The Jaguar E Type was first designed and displayed to the general public as a real grand tourer in a two-seater coupe (FHC or Fixed Head Coupe) and as a convertible (OTS or Open Two Seater) in the United States. The 2+2 model with a modified wheelbase length was released several years later. On its intital release Enzo Ferrari dubbed it as "The most beautiful motor car ever built".

The Jaguar E Type was manufactured in 3 distinct models known as "Series 1", "Series 2" and the later "Series 3". A not commonly known series between Series 1 and Series 2 is unofficially called "Series 1 1/2". In addition, there were several limited-edition models produced:

The "Lighter E Type" which was generally regarded as a sort of follow-up to the original Jaguar D-Type. The car maker intially intended to build eighteen units but in the end only about 12 were ever built. Of those, one was reportedly destroyed and the other two cars were converted to coupes. These particular versions are extremely rare and most sought after by avid car collectors.

The version known as the "Low Drag Coupe" was really a one-off unit eventually being sold to a Jaguar racing enthusiast. This particular car is believed to be part of a racing drivers private collection.

Series 1 (1961-1968)

Body styles - 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible, 2-door 2+2 coupe. Engines: 3.8 L XK I6, 4.2 L XK I6. Transmissions: 4-speed manual, 3-speed automatic (1966-onward, 2+2 model only). Wheelbase: 96.0 in (2438 mm) (FHC/OTS) 105.0 in (2667 mm) (2+2). Length: 175.3125 in (4453 mm) (FHC/OTS) 184.4375 in (4685 mm) (2+2). Width: 65.25 in (1657 mm) (all). Height: 48.125 in (1222 mm) (FHC) 50.125 in (1273 mm) (2+2) 46.5 in (1181 mm) (OTS). Curb weight: 2,900 lb (1,315 kg) (FHC) 2,770 lb (1,256 kg) (OTS) 3,090 lb (1,402 kg) (2+2).

The Series 1 was first built for export only, in the year of March 1961. The local market initial release came almost four months later in July of 1961.

The Jaguar E Type at this time period mainly used the "triple SU carburetted" 3.8 litre 6-cylinder which was the Jaguar XK6 engine from the XK150S. The first of the 500 cars manufactured had flat floors and external bonnet latches. To locate one of these cars today is quite rare and deems them to be extemely valuable especially in the eyes of collectors. Not long after that, the floor of the vehicles were dished-like in order to provide much more leg room. Also, the 3.8 litre engine was increased to 4.2 litres in October of 1964.

jaguar E Types included independent coil spring rear suspension with torsion bar front ends. A modern component of the car at that time was the introduction of four wheel disc brakes, and in-board at the rear which were power-assisted. The car maker was one of the very first car makers to equip their cars with disc brakes all round as standard. This was as early as the XK150 model in the year of 1958. It's interesting to note that "Series 1" can be easily recognised by its glass covered headlights which were used through to the year of 1967.

It's also interesting to note that the 3.8 litre versions of the Jaguar E Type included plus leather-upholstered bucket seats, aluminium-trimmed centre instrument panel and simulated leather-like console. In 1963 there was the introduction of a Moss 4-speed gearbox ("Moss box") that lacked synchromesh for the 1st gear The 4.2 litre models had the much better and more comfortable seats, improved brakes, handling and electrical systems plus an all-synchromesh 4-speed gearbox. The 4.2 litre models also had a large badge on the boot revealing it was a "Jaguar 4.2 Litre E-Type". However, the 3.8 models had a standard "Jaguar" badge. You had several options which included things like chrome spoked wheels and a unique detachable hard top for the OTS version.

To find an original E Type hard top today in relatively good condition would be a rare find indeed. To find one totally intact and with all the chrome, not to mention the original paintwork would also be somewhat difficult. Today you can locate a number of third parties who have carefully recreated the hardtop to almost exact specifications of the original car maker Jaguar. You can expect to pay anywhere from double to even triple the original cost of a canvas/vinyl soft top.

