Jaguar celebrates E-type’s 60th anniversary with 6 matched models

Jaguar Classic will celebrate the 60th anniversary of what Enzo Ferrari called the world’s most beautiful car design by producing six limited-edition matched sets inspired by the iconic E-types that debuted at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show. 

Known as the E-type 60 Collection, each set will include a fixed-head coupe inspired by the “9600HP” car from the Geneva show stand and a roadster inspired by the “77 RW” Geneva car. The collection coupes will get Flat Out Grey paint and Smooth Black leather interiors while the roasters will have Drop Everything Green paint and suede green leather interiors.

The cars also will wear commemorative E-type 60 logos by Jaguar design director Julian Thompson. 

Center consoles in the collection cars will feature engraved artwork by Johnny “King Nerd” Dowell celebrating epic road trips undertaking by Jaguar test driver Norman Dewis and company publicist Bob Berry, who drove the original pair — Dewis in the roadster, Berry in the coupe — from England to Geneva for the official unveiling.

Berry drove the coupe to the show, but there were so many requests from the media to drive the car that Jaguar founder William Lyons sent a message to Dewis back in England to “drop everything” and drive the roadster to Geneva in time for the show.

The 60 Edition vehicles will have 265-horsepower 3.8-liter inline 6-cylinder Jaguar XK engines linked to specially developed, close-ratio 5-speed manual transmissions. The cars also have electronic ignition, upgraded engine cooling systems, stainless steel exhaust, and an infotainment system with satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity.

“Sixty years after its unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961, the talented team at Jaguar Classic are releasing the ultimate birthday present to the E-type: the E-type 60 Collection,” Jaguar Classic director Dan Pink was quoted in Jaguar’s news release. 

“The attention to detail demonstrates how this project has been a labor of love for our designers, engineers, craftspeople and partners. Exquisite detailing combined with enhanced usability ensure these E-type vehicles will be coveted and enjoyed for decades to come by their discerning owners, starting with a once-in-a-lifetime Coventry to Geneva pilgrimage for our six customers and their guests in Summer 2022.”

Jaguar noted in its announcement “The most significant mechanical upgrade is a specially developed, five-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh, helical cut gears, and a reinforced cast aluminum casing designed to deliver enhanced reliability and greater durability, as well as closer gear ratios and smoother gear changes.”

The 60 Edition cars get a light beech-rimmed steering wheel as fitted to 1961 vehicles, but with a 24-carat gold horn button. Each vehicle also gets a tailor-made E-type 60 car cover, tool roll and jack storage bags.