60s Classic: Jaguar E-type

By Thomas Curry and Nina Zietman

The 60’s was known for its iconic style, but there is little that captures this more so than the Jaguar E-type. It typifies a certain freedom and creativity in design that is so characteristic of the era. I don’t have a particularly strong interest in cars, but this stands out for me because the designers of the Jaguar E-type worked hard to create something that was not only technologically advanced, but which also had a strong aesthetic appeal; and it is precisely this fusion of functionality and form that keeps it so unique. Modelled as one smooth curve, even the overly long bonnet and compact rear, when coupled with low leather seats and a polished oak dashboard give the car an air of relaxed refinement which makes it so quintessentially British and of its time.

Voted in 2008 by the Daily Telegraph as the number one “most beautiful car of all time”, it’s no wonder that so many covet the E-type, even when there is such a vast range of modern supercars on the market today. It oozes cool sophistication, so reminscent of the Swinging Sixties. In the words of the great Austin Powers, “it’s shagadelic baby, yeah!”