The jaguar e type for sale is one of the most iconic cars ever to be produced. It was a sensation when it was launched in 1961 and although the UK car industry was in recession, it proved to be a big hit.

The car had a new body designed by Malcolm Sayer and was available as either a roadster or fixed head coupe (FHC). It was the first Jaguar to be fitted with Independent Rear Suspension (IRS), which made the ride and handling second to none.

It was also the first to be fitted with disc brakes. These were developed with Dunlop and were a huge success on the highly competitive Le Mans winning C-type and D-types.

Driving the Jaguar E-Type: A Classic Experience

This was a crucial development for Jaguar as it meant the car could compete in racing events such as the famous 24 hour race at Le Mans, where it won on three occasions from 1955 to 1957.

As a racing car, the e type had to be light and agile in order to perform well on the circuit. It was therefore decided to develop a race version of the car, known as the Lightweight E-type.

The original prototype – the E1A – was built by Malcolm Sayer in 1958 and was based on a monocoque design by William Heynes, technical director of Jaguar at the time. It had a cast iron cylinder block, an XK engine and an independent rear suspension.

It was intended for racing, and it went on to compete in the 1960 Le Mans 24-hour race where it was entered by American Jaguar distributor Briggs Cunningham. It was then retired from competition and was replaced by a second prototype, the E2A, which was based on a steel chassis with an aluminium body.