1966 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Group 3
1966 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Group 3
Brand
Jaguar
Year
1966
Country
Great Britain
Generation
E-Type Series 1
1966 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Group 3
Brand
Jaguar
Year
1966
Country
Great Britain
Generation
E-Type Series 1
About this car
Discover the history
The 1966 Jaguar E-Type 3.8 Group 3 car is an important icon in the history of automotive design and motorsports. Known for its blend of beauty, performance, and advanced engineering, the E-Type was derived from Jaguar’s earlier competition success with the C-Type and D-Type models, both of which had achieved significant racing wins, including victories at Le Mans. The E-Type carried forward that racing pedigree, especially in the Group 3 category, which focused on modified production sports cars.
When the Jaguar E-Type debuted at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, it stunned audiences with its sleek and revolutionary design. Its appearance was hailed as a masterpiece of automotive styling, drawing heavily from the aerodynamic principles used in the D-Type racing cars. The car’s design, credited to Malcolm Sayer, featured a long, flowing bonnet, curvaceous body lines, and a compact rear. Enzo Ferrari famously described the E-Type as “the most beautiful car ever made,” a statement that has echoed through automotive history.
The E-Type’s racing pedigree was solidified by its performance on the track, particularly in endurance racing and competition at venues such as Sebring and Le Mans. Equipped with a 3.8-liter straight-six engine, the car was capable of producing impressive power while maintaining reliability over long races. This engine, based on Jaguar’s well-proven XK engine, was paired with a four-speed manual transmission, providing the E-Type with exceptional acceleration and top speed, which was a critical factor in its success on race circuits.
The Group 3 version of the Jaguar E-Type 3.8 was especially well-known for its lightweight construction, achieved by utilizing aluminum panels and other weight-saving techniques. Combined with the car’s independent suspension, disc brakes on all four wheels, and its low center of gravity, the E-Type was a formidable competitor in the Group 3 class. It offered sharp handling and stability, which allowed drivers to push the car hard through corners and straights alike. This made the E-Type competitive against the likes of Ferrari, Porsche, and Aston Martin in endurance races.
In terms of racing pedigree, the E-Type found success in both Europe and North America. While it did not dominate racing in the same way as Jaguar’s earlier C-Type and D-Type, it still earned respect and admiration on the track. Private teams, in particular, entered the E-Type into many endurance races and competitions, modifying it further to meet the demands of Group 3 regulations. These modifications often included engine tuning, brake upgrades, and adjustments to the suspension, making the E-Type a versatile platform for competitive racing.
The E-Type’s racing success was complemented by its road-going versions, which were just as popular among driving enthusiasts. With its dual-purpose nature, the car was a bridge between track performance and street usability. The Group 3 E-Types, though primarily designed for racing, could still be driven on public roads, offering a unique blend of motorsport capability and everyday drivability.
Although later versions of the E-Type, such as the 4.2-liter and the Series II models, introduced improvements in performance and comfort, the 3.8-liter model is still regarded as the purest form of the E-Type. Its legacy in both racing and automotive design remains strong, making it one of the most celebrated sports cars of all time. Today, the E-Type continues to be highly sought after by collectors and racing enthusiasts, and its participation in historic motorsport events keeps its competitive spirit alive.
