Jaguar E-type Convertible 3.8 (Series1) (265 Hp)
Overall Rating
Jaguar E-type:
The Jaguar E-Type, or the Jaguar XK-E for the North American market, is a British front-engined sports car that was manufactured by Jaguar Cars Ltd from 1961 to 1974. Its sleek appearance, advanced technologies, high performance, and competitive pricing established it as an icon. The E-Type's claimed 150 miles per hour top speed, sub-7-second 0 to 60 mph acceleration, largely unitary body construction, front and rear independent suspension with disc brakes, mounted inboard at the rear, and rack-and-pinion steering spurred industry-wide changes....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Convertible Overview:
Jaguar E-type (Convertible). Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Jaguar E-type predates modern safety testing standards like Euro NCAP. While revolutionary for its time, it lacks contemporary safety features such as airbags, ABS, and advanced crumple zones.
3.8 (Series1) (265 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The original and highly revered engine, providing exhilarating performance and a raw, engaging driving experience that defines the early E-type.
Fuel Economy
Similar to the 4.2L, fuel efficiency is secondary to the iconic performance and the pure driving experience in this Series 1 model.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless, iconic design
- • Strong performance (earlier I6 and V12 models)
- • Excellent driving experience and handling for its era
- • High collector's value and investment potential
- • Luxurious interior and grand touring capabilities
Cons:
- • Challenging reliability and high maintenance costs
- • Poor fuel economy across most variants
- • Lack of modern safety features
- • Series 3 styling less universally loved than Series 1/2
- • Susceptibility to rust and electrical issues
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Jaguar |
| Model: | E-type |
| Generation: | Convertible |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.8 (Series1) (265 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1961 |
| End of production: | 1964 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 265 Hp |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |












Does the Jaguar E-type live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!