The Most Famous Car in the World The Story of the First E-Type Jaguar

It is difficult now to imagine the impact which the Jaguar E Type had when it launched back in 1961. When the average saloon had a top speed of around 70mph and most were desperately dull, the E type was a revelation and the few examples manufactured in 1961 were literally mobbed. Pre-empting computer aided design, pre-empting aerodynamicist Malcolm Sager uniquely applied complex mathematical formulae to create the stunning E type shape. Ironically this intriguing man hated to be called a stylist, yet he designed what was arguably the most beautiful car ever seen. Today, manufacturers build hundreds of prototypes when developing a new car. Jaguar built just a handful of E Types prior to launch. All were scrapped bar one which was registered 9600HP. This car did extensive high speed testing on the newly opened M1, was the car that launched the E Type at Geneva in 1961, and was then road tested by virtually every newspaper and magazine. It was the original, and only (due to a few secret modifications) I 50mph E-type. Driven by Stirling Moss amongst others, it had a fascinating early life and a succession of interesting owners. This is the story of the car's life, the people who created and built this car, the subsequent history, its lapse into decay and its magnificent resurrection. It is written by Philip Porter, the world's leading expert on the legendary E type Jaguar; who has owned 9600HP for 21 years.