Introduced in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type — sold in the United States as the XKE — combined exotic styling, sophisticated engineering and remarkable performance at a price far below contemporary Ferraris and Aston Martins. During its 14-year production run, the E-Type evolved from a lightweight, relatively pure two-seat sports car into a larger, more luxurious grand tourer powered by a V12.
E-Types fall into three official generations: Series 1, Series 2 and Series 3. Within those groups are important sub-variants, including the early “flat-floor” cars, the unofficial Series 1½, the Fixed Head Coupe (FHC), Open Two Seater (OTS) roadster and 2+2 coupe. Engine displacement increased from 3.8 to 4.2 liters and ultimately to 5.3 liters with the V12, while changing U.S. regulations progressively altered the car’s lighting, interior, emissions equipment and appearance.
1961: The Original 3.8-Liter Series 1
Jaguar unveiled the E-Type at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961. Its aerodynamic shape drew heavily from Jaguar’s racing experience with the D-Type, while its mechanical specification was extraordinarily advanced for a production sports car of the period.
The E-Type used Jaguar’s 3.8-liter DOHC XK inline six, fed by three SU HD8 carburetors and rated at 265 horsepower. Drive was through a four-speed manual gearbox. Unlike most contemporary sports cars, the E-Type had four-wheel disc brakes, with the rear brakes mounted inboard, plus independent front and rear suspension.
Two body styles were initially offered: the Open Two Seater (OTS) roadster and the Fixed Head Coupe (FHC).
The earliest 1961 cars are especially distinctive. Known as flat-floor E-Types, they lacked the recessed floor sections later provided to improve legroom. Early examples also had external bonnet latches, which were quickly replaced by internal latches.
Other early characteristics included aluminum-trimmed center consoles and dashboards, toggle switches and the now-iconic glass-covered headlights.
1962: More Room, Same Basic Formula
Jaguar quickly addressed complaints about limited legroom. The flat floors disappeared, replaced by dropped footwells that gave occupants additional space.
By 1962, the internal bonnet-latch arrangement had also become standard. Mechanically, however, the basic E-Type formula remained largely unchanged: 3.8-liter XK six, triple SU carburetors, four-speed manual transmission and independent suspension.
These early 3.8-liter Series 1 cars are among the purest E-Types, combining the original covered-headlamp bodywork with the rev-happy 3.8-liter engine and early interior.
1963: Refinement of the 3.8 Series 1
Changes for 1963 were largely evolutionary. Jaguar continued improving production details and comfort while retaining the original mechanical specification.
The 3.8-liter cars still used Jaguar’s Moss four-speed gearbox, whose lack of synchromesh on first gear and relatively slow shifts are characteristic of early E-Types.
By this point, the basic Series 1 design had matured considerably from the earliest 1961 cars, making 1962–64 examples attractive to enthusiasts who want early styling without some of the peculiarities of the first-production cars.
1964: The 4.2-Liter E-Type Arrives
One of the most important E-Type changes occurred during 1964, when Jaguar enlarged the XK engine from 3,781 cc to 4,235 cc.
Nominal horsepower remained at 265, but the 4.2 produced more torque, particularly at lower engine speeds, making the car easier and more flexible to drive.
More importantly, Jaguar replaced the old Moss gearbox with a much improved Jaguar-designed four-speed, all-synchromesh transmission.
The 4.2-liter cars also received several interior changes. Seats were redesigned for improved comfort, and the dashboard identification changed from “3.8” to “4.2.”
Although purists sometimes favor the free-revving character of the 3.8, many drivers consider the 4.2-liter Series 1 the sweet spot because it combines the original covered-headlight appearance with greater torque and a significantly better transmission.
1965: Mature 4.2-Liter Series 1
For 1965, the E-Type continued with the 4.2-liter XK engine and all-synchromesh gearbox.
The two-seat roadster and Fixed Head Coupe remained the principal versions. Styling was still remarkably close to the original 1961 design, including the small grille opening, slim bumpers, taillights mounted above the rear bumper and headlights enclosed beneath glass covers.
These mid-production Series 1 cars are often considered among the most desirable E-Types for regular driving because they combine the early appearance with the mechanical improvements introduced with the 4.2-liter engine.
1966: Introduction of the 2+2
A major new body style arrived in 1966: the E-Type 2+2.
Jaguar lengthened the wheelbase by approximately nine inches to provide a small rear seat. The roofline was raised and extended, the doors became longer and the windshield was more upright. The resulting car was more practical, although many enthusiasts consider its proportions less elegant than those of the two-seat coupe.
The 2+2 also introduced another major change to the E-Type range: an optional automatic transmission. Because of space limitations, the automatic was offered only in the longer-wheelbase 2+2.
The original two-seat FHC and OTS continued alongside it.
