1966 Jaguar XKE

The Jaguar XKE, also known as the Jaguar E-Type, is a sports car that was manufactured by Jaguar Cars from 1961 to 1975. It is considered one of the most iconic and beautiful cars ever made.

The XKE was designed by Sir William Lyons and Malcolm Sayer, and it quickly became a symbol of high performance and luxury. It was available in both coupe and convertible models, with a long, sleek body and a low slung profile.

One of the key features of the XKE was its powerful engine. It initially came with a 3.8-liter straight-six engine, which was later upgraded to a 4.2-liter engine. The XKE also had independent suspension, disc brakes, and rack-and-pinion steering, making it a true sports car in terms of performance and handling.

The interior of the XKE was luxurious and well-appointed, with leather seats, wood veneer trim, and a classic dashboard layout. The car also featured a sophisticated suspension system that provided a smooth and comfortable ride.

Over the course of its production, the Jaguar XKE underwent a few design updates, including changes to the headlights, taillights, and bumpers. However, its overall iconic design remained largely unchanged.

The Jaguar XKE was not only popular among car enthusiasts, but it also had a significant impact on popular culture. It was featured in movies like "The Italian Job" and "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery," further cementing its status as a symbol of style and sophistication.

Today, the Jaguar XKE is highly sought after by collectors and vintage car enthusiasts. It is considered a classic car and has maintained its status as one of the most beautiful and desirable sports cars ever made.

The Jaguar XKE, also known as the Jaguar E-Type, is a classic sports car produced by Jaguar from 1961 to 1975. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and iconic car designs in history. Throughout its production run, the Jaguar XKE received various updates and redesigns. Here is a breakdown of its different models, generations, and notable redesigns:

1. Series 1 (1961-1968):

   • Introduced at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, the Series 1 XKE featured a 3.8-liter straight-six engine with triple SU carburetors.
   • Over the years, the engine capacity increased to 4.2 liters.
   • Notable design features included covered headlights, glass-covered twin-headlamp in the grille, snap-in rear windows, and a flat floor design in early models.

2. Series 1.5 (1968-1971):

   • Introduced in 1968, the Series 1.5 XKE featured several changes to meet U.S. safety and emission regulations.
   • The most significant change was the replacement of the glass-covered headlights with open headlights, and the removal of the toggle switches on the dashboard in favor of more conventional rocker switches.

3. Series 2 (1968-1971):

   • Introduced concurrently with the Series 1.5, the Series 2 XKE featured various mechanical and design changes.
   • Notable design changes included larger side marker lights, a larger front grille opening, and a wrap-around bumper.
   • The engine was updated with twin Stromberg carburetors, which reduced the power output compared to the Series 1 models.

4. Series 3 (1971-1975):

   • Introduced in 1971, the Series 3 XKE featured a larger, more powerful 5.3-liter V12 engine.
   • The Series 3 also had several design changes, including flared wheel arches to accommodate wider tires, a larger air intake on the bonnet, and a revised grille.
   • The Convertible model received a new power-operated fully retractable roof.

5. Lightweight E-Type:

   • In 1963, Jaguar produced 12 lightweight versions of the XKE for racing purposes.
   • These lightweight models featured aluminum body panels, a more powerful engine, and various weight-saving measures.
   • The Lightweight E-Type is highly sought after by collectors and is considered one of the most valuable Jaguars.

6. Concept and Limited Editions:

   • Over the years, Jaguar has unveiled various concept cars and limited-edition versions of the XKE.
   • Notable examples include the Experimental Safety Vehicle (ESV) in 1965, the Low-Drag Coupe in 2014, and the Lightweight E-Type Continuation in 2014-2015.

It's worth noting that the XKE's design is so revered that Jaguar has paid homage to it in recent years with the introduction of the Jaguar F-Type, a modern sports car that draws inspiration from the XKE's iconic design.

The Jaguar XKE is powered by a range of engines, including a 3.8-liter inline-six, a 4.2-liter inline-six, and a 5.3-liter V12.

The 3.8-liter inline-six engine produces 265 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the 4.2-liter inline-six engine produces 265 horsepower and 283 lb-ft of torque. The 5.3-liter V12 engine produces 272 horsepower and 304 lb-ft of torque.

The XKE is known for its smooth and powerful acceleration, with the 5.3-liter V12 engine capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in around 6.7 seconds.

The XKE comes with a four-speed manual transmission as standard, but a three-speed automatic transmission is also available as an option.

The XKE features rear-wheel drive and a sporty suspension setup, which allows for precise handling and excellent roadholding capabilities. The car also comes with power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, which further enhances its handling characteristics.

