E-Type to mark 50th at Goodwood 08 | 03 | 2011

TO CELEBRATE 50 years of the Jaguar E-Type, the iconic car will take centre stage — literally — at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. The E-Type will be the subject of the annual ‘Central Feature’ which sits proudly in the form of a commemorative statue in front of Goodwood House.

Scot Ian Callum, Jaguar's current design director, paid tribute to the design of the E-Type which formed the DNA of subsequent models.

"The Jaguar E-type was a leader in design and handling in the 1960's and '70's and it is a car that maintains a sense of magic," the Dumfries-born designer said. "It's a British icon and testament to Sir William Lyons and Malcolm Sayer.

"The influence of the E-type runs through the veins of Jaguar design and as we developed our new XKR-S we continued the passion for creating beautiful fast cars that brought the E-type to life 50 years ago."

A further celebration of the 50th anniversary of the launch of the E-Type will be marked by the incorporation of a special class for E-Types in the Cartier ‘Style et Luxe’ concours d’elegance. And just to top the celebrations, a number of memorable racing examples will be in action on the hillclimb throughout the weekend.

The first E-Type was launched by Jaguar at the Geneva Motor Show 50 years ago this month.

CLICK HERE to see our video marking 50 years of the E-Type

CLICK HERE to read our roadtest of the latest Jaguar XJ

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Jim McGill