E-Type Club to Celebrate 60 Years of Iconic Jaguar Model
Jaguar E-Type will enjoy its 60th birthday next summer at equally iconic Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb in England.
Jaguar’s E-Type is one of the most popular, recognizable, important, and iconic cars ever produced. It’s a car that even Enzo Ferrari himself once dubbed the most beautiful car in the world. And while styling is objective, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn’t like the E-Type. Add to that a prominent motorsports history, and it’s no surprise that folks flock to this particular Jaguar model, even today. Thus, the E-Type Club is planning something extra special for the car’s 60th anniversary in 2021.
The E60 Festival will take place on June 12 and 13 at the Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb in Worcestershire, England. That itself is something truly special, as it’s the oldest motorsport venue in the world still using its original course. That’s correct – Shelsley Walsh hasn’t changed since it first opened way back on August 12, 1905. Since then, scores of famous racers have tried their hand at the famous track, many of them using it to jump-start their own careers.
Now, Jaguar’s most famous model will take over for two special days. And we can’t think of a better organization to host it. The E-Type Club was started back in 2005 by author, publisher, and E-type collector Philip Porter and his wife Julie. Porter owns the E-Type that appeared in the film The Italian Job, a car he originally purchased in 1977. His book, Jaguar E-type — The Definitive History was voted “Motoring Book of the Year” and “Motoring Book of the Decade.”
Despite only being around for 15 years, the E-Type Club already touts over 1,600 active members in over 50 countries. Which isn’t too much of a surprise when you consider the incredible, universal appeal this magical machine holds. After launching at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961, some of the world’s most famous folks and motorsports legends have owned one. Everybody from Mick Jagger to Bruce McLaren. And you didn’t have to be rich to buy an E-Type, either. With a base price that was just a fraction of the cost of a Ferrari or Aston Martin at the time and performance to match either, the E-Type was actually a bit of a bargain.
Today, cheap E-Types are pretty much a thing of the past as folks have scrambled to scoop up one of history’s greatest automobiles. But if you’re a fan of the car (and who isn’t?) we’d highly recommend making plans to cross the pond next summer. You can find more information on E60 Festival, as well as the organization behind it, by heading over here.
Photos: E-Type Club
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