In the year 1966, a 2 plus 2 model of the coupe was released . The 2 plus 2 was available with automatic transmission. The body is approximately 9 inches (about 229 mm) in length and its roof angles were better designed with a more vertical windscreen. However, the traditional roadster remained a strict two-seater.

About at the end of production of "Series 1" and before the transitional "Series 1 1/2" was released, a few of the Series 1 Jaguar E Types were built with open headlights. The production times and dates on these particular cars varies but the right hand drive versions have been verified as far back as the year of March 1968. The relatively small number of these cars built really does make them the rarest of all Jaguar E Types.

After the "Series 1" there was a transitional versions of the Jaguar E Type manufactured during 1967 and 1968. These cars were known as "Series 1 1/2" which in many ways were externally similar to the original Series 1 cars. However, because of the regulatory authorities of America this transitional series was built with open headlights, different types of electrical switches, and an amount of de-tuning which inadvertently downgraded the twin Zenith-Stromberg carbs from the original triple SU carbs especially for the US fully exported models. A few of the "Series 1 1/2" cars had twin cooling fans and adjustable and reclining seat backs. These options were gradually introduced into Series 2

The very first production car with a 3.8 litre engine was road tested by the British magazine "The Motor" back in 1961, and it was reported that this car had a top speed of 149.1 miles per hour (almost 240.0 km/h). It could also accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) in 7.1 seconds which even by today's standards is no slouch. Fuel consumption consisted of 21.3 miles per imperial gallon (13.3 L/100 km; 17.7 mpg-US) and the car sold for 2097 pounds including statutory taxes.

Series 2 (1969-1971)

These cars had open headlights notably without nay glass covers, a full wrap-around rear bumper, re-positioned and larger front-end indicators and taillights below the bumpers. They also had much better cooling which was aided by an enlarged "mouth" along with twin electric fans and an upgraded braking system. However, Series 2 cars were de-tuned for export to the United States, but still retained the triple SUs in the United Kingdom.

The Series 2 engine is easily identified by the distinct change from smooth polished-like cam covers to a more industrial "ribbed' appearance". It's also interesting to note that the later "Series 1 1/2" cars also had ribbed cam covers. The Series 2 had a fresh, redesigned interior and dashboard and the rocker switches which adhered to U.S. health and safety regulations were now dropped for the more conventional toggle switches. Also, all of the dashboard electrical switches lost their symmetrical layout as well. Newer and more comfortable seats were also fitted as standard, and air conditioning as well as power steering was now available as factory options.

Series 3 (1971-1975)

Series III '74 Jaguar E Type Convertible (Hudson). 1974 Jaguar E Type Series III convertible (North America). Production 1971 to 1975 Body style(s) 2-door 2+2 coupe, 2-door convertible. Engine(s) 5.3 L Jaguar V12 Wheelbase 105 in (2667 mm) (both). Length 184.4 in (4684 mm) (2+2) 184.5 in (4686 mm) (OTS). Width 66.0 in (1676 mm) (2+2) 66.1 in (1679 mm) (OTS). Height 48.9 in (1242 mm) (2+2) 48.1 in (1222 mm) (OTS). Curb weight 361 lb (1,525 kg) (2+2) 3,380 lb (1,533 kg) (OTS).

When the new 5.3 L 12-cylinder Jaguar V12 engine was introduced, the E Type came with uprated brakes and standard power steering as standard. The shorter wheelbase (FHC body style) was discontinued, and the V12 was available only as a convertible and 2 plus2 coupe. The convertible had a much longer-wheelbase and a 2 plus 2 (2+2) floorplan. It was recognizable by its rather large cross-slatted front grille, flared wheel arches and a badge on the rear revealing it to be a V12 model. Interestingly, there were very few E Types built with the 4.2 litre six-cylinder. These cars were originally featured in the initial sales brochures. Most collectors agree that these cars are the rarest of all Jaguar E Types ever built.

Interestingly, in the year of 2008 a renowned British classic car enthusiast assembled what is possibly the very last ever Jaguar E Type from available parts purchased from the end-of-production surplus of Jaguar E Types in 1974.