Overall, the XKE offers a thrilling driving experience with its powerful engines and sporty handling.

The fuel economy, MPG, of the Jaguar XKE varies depending on the specific model and year.

For the most common model, the Jaguar XKE Series 1 (1961-1971), the average fuel economy is around 14-18 MPG in city driving and 18-25 MPG on the highway.

For the later models, such as the Jaguar XKE Series 2 and Series 3, the fuel economy is slightly lower due to the larger engine and heavier body. The average fuel economy for these models is around 12-16 MPG in city driving and 16-22 MPG on the highway.

It is worth noting that these are approximate fuel economy figures and can vary depending on driving conditions, maintenance, and individual driving habits.

The Jaguar XKE, also known as the Jaguar E-Type, is a classic sports car that was produced by Jaguar from 1961 to 1975. It is highly regarded for its performance and style, and it offers a comfortable and luxurious driving experience.

The interior of the Jaguar XKE is designed with a focus on comfort and elegance. It features sumptuous leather upholstery, which adds a touch of luxury to the cabin. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, providing a comfortable seating position for long drives. The dashboard is stylishly designed and features high-quality materials, giving the interior a premium feel.

The exterior of the Jaguar XKE is an iconic design that exudes sophistication and style. Its long and sleek body is characterized by its flowing lines and aerodynamic shape. The car features a low stance, which enhances its sporty appearance. It is available in both coupe and convertible body styles, allowing drivers to choose the one that suits their preferences.

In terms of comfort, the Jaguar XKE offers a smooth and refined ride. The car is equipped with a sophisticated suspension system, which effectively absorbs road imperfections and ensures a comfortable ride. The cabin is well-insulated from exterior noise, creating a serene environment for passengers. The air conditioning system is powerful and efficient, allowing occupants to easily control the temperature inside the car.

Overall, the Jaguar XKE offers a luxurious and comfortable driving experience. Its elegant interior, stylish exterior, and smooth ride make it a sought-after classic sports car.

The Jaguar XKE comes equipped with a range of infotainment and connectivity features to enhance the driving experience and keep drivers connected on the road.

One of the standout features of the XKE is the InControl Touch Pro infotainment system, which includes a 10.2-inch touchscreen display. This system allows drivers to access a range of features, including satellite navigation, smartphone integration, and Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming.

The XKE also comes equipped with a Meridian sound system, delivering a high-quality audio experience. This system includes 12 speakers strategically placed throughout the cabin, ensuring that every passenger can enjoy their favorite music with clarity and depth.

For convenience, the XKE offers USB ports and an auxiliary input, allowing drivers and passengers to easily connect their devices and enjoy their own music on the go. The car also features a CD player for those who prefer physical media.

In terms of connectivity, the XKE offers a built-in WiFi hotspot, allowing passengers to stay connected to the internet while on the move. This is especially useful for long journeys or trips where multiple passengers need to use their devices simultaneously.

Additionally, the XKE offers a range of driver assistance features, such as parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and a rearview camera. These features help to enhance safety and make parking and maneuvering easier.

Overall, the Jaguar XKE offers a range of infotainment and connectivity features to enhance the driving experience and keep drivers and passengers connected on the road.

The Jaguar XKE is a classic sports car that was produced from 1961 to 1975. While it may not have the advanced safety features of modern cars, it does have some driver-assistance features that were innovative for its time.

1. Disc Brakes: The XKE was one of the first production cars to come with disc brakes on all four wheels. This provided superior stopping power compared to drum brakes, reducing stopping distances and improving overall safety.

2. Independent Suspension: The XKE featured independent suspension on all four wheels, which provided better handling and stability compared to solid axle designs. This improved handling and control, making the car safer to drive at high speeds and around corners.

3. Rack and Pinion Steering: The XKE used rack and pinion steering, which provided precise and responsive steering control. This made it easier for the driver to maintain control of the car, particularly in emergency maneuvers.

4. Safety Glass: The XKE was one of the first cars to come with laminated safety glass as standard. This glass was designed to reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident by preventing it from shattering into sharp pieces.

5. Seatbelts: While not initially standard, seatbelts were available as an optional extra on the XKE. Jaguar recognized the importance of seatbelt safety and began offering them as standard equipment in the late 1960s.

6. Padded Dashboard: The XKE featured a padded dashboard, which was designed to reduce the risk of injury to occupants in the event of a collision. This was an early example of incorporating safety considerations into the car's design.

It is important to note that while these features were advanced for their time, they do not match the level of safety and driver-assistance features found in modern cars. If you are considering purchasing an XKE, it is important to be aware of its limitations in terms of safety technology and to take appropriate precautions when driving.