Jaguar’s iconic E-Type celebrates its 50th anniversary

The celebrations for the 50^th anniversary of the E-Type Jaguar got into full swing in London yesterday, helped along by a couple of familiar faces.

Legendary test driver renowned for his connection to Jaguar, and the E-Type sports car in particular, 91-year-old Norman Lewis, and the only man to win the World Championships on four and two wheels, John Surtees, kicked off the celebration behind the wheel of a vintage 1961 E-Type Jaguar.

F1 Champion John Surtees described how the sleek sports car was a “must have” in the 60’s as previously, motorists had associated these superbly designed models with German and Italian manufacturers, and so the E-Type was one of the first British designed models to really set the pulses racing.

The design of the E-Type has endured 50 years and is still regarded by many experts to be the finest sports car design ever created.

A 1961 model which has been recently restored to an immaculate standard was loaned from the Classic Motor Museum in Bridgnorth especially for the event.

In a fitting tribute to the celebrated design of the E-Type Jag, the celebrations took place yesterday (February 8^th) at London’s Design Museum. Also on display at the function was one of the original press cars from the 60’s, the E-Type 77 RW, which was kindly loaned by Jaguar Heritage.

A number of these classic Jaguar sports cars will remain on display at the museum in London until the beginning of March.