1968 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 1/2 4.2-Litre Roadster
Specifications
Drivetrain: Front-engine, rear wheel drive
Engine: 4,235 cc DOHC inline 6-cylinder engine
Horsepower: 265 bhp
Transmission: 4-speed manual
A Little History
Jaguar’s business was founded as the Swallow Sidecar Company in 1922, originally making motorcycle sidecars before developing bodies for passenger cars. The Jaguar E-Type, or Jaguar XK-E for the North American market, was manufactured by Jaguar Cars Ltd. between 1961 and 1975.At a time when most cars had drum brakes, live rear axles, and mediocre performance, the E-Type sprang on the scene with 150 mph top speed and a sub-7 second 0–60 time, monocoque construction, disc brakes, rack and pinion steering, independent front and rear suspension, and unrivaled looks.
The Design The aptly named “Series 1½” E-Type was introduced before the advent of the second generation of the E-Type.It combines the 4.2-liter engine and handsome body style of its predecessor, with many changes more commonly associated with its successor Series 2.
These changes included most significantly twin Zenith-Stromberg carburetors (instead of the original three), twin cooling fans, adjustable seats, and, most notably, open headlights. The Series 1 1/2s also included four-wheel Dunlop disc brakes, with the rear discs fitted next to the differential to reduce un-sprung weight, and most importantly, fully independent suspension on all four wheels.
Did You Know? On its release, Enzo Ferrari called it “the most beautiful car ever made.”
