, vast distances could be cover in comfort and speed.
