The result was the E-Type. 

Introduced to a stunned world in March 1961 at the Geneva motor show, its racing heritage was clear. The shape and many of its structural features were direct adaptations of the D-type Le Mans racers, yet this was a car designed and built for the road and at a price that left its competitors at Aston Martin and Ferrari in near despair. The E-Type was destined to have a fourteen-year production life over a variety of models and with numerous mechanical and trim changes.

• Series 1 3.8

  The triple SU carburetted 6-cylinder engine from the Jaguar XK150S and the Moss ‘non-synchro first’ gearbox. 

• Series 1 4.2

  The all-new 4.2-litre engine mated to a Jaguar all-synchromesh 4-speed gearbox 

• Series 2 4.2

  The Series 2 bought further refinements and changes in detail styling. 

• Series 3 V12

  The Series 3 was a much-revised model that was introduced in June 1971 and ran to 1974.