When the e type jaguar was unveiled at the Geneva Salon in 1961 no less a car person than Enzo Ferrari called it “the most beautiful car ever made.”

It didn’t take long for it to make an impact on the Swinging Sixties. It was sung about in surf music, sported by beauties like Brigitte Bardot and bad boys such as Steve McQueen and Keith Richards.

Jaguar’s 4.2-liter straight-six engine transformed the E-type into a more refined sports coupe, making it one of the world’s fastest production cars at the time. The 4.2 also changed the way it felt to drive, with a much more refined gearbox and a smoother ride than its predecessor, despite its bigger engine size.

The Top 10 Jaguar E-Type Models of All Time

While a good Series 1 E-type will cost a pretty penny these days, a well restored Series 2 will be more affordable. Although they’re not quite as fast or as comfortable as their Series 1 counterparts, they’re still a decent purchase if you can afford to pay a bit more than what most modern drivers would spend on a comparable modern car.

Bodywork & Interiors

The E-type’s unibody construction requires specialized skills to work on, especially when it comes to replacing rust and accident damage that has occurred to the chassis or frame. This makes it essential to seek an expert before you buy an E-type and ensure you know the car inside and out.

It’s no secret that the E-type is a true rolling art piece, but if you plan on owning one it’s vital to be cold heartless and ultra logical in your evaluation of any potential purchase. That’s something that will save you from the pitfalls and disappointment later.