London Concours to pay homage to Jaguar E-type

The London Concours will showcase one of Britain’s greatest automotive treasures, Jaguar E-type, at the Honourable Artillery Company, from June 4 to 6.

The second day of the event in the heart of the city will pay homage to the creation described by Enzo Ferrari as “the most beautiful car ever made”. Supported by Jaguar, London Concours will offer an insight into the evolution of a very British icon. A collection of exemplary models spanning E-type’s illustrious production history will be on display, including 10 significant cars presented by Jaguar.

These spectacular examples are sourced from across the Jaguar Classic private collection, as well as those meticulously built by Jaguar Classic, including the ultra-exclusive E-type ZP Editions.

From the early flat-floor Series 1 cars to the later V12 models and the sought-after ‘lightweight’ specials, the London Concours showcase will offer a unique opportunity to appreciate Jaguar’s design and engineering prowess.

Unveiled in 1961 at the Geneva Motor Show with two body styles – a sleek two-seater coupe and stylish two-seater convertible – and a potent 3.8-liter inline-six engine, E-type quickly captured the hearts of automotive enthusiasts with its breathtaking design and performance.

Three years later, Jaguar introduced a significant upgrade to the series 1 model by fitting it with a powerful 4.2-litre inline-six engine. This enhancement increased torque, delivering a far more refined driving experience.

The series 2 E-type debuted in 1968, elevating the Jaguar masterpiece to new heights. With a focus on enhanced performance and safety, this iteration featured larger rear lights and repositioned indicators, as well as an enlarged front grille, enhancing aesthetics and airflow.

Under the bonnet, the series 2 retained the 4.2-litre engine, ensuring stimulating performance. Inside, passengers gained upgraded seats and improved heating/ventilation systems for enhanced comfort while an optional automatic transmission provided added convenience.

E-type signed off with the series 3. Revealed in 1971, the third era brought a bold change. At its heart was a formidable V12 engine, boasting a 5.3-litre capacity and 272hp. Despite some disappointment from the inline-six purists, this mechanical evolution improved performance and featured in E-type until the end of production in 1974.

Throughout its run, E-type gained acclaim for its combination of stunning design, high performance, and relatively accessible price, becoming a symbol of automotive excellence. Special editions and aftermarket modifications further diversified the E-type landscape.

“We are excited to introduce our Jaguar E-Type showcase to this year’s event,” said Managing Director, London Concours, Andrew Evans. “The London Concours prides itself on spotlighting the most iconic and timeless automobiles, and the Jaguar E-Type undeniably stands as a pinnacle of automotive interest. We look forward to delving into the rich history and legacy of a car that has shaped the design landscape since its unveiling. With its iconic silhouette and outstanding engineering, the E-Type continues to captivate enthusiasts.”

Managing Director, Jaguar Classic, Paul Barritt, said the word ‘iconic’ is often overused, but in the case of E-type, there can be no disputing that it applies. “E-type is a genuine cultural icon and remains one of the most beautiful cars in the world. We are thrilled to be able to celebrate its legacy half-a-century on from the end of its production,” he added.

“As we reimagine Jaguar as an all-electric luxury brand from 2025, Jaguar Classic proudly supports owners with a full suite of services for their custodianship, as well as offering the best examples of the world’s most recognisable classic sports car for sale.”