A major practical change for the North American market was the introduction of factory-installed air conditioning, which became available on the 2+2 starting in 1966 and on two-seaters during the Series 2 production run.
1967: The Transition Toward the Series 1½
Changing U.S. safety and emissions regulations began having a significant effect on the E-Type during 1967.
The most visually important change was the elimination of the glass headlamp covers on cars destined for the U.S. market. Headlights were exposed but remained in essentially the same positions in the bonnet.
During this transitional period Jaguar also began altering switches, interior equipment and engine specifications. Because the changes did not occur simultaneously, enthusiasts commonly refer to these cars as Series 1½, although Jaguar never officially used that designation.
Late Series 1/Series 1½ cars can therefore contain an unusual mixture of early and later features.
1968: The Series 1½ and U.S. Emissions Changes
The 1968 model year brought more extensive changes, particularly for the crucial American market.
The traditional dashboard toggle switches were replaced by rocker switches to meet safety requirements. The interior lost some of the elegant appearance of the earlier cars, while other safety-related details were revised.
U.S.-market cars also lost the three SU carburetors. They received two Zenith-Stromberg carburetors, along with emissions-control equipment. Although Jaguar’s quoted figures can make comparisons confusing, the Federalized engines produced noticeably less real-world power than the earlier triple-SU specification.
The exposed headlights introduced during the transition period remained.
These transitional cars are generally known as Series 1½ E-Types and bridge the gap between the visually delicate Series 1 and the more extensively redesigned Series 2.
1969: Series 2
The Series 2 E-Type represented the first major visual redesign of the car.
The headlights remained uncovered but now sat in substantially larger openings. The grille opening was enlarged to improve cooling, and the front bumper arrangement was revised.
At the rear, the taillights moved below the bumper, resulting in a noticeably different appearance.
The Series 2 also received improved cooling, including larger air intake openings and upgraded fans — useful changes because overheating could be an issue with earlier E-Types.
Inside, rocker switches replaced the early toggle switches, seats gained head restraints on many cars and numerous safety-related changes reflected new U.S. requirements.
The Series 2 remained available as the OTS roadster, two-seat FHC and long-wheelbase 2+2.
1970: Refining the Series 2
The 1970 E-Type continued the Series 2 formula with the 4.2-liter XK six.
For American cars, twin Zenith-Stromberg carburetors and emissions equipment remained part of the specification. European-market cars generally retained the more powerful triple-SU setup.
Although Series 2 styling is less delicate than that of the original cars, the changes brought practical benefits. Cooling was improved, braking was upgraded, seats were more comfortable and the interior was better suited to everyday driving. The earlier Girling/Dunlop braking system was replaced with Girling three-pot front calipers, significantly improving stopping power and ease of maintenance.
As a result, Series 2 cars can make particularly usable E-Types, especially for owners more interested in touring than concours-level originality.
1971: From Six Cylinders to the V12
The Series 2 continued briefly into 1971 before Jaguar introduced the dramatically revised Series 3.
The defining feature of the Series 3 was an entirely new 5.3-liter V12. Equipped with four Zenith-Stromberg carburetors, the V12 provided exceptionally smooth power and strong torque.
Jaguar also simplified the body range. The short-wheelbase two-seat Fixed Head Coupe was discontinued. Series 3 buyers could choose between the Open Two Seater roadster and 2+2 coupe, but both now used the longer 2+2 wheelbase.
The wider track and larger engine required significant styling changes. The Series 3 received flared wheel arches, wider wheels and tires and a distinctive large cross-slatted grille, often described as an “egg-crate” grille.
Power steering became standard, reflecting the E-Type’s transition from lightweight sports car toward luxury grand tourer (although it was optional on manual-transmission cars in some markets, it was fitted as standard equipment on almost all U.S.-bound models and automatic variants).
1972: The V12 E-Type Matures
For 1972, the Series 3 continued with the 5.3-liter V12 and long-wheelbase chassis.
The V12 transformed the character of the E-Type. Whereas the original 3.8-liter car felt relatively light and sporting, the Series 3 emphasized effortless acceleration, smoothness and long-distance comfort.
Both manual and automatic transmissions were available, with the automatic particularly popular in the 2+2.
Four exhaust outlets, the wide stance, flared wheel arches and large grille make the Series 3 immediately distinguishable from earlier six-cylinder E-Types.
1973: Continued Series 3 Production
Changes for 1973 were comparatively minor. Jaguar continued developing emissions and safety equipment, particularly for North American cars, while the fundamental V12 specification remained unchanged.
By now the E-Type was competing in a very different market from the one it had entered in 1961. Federal regulations had added weight and complexity, while buyers increasingly expected sports cars to provide the comfort and convenience of luxury GTs.
The Series 3’s power steering, available automatic transmission, spacious 2+2 cabin and smooth V12 made it well suited to that role.
