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Jaguar takes immense pride in its rich heritage of design and sports car legacy. In celebration of the model’s 60th anniversary next year, Jaguar will be refurbishing a limited batch of 3.8-liter E-Types. This special set, known as the E-Type 60 Collection, will consist of twelve units that will be sold in pairs. These pairs are a tribute to two of the most iconic non-racing E-Types in history: the models “9600 HP” and “77 RW.” These early XKE models, adorned with Swiss plates, were the center of attention as Jaguar’s showcase cars in the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961, an event that introduced the world to a groundbreaking design icon.
The legendary tale of Jaguar’s high-speed journey to Geneva is a narrative that never fails to captivate. It vividly captures the sense of wonder that the unveiling of the E-Type instigated, solidifying its status as a design masterpiece. Despite its sophisticated and refined appearance, the arrival of these iconic cars in Geneva was far from conventional.
“A 3.8-liter Fixed-Head Coupe painted in Opalescent Gunmetal Grey with the registration ‘9600 HP’ was among the first pair of E-Types unveiled to exclusive guests at the Parc des Eaux Vives. Racing against time, public relations manager Bob Berry drove non-stop from Coventry to Switzerland the night before the launch, arriving just in time for test drives. The overwhelming demand for test rides with the E-Type led to the urgent mission for legendary Jaguar test engineer Norman Dewis to drive an iconic British Racing Green 3.8-liter roadster with the registration ’77 RW’ from Coventry to Geneva overnight.”
Jaguar
The dedicated Norman Dewis pushed the boundaries, driving his roadster at speeds reaching 150 miles per hour on treacherous Alpine roads, a feat that surpasses modern social norms but played a crucial role in establishing the E-Type as the ultimate sports car icon of the Swinging Sixties.
Norman Dewis (1920 – 2019), Jaguar
Jaguar Classic, already recognized for its “Reborn” E-Types refined to exacting standards, will feature six pairs of the 60 Collection. Each pair will include a ‘9600 HP’ coupe in Flat Out Grey and a ’77 RW’ roadster in Drop Everything Green, sporting distinctive paint finishes and special design elements exclusive to these models. The grand celebration of the E-Type’s 60th anniversary is set for March 2021.
Moreover, classic 3.8-liter Series 1 E-Types are also available in pristine condition, with Jaguar Classic open to consider enhancements like a fully synchronized gearbox, cooling upgrades influenced by the Lightweight E-Type, and front brake calipers from the 1968 Series 2 models.
1961, Jaguar
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