E-Type turns 50

2011 sees the 50th anniversary of the iconic Jaguar E-Type.

The E-Type was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961, where it caused a sensation and set new standards in automotive performance and design, being capable of speeds of 150mph yet at a far lower cost – £2,256 and 15s including purchase tax – than other supercars of the day.

Over 70,000 E-Types were sold during the car’s 14-year production run, becoming synonymous with London and the Swinging Sixties and with famous owners including George Best, Brigitte Bardot and Tony Curtis; there’s even a model on permanent display in New York’s Museum of Modern Art.