1974: The Final Full Model Year
The 1974 E-Type represented the final major production version.
U.S.-market cars acquired larger rubber bumper overriders to comply with increasingly stringent impact regulations. These substantial black bumper guards are among the easiest ways to identify late North American Series 3 cars.
Mechanically, the 5.3-liter V12 remained the centerpiece of the package.
Production was winding down, however, as Jaguar prepared the E-Type’s replacement.
1975: End of E-Type Production
Final official production ended in June 1974 (a batch of 50 Commemorative Edition roadsters was built to mark the end), though many sat in dealer inventory and were titled as 1975 models. Jaguar ultimately built more than 70,000 E-Types during the model’s production life.
Its replacement was the Jaguar XJ-S, introduced in 1975. The XJ-S abandoned the E-Type’s traditional sports-car appearance and moved decisively toward the luxury grand-touring market.
Understanding the Major E-Type Variants
The E-Type’s evolution is easiest to understand by separating it into its major configurations:
Series 1 3.8, 1961–64: The original E-Type, with 3.8-liter XK six, triple SU carburetors, Moss gearbox, covered headlights and toggle-switch dashboard. The earliest examples have flat floors, while the very first cars also have external bonnet latches.
Series 1 4.2, 1964–67: Retains the classic covered-headlamp appearance but adds the torquier 4.2-liter engine and much better all-synchromesh gearbox. Often considered the best combination of early styling and usability.
Series 1 2+2, 1966–67: Longer-wheelbase coupe with rear seats, taller roofline and available automatic transmission.
Series 1½, approximately 1967–68: Unofficial designation for transitional cars. Typically characterized by exposed headlights and a mixture of Series 1 and Series 2 equipment. U.S. versions acquired emissions controls and twin Zenith-Stromberg carburetors.
Series 2, 1969–71: Larger grille opening, exposed headlights, revised bumpers and taillights, improved cooling and numerous safety and interior changes. Still powered by the 4.2-liter XK six.
Series 3 V12, 1971–74: Major redesign around the 5.3-liter V12. All cars use the longer wheelbase and have wider tracks, flared wheel arches, power steering and the large cross-slatted grille. Offered as an OTS roadster or 2+2 coupe; the two-seat FHC was eliminated.
Across its production life, the Jaguar E-Type changed considerably in character. The 3.8-liter Series 1 is the lightest-feeling and closest to Jaguar’s original concept. The 4.2-liter Series 1 retains that celebrated appearance while adding torque and a far better gearbox. The Series 1½ and Series 2 sacrifice some of the original styling purity but provide numerous improvements in cooling, comfort and everyday usability. Finally, the Series 3 V12 is almost a different kind of automobile: wider, heavier, smoother and more luxurious, with effortless V12 performance replacing much of the raw sports-car character of the earliest E-Types.
For collectors, those distinctions matter enormously. An early flat-floor 3.8 roadster, a 1965 4.2 Fixed Head Coupe, a Series 2 2+2 and a late V12 roadster may all carry the E-Type name, but they provide substantially different driving experiences — and occupy very different positions in today’s collector-car market.
Important Sales Reviewed by SCM Experts
Each month for the past 38 years, SCM’s analysts have reviewed 5 to 7 significant cars sold at auction, and discuss what options, history, or details made that particular more or less valuable. They give their expert opinion on the market for these cars, and whether this car was well bought or well sold. If you’re thinking of purchasing a Jaguar E-type, you’ll likely find these profiles critical in helping you make the right decision.
