1961 Jaguar XK-E

The sensational new Jaguar XK-E made its debut at the New York International Auto Show in April 1961. This showing of the car was accompanied by all the pomp and circumstance Jaguar - and the auto show management - could muster, an acknowledgement of the importance of the U.S. market to Jaguar.

To say the two models shown - roadster and fastback coupe - were the show sensations is an understatement. Powered by Jaguar's then traditional DOHC inline six (as used in the XK-150S models), the new E-Type was clearly the performance match of any production car available in America. A fuel-injected Corvette would win the drag race, but the Jag had a higher top speed and a lot comfort.

Specifications

Base price:
Engine:
Horsepower:
Induction:
Transmission:
Curb weigh:
0-60 mph:
Quarter mile:

$5595 (1961)
231 ci DOHC I-6
265 @ 5500 rpm
Three sidedraft SU carbs
4-speed man.
2720 lb
7.4 sec.
15.2 sec/94.0 mph