Most beautiful car ever designed

For many, the Jaguar E-type is a car of superlatives. If you know that even the late Enzo Ferrari said that the E-type was the most beautiful car ever designed, that’s already saying something.

That Autoworld Brussels is our favourite car museum probably did not escape you. So we try to visit every exhibition and make a short report of it. This was also the case for the E-type exhibition.

60th birthday – you don’t just let that pass.

1961 was the year when the prototype “77RW” was introduced to the general public at the Geneva Motor Show. This entirely hand-built “pre-E-type” had been driven all the way to Geneva by Norman Dewis. Dewis was one of Jaguar’s most legendary development and test engineers. So 60 years of Jaguar E-type at Autoworld was an obvious exhibition.

D-type genes

The development of the E-type was partly based on the successful D-type racing car. Jaguar won a number of victories with the D-type, including three victories in the Le Mans 24 Hours between 1955 and 1957.

Rij je even mee?

Many people know that we can be found on the race track regularly. If you have been following us for a while, you also know that we have a YouTube channel. And we regularly post videos online. One of the first ever posted was aboard a 1962 E-type. We’ve edited out the most exciting part, so be sure to take a look.

Lightweight

Above is a replica of the famous 1969 Lightweight. This rare version (only 12 built) is based on a Series 2 chassis. The 4.2 L engine has been bored out to 4.7 L. It has special camshafts, 3 Webers, a Tremac 5 speed gearbox, a cylinder head from Rob Beere Racing, magnesium knock-off “D-type” rims, a customised exhaust, roll cage, extra large brakes, a racing differential, electronic power steering and adjustable suspension.

Racing car DNA

Originally, the E-type was designed as a racing car. Fortunately, it quickly evolved into a pure sports car, type Grand Tourismo. That origin is never far away, because the E-type can be found at just about every classic car event. Sometimes as an ordinary GT, but very often on the race track, where they certainly attract attention. Its body style is the work of aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer. The photo above was taken at the Spa-Six Hours in 2019.

Two important versions

Originally, the E-type was marketed as an open two-seater or as a sporty closed fastback. Both versions had a similar chassis, a self-supporting structure with an auxiliary chassis at the front. The power source was the 3.8 litre, 265 hp engine that had proved its worth in the Jaguar XK. Over the years, new and more powerful variants, including the 5.3 litre V12, have come onto the market.

Competitively priced

At its launch, the E-type was almost as fast and beautiful as a Ferrari. However, the E-type cost only a third of the price. This explained its almost instant success, particularly in the American market. The E-type was a sports car that could reach speeds of 240 km/h for as little as £2,000. When you look at the current prices of an E-type, it was a good investment from day one.

Want to know more about the exhibitions in Autoworld?

Report & photos: Patrick Verheeken