1961 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 ConvertibleSir William Lyons’ leadership allowed Jaguar to flourish. He had appointed the gifted engineer, pilot and racing technical wizard Frank RW “Lofty” England to lead the company’s racing department. Applying his experience working with Tim Birkin’s team and the Blower Bentley cars, as well as Prince Bira’s White Mouse Stable, in preparing his ERA race […]Read more
1974 Jaguar E-Type Series III ConvertibleSir William Lyons’ slogan of “Grace, Space and Pace” is perhaps most accurately exhibited through the E-type. Arguably the most well-recognized sports car of its era, the E-type has a perfect combination of curvaceous lines and performance. This winning combination helped establish it as an instant hit, and its popularity has only grown stronger. The […]Read more
1966 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 4.2-Liter ConvertibleThis beautifully presented matching-numbers Jaguar benefits from years of ownership by a marque enthusiast followed by a premium restoration by one of the nation’s foremost E-type experts. The Jaguar was more recently sold to the consignor, a specialist in E-type refurbishments. The engine was then rebuilt with new pistons, bearings and crankshaft, and the cylinders […]Read more
1961 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Flat-Floor CoupeThis rare early E-type left the factory in November 1961 finished in Gunmetal metallic with red trim. Its late owner purchased the car from The E-type Centre, Chilcote, Staffordshire, in November 2002 (purchase receipt on file). Previously registered EMM 8, the car had been fully restored by The E-Type Centre immediately prior to delivery, as […]Read more
1961 Jaguar E-Type Series IThis extremely early, very desirable, and hard-to-find external-bonnet-latch, flat-floor E-type roadster was ordered new at the 1961 Paris Salon by Maclean’s magazine Editor Ralph Allen. The Opalescent Bronze roadster was dispatched from the factory on June 9, 1961, and exported to Canada. Chassis 875053 is the 53rd E-type roadster constructed, and the 27th left-hand-drive example, […]Read more
Cars For Sale
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Past Auction Sales – Jaguar E-type
Average Jaguar E-type Sale Price by Year from SCM’s Platinum Auction Database:
Jaguar E-type Sales from SCM’s Platinum Auction Database:
RM Sotheby's
Condition: 2
Jul 8, 2026
$107,453
Barrett-Jackson
Condition: 3
Jun 26, 2026
$38,500
Bonhams Cars
Condition: 2+
May 31, 2026
$95,200
Kruse Auctions
Condition: 3
Apr 24, 2026
$42,000
Bonhams Cars
Condition: 3+
Apr 19, 2026
$60,698
Bring a Trailer
Condition: 3+
Mar 12, 2026
$52,763
Sotheby's Motorsport
Condition: 3
Jan 30, 2026
$63,525
Bonhams Cars
Condition: 2-
Jan 29, 2026
$82,241
Artcurial
Condition: 1-
Jan 27, 2026
$227,510
Artcurial
Condition: 3+
Jan 27, 2026
$71,097
RM Sotheby's
Condition: 2-
Jan 23, 2026
$162,400
RM Sotheby's
Condition: 3+
Nov 1, 2025
$75,358
Bonhams Cars
Condition: 1-
Oct 3, 2025
$285,500
Bonhams Cars
Condition: 3+
Sep 13, 2025
$68,523
Bonhams Cars
Condition: 2-
Sep 13, 2025
$194,668
Bonhams Cars
Condition: 1
Sep 13, 2025
$143,546
Bonhams Cars
Condition: 2
Sep 5, 2025
$55,803
Bonhams Cars
Condition: 3+
Sep 5, 2025
$46,502
Bring a Trailer
Condition: 2
Sep 5, 2025
$227,500
Bonhams Cars
Condition: 2-
Aug 15, 2025
$82,880
Gooding Christie's
Condition: 1-
Aug 15, 2025
$797,000
VanDerBrink Auctions
Condition: 3+
Jun 28, 2025
$62,000
Broad Arrow Auctions
Condition: 2-
May 24, 2025
$110,467
Broad Arrow Auctions
Condition: 2-
May 24, 2025
$181,946
Barrett-Jackson
Condition: 2-
Apr 25, 2025
$55,000
RM Sotheby's
Condition: 2
Feb 28, 2025
$112,000
Bring a Trailer
Condition: 2
Feb 10, 2025
$157,500
Bonhams Cars
Condition: 3+
Jan 24, 2025
$62,720
Bonhams Cars
Condition: 3+
Jan 24, 2025
$75,040
Hemmings
Condition: 3
Nov 11, 2024
$115,360
Artcurial
Condition: 2-
Oct 27, 2024
$135,486
Bonhams Cars
Condition: 4
Oct 4, 2024
$43,680
Bonhams Cars
Condition: 2+
Oct 4, 2024
$162,400
Bring a Trailer
Condition: 2
Sep 4, 2024
$283,500
Worldwide Auctioneers
Condition: 3+
Aug 29, 2024
$105,280
Owls Head Transportation Museum
Condition: 2-
Aug 24, 2024
$71,500
Hemmings
Condition: 2
Jun 13, 2024
$144,900
RM Sotheby's
Condition: 2+
May 31, 2024
$117,600
Hemmings
Condition: 3+
May 17, 2024
$69,825
Artcurial
Condition: 2-
May 9, 2024
$125,367
Worldwide Auctioneers
Condition: 2-
Apr 26, 2024
$56,000
Bonhams Cars
Condition: 3+
Apr 14, 2024
$150,570
Bonhams Cars
Condition: 3+
Apr 14, 2024
$74,568
RM Sotheby's
Condition: 2
Mar 1, 2024
$89,600
Bonhams Cars
Condition: 2
Feb 29, 2024
$123,200
GAA Classic Cars
Condition: 2+
Feb 22, 2024
$61,020
RM Sotheby's
Condition: 2+
Jan 31, 2024
$199,400
RM Sotheby's
Condition: 2-
Jan 25, 2024
$61,600
RM Sotheby's
Condition: 2+
Dec 8, 2023
$137,200
Gooding & Co.
Condition: 2
Dec 4, 2023
$242,000
See all 179 sales of Jaguar E-type cars from SCM’s Platinum auction database.