The Jaguar E-Type has been chosen as the Best British Car ever in a worldwide voting poll. The poll, which received thousands of votes, saw as many as 100 key figures from the classic car world decide the final shortlist of cars.
By receiving the most votes, the Jaguar E-Type beat other iconic British cars including the original MINI, Bentley Speed Six, McLaren F1, the original Range Rover and the Jaguar XKSS. The winner was confirmed at the start of Classic & Sports Car magazine’s London Show.
The Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations, John Edwards, commented: “This a fantastic accolade for one of Jaguar’s most recognisable models ever built. The Jaguar Heritage business aims to support loyal and passionate customers so that models such as the E-type can continue to be maintained and enjoyed across the generations.”
Even before receiving this award, the Jaguar E-Type was already unquestionably one of the most iconic cars to ever be built in Britain. Originally unveiled to the public back in 1961, Jaguar originally intended to make the E-Type as purely a race car, but it instead developed into a grand tourer available in open two-seater or fixed-head coupe body styles.
Upon its release, Ferrari’s founder, Enzo Ferrari, famously called the E-Type “the most beautiful car ever made”.
As well as being a hit with those in the car industry, the Jaguar E-Type’s popularity attracted numerous celebrity owners. The distinguished list includes Steve McQueen, Sir Jackie Stewart, Frank Sinatra and George Best.
Nowadays, Jaguar sells the F-Type sports car, which is considered the spiritual successor to the E-Type and is similarly offered in two-seater convertible or coupe guises.
Fancy owning a Jaguar sports car? Check out our video review of the F-TYPE convertible:
