Jaguar E-Type

You can't talk about British Classic Roadsters without making mention fon the Jaguar E-Type. Launch at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961, it stole the show, with Enzo Ferrari describing the new Jaguar as the most beautiful car in the world.

In its early design, the Jaguar E-Type took its styling from the D-Type Le Mans racers. However, the E1A prototype of 1957 is where the E-Type's takes shape. The Malcolm Sayer styled E1A was smaller than the final production E-Type and had a 2.4-litre engine, showcasing the new independent rear suspension design. Subsequent prototypes refined the E-Type's shape and dimensions, and the car grew larger to accommodate the American market.

Jaguar continued to develop the E-Type road car by fitting the larger 4.2-litre engine in 1964. When the Series 3 was introduced in 1971, it had a 5.3-litre V12 engine, updated brakes and standard power steering.

Jaguar built some E-Types as a coupe and 2+2 cars, and though these models weren't exactly roadsters, the convertible version is the most numerous of the E-types, with almost 34,000 produced across all generations. 

With its stylish lines and racing pedigree, it is no wonder that the Jaguar E-Type is often considered one of the greatest sports cars of all time.

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