The Jaguar E-Type has been voted Best British Car Ever in a poll conducted at the inaugural Classic & Sportscar – The London Show last weekend, beating out Mini, McLaren F1 and more.
THE JAGUAR E-TYPE has been voted the Best British Car Ever by visitors to the inaugural Classic & Sportscar – The London Show which finished up yesterday (Sunday 1 November). According to the event organisers, “thousands of votes” were cast with the E-Type winning from a shortlist of cars that also included: McLaren F1, Mini, Bentley Speed Six, Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost plus other British icons such as the original Range Rover and Jaguar’s own XKSS.
When he heard about the win, John Edwards, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations, said: “This a fantastic accolade for one of Jaguar’s most recognisable models ever built. The Jaguar Heritage business aims to support loyal and passionate customers so that models such as the E-type can continue to be maintained and enjoyed across the generations. The fact that it has captured the most votes in a global public vote is a testament to its status as one of the world’s most iconic sportscars and now, officially, as the Best British Car Ever.”
Jaguar originally intended for the E-Type to compete exclusively as a racecar, however, it quickly developed into a road-going grand tourer and sportscar with an open two-seater or fixed-head coupe available. The car was officially unveiled at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show and was an instant hit, with a raft of celebrity owners, including Steve McQueen, George Best, Sir Jackie Stewart, Brigitte Bardot and Frank Sinatra.
It was (is) a magnificent car. I owned a new 1971 ragtop, a year in which both the 4.2 liter 6 cylinder and the V-12 were offered. I opted for the 4.2 liter 6. My dad, an auto mechanic, told me “never buy the ‘debut year’ on any car…they’re full of problems that won’t be resolved until later models.” He was right, the 4.2 I bought ran like a dream, no problems ever … while I heard many reports of V-12 owners complaining about “snapped axels” (a major problem) and other issues. If I remember correctly, Enzo Ferrari said it was the “prettiest car ever built” and a lot of people agree with him….simply beautiful to look at, and beautiful to drive…..