Discover the Cartis collection with the Jaguar E-Type 1/2
A British automotive icon that redefined the prestige driving experience.
the British art of elevating speed
Coventry, 1961. Inside Jaguar’s workshops, Malcolm Sayer was finalizing the curves of a silhouette that would forever change the world of automobiles. The E-Type was born from a bold vision—not simply to create a fast car, but a true object of desire, a sculpture in motion capable of transcending its primary function. Sixty years later, this creation continues to fascinate and redefine what it truly means to drive a prestige automobile.
Far from the conventions of its era, the E-Type embodied an aesthetic and technical revolution that extended beyond the boundaries of the auto industry. It became the expression of a British way of life where the pursuit of pure beauty met mechanical excellence.
a technical genesis serving pure emotion
racing heritage at its core
The E-Type draws its DNA from the unforgiving world of motorsport. Its technical roots go back to the Jaguar D-Type, winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1955, 1956, and 1957. This lineage is no accident: every curve of its bodywork, every mechanical detail is designed with performance in mind.
The monocoque chassis, revolutionary at the time, offered exceptional rigidity while keeping weight low. Its four-wheel independent suspension—rare in the 1960s—provided handling precision that felt surgical. While such features are now commonplace, they were groundbreaking for a grand touring car in their day.
the XK engine: a British mechanical symphony
Beneath the E-Type’s endless hood lies the legendary inline-six XK engine. Originally developed for the XK120 in 1948, this engine reaches full maturity in the E-Type. With 265 horsepower in its 4.2-liter version, it propelled the car to 240 km/h—an extraordinary feat at the time.
But beyond the numbers, it’s the unique sound of this engine that leaves a lasting impression. Its deep growl at low revs evolves into a powerful, melodic roar—an unforgettable soundtrack that heightens every acceleration. This acoustic signature is a core part of the emotional connection one feels behind the wheel of a classic E-Type.
design as a universal language
malcolm sayer: the engineer-artist
Malcolm Sayer was no conventional designer—he was an aerodynamicist. This rare profile explains the purity of the E-Type’s lines, where each curve is rooted in aerodynamic necessity, yet forms a visually harmonious whole.
The endless bonnet, the plunging roofline, the sculpted rear haunches—all combine to create one of the most fluid silhouettes in automotive history. Even Enzo Ferrari, rarely one to praise competitors, called the E-Type “the most beautiful car in the world.” Such acclaim from the master of Maranello cements the E-Type’s place as a universal aesthetic icon.
a cultural icon
The E-Type quickly transcended its role as a car to become a cultural symbol. It embodied the spirit of the Swinging Sixties—a decade of creative effervescence in which London rivaled Paris in setting new standards of style and refinement.
Brigitte Bardot, George Best, Tony Curtis—celebrities of the era proudly drove their E-Types, helping to build its legend. The car became an essential accessory for a lifestyle where authenticity mattered more than ostentation.
driving the legend: a bond between man and machine
the English philosophy of driving
Driving an E-Type is not something you improvise. It demands a specific mindset where technique and sensitivity go hand in hand. The unassisted steering transmits every detail of the road. The firm yet progressive clutch imposes a rhythm that’s both deliberate and intuitive.
Rather than a flaw, this mechanical honesty defines the car’s character. It creates a constant dialogue between the driver and the machine—a complicity at the heart of truly exclusive driving experiences.
the road as a stage
Behind the wheel of an E-Type, every drive becomes a performance. The cockpit, spartan yet elegant, places the driver in the perfect seating position. The Smiths gauges, razor-sharp in their readability, evoke the precision of fighter jet instruments.
The long, precise gear lever follows its own logic. Each gear shift becomes a ritualized gesture, part of the car’s unique theater. This choreography—long forgotten in modern cars—is central to the emotional charm of driving a classic.
crafting exceptional automotive moments
redefining luxury through authenticity
In a world where luxury is often standardized, the E-Type offers something different. Its refinement lies not in excessive features, but in the purity of its concept and the authenticity of its sensations.
This philosophy resonates perfectly with the creation of high-end automotive events. The E-Type isn’t merely a beautiful vehicle—it becomes the starting point for a complete experience, where every detail contributes to a moment guests will never forget.
excellence in service of emotion
Organizing an event around the E-Type requires a thoughtful approach. It’s not about simply showcasing a legendary vehicle—it’s about curating a meaningful encounter with British automotive heritage.
Itineraries must be designed to bring out the car’s full character: winding roads that highlight its exceptional handling, long straights that reveal its performance, and scenic landscapes that provide the perfect backdrop for its beauty.
Some cars transcend generations.
A rare few touch the soul.
The Jaguar E-Type belongs to the latter.