Jag specials to celebrate the E-type’s 60th in style
JAGUAR is to mark the 60th anniversary of the E-type in 2021 by creating just six matched pairs of the iconic sports car.
Each E-type 60 Collection duo, to be made by the famous British marque’s Classic division, will pay tribute to two of the oldest and most famous models.
The 9600 HP and 77 RW registered cars played pivotal roles in the unveiling of the E-type at its world debut in Geneva in March 1961.
Jaguar PR boss Bob Berry drove the 9600 HP gunmetal grey 3.8-litre fixed-head coupe “flat out” from Coventry to Switzerland, arriving minutes before it was due to be put on show.
With an overwhelming demand for demo drives, legendary Jag engineer Norman Dewis was told to “drop everything” and take the 77 RW racing green roadster overnight to the Swiss launch party.
Media road tests proved that the E-type’s sensational performance, with a top speed of 150mph, matched its jet aircraft-inspired lines.
Every E-type 60 Edition built by the team at Jaguar’s Classic Works facility in Warwickshire will be an existing 1960s 3.8-litre E-type fully restored to an exclusive 60th anniversary tribute specification.
Each E-type 60 Collection pair will include one 9600 HP coupe and one 77 RW roadster featuring a number of 60th anniversary commemorative design details, with exclusive Flat Out Grey and Drop Everything Green paintjobs respectively.
Prices haven’t been revealed but are likely to be north of £630,000 per pair – arguably something of a steal – and they are available to order now. Prospective buyers can go to www.jaguar.com/classic to find out more.
Jaguar Classic chief Dan Pink said: “The Jaguar E-type is a genuine icon, as sensational today as the moment it was unveiled in 1961.
“It’s testament to the E-type’s advanced design and engineering that it can still be enjoyed and admired as passionately almost 60 years on.
“The E-type 60 Collection is a lasting tribute for E-type admirers, honouring the car’s legacy and the achievements of the team who created it.
“Many of them now have descendants working for Jaguar Classic today, expertly restoring, maintaining and future-proofing enjoyment for generations to come.”