Tracing the Evolution from Jaguar D-Type to E-Type: Key Developments Revealed

Missing LINK - The Jaguar D-type and its successor, the E-type, stand as two of the most iconic creations in Jaguar's history. These models not only reflect Jaguar’s rich automotive legacy but also marked the brand's dominance in the racing world. In the mid-1950s, Jaguar's D-type achieved significant success, particularly at the renowned 24-Hours of Le Mans. From 1955 to 1956, Jaguar's racing prowess was unmatched, and the D-type was instrumental in securing back-to-back victories. The British manufacturer reigned supreme during this period, achieving remarkable results. However, despite its success, Jaguar decided to withdraw from racing, as founder William Lyons aimed to channel the company’s limited resources into developing a new production sports car.

The 1960 Jaguar E2A Prototype is a scaled up development mule built with the chassis made of steel, not monocoque aluminum as in the E1A. (Picture from: Pinterest)

Although Jaguar's factory team pulled out of racing, the D-type continued to shine on the racing stage. Ecurie Ecosse, a privateer team, kept Jaguar's name alive by winning the 1957 Le Mans race. This victory completed a hattrick for the D-type, reinforcing its status as one of the most successful race cars of its time. Inspired by these achievements, Jaguar engineers began developing a successor: the E-type. The new model inherited elements from the D-type, notably its semi-monocoque chassis, which set it apart from other sports cars of its era.

The 1957 Jaguar E1A Prototype used an aluminum chassis which was equipped with an independent rear suspension for replaces the Jaguar D-type outdated live axle. (Picture from: Supercars)

Before the Jaguar E-type hit production, the company built an experimental prototype in 1957, known as the Jaguar E1A. This prototype featured an aluminum chassis and an independent rear suspension, marking a departure from the live axle setup of the D-type. Despite its groundbreaking design, the E1A was seldom seen by the public, and it was eventually phased out after serving its purpose.

Jaguar's next step in the E-type's evolution came in the form of the Jaguar E2A prototype. Unlike the E1A, which used an aluminum monocoque chassis, the E2A featured a steel chassis and a steel front subframe to support the engine and suspension. It was larger than its predecessor and closely resembled the production E-type in terms of its dimensions, with a wheelbase of 2,438 mm. However, it had a narrower track by 50 mm at both the front and rear. The front suspension comprised double wishbones, torsion bars, and telescopic shocks, while the rear setup included lower wishbones, half shafts, and twin coil springs. 

The 1960 Jaguar E2A Prototype has one-piece nose featured closed headlamps, large oval radiator intakes, and a distinct center ridge for cleaning the engine. (Picture from: FavCars)

Under the hood, the Jaguar E2A was powered by a lightweight, all-alloy version of Jaguar's inline-six engine. This engine saved approximately 40 kg compared to previous iterations and was capable of delivering 293 bhp at 6,750 rpm, with 230 lb-ft of torque. Initially, the engine was paired with an experimental five-speed gearbox, although it was later replaced with a four-speed unit. The E2A could reach impressive speeds of over 160 mph, making it a formidable machine on the track.

In terms of aesthetics, the E2A drew clear inspiration from the E1A, retaining the elongated shape of the D-type. Its aluminum body was designed with aerodynamics in mind, featuring a one-piece nose with closed headlamps, large oval radiator intakes, and a distinctive center ridge. These design elements were later incorporated into the production version of the Jaguar E-type.

The 1960 Jaguar E2A Prototype has a full height windscreen was installed with side glass that tapered down to a pair of ducts that fed cool air to the rear brakes. (Picture from: FavCars)

The Jaguar E2A had several unique features, including a full-height windscreen and side glass that tapered into ducts to cool the rear brakes. The tail section featured a side-opening panel for accessing the rear axle and spare wheels. The body was adorned with exposed rivets, and both the front and rear covers were heavily louvered to aid in cooling. Inside, the interior was minimalist yet functional, with a dashboard that included an 8,000 rpm speed counter and various pressure and temperature gauges. The seats were reclined bucket seats upholstered in black vinyl, positioned between the transmission tunnel and the thick sills.

The 1960 Jaguar E2A Prototype's inside a full-width dashboard featuring a large 8000rpm speed counter plus smaller combined pressure/temperature buttons for water, engine oil and axle oil. (Picture from: FavCars)

The assembly of the Jaguar E2A began in 1960, and it took about eight weeks to complete. Afterward, the car underwent testing at the MIRA proving ground and the Lindley air force base. Once testing was finished, it caught the attention of Briggs Cunningham, a prominent Jaguar dealer in the United States. Impressed by its performance, Cunningham convinced Jaguar to allow his racing team to field the E2A in the 24-Hours of Le Mans.

During the 24-Hours of Le Mans, the E2A encountered some high-speed stability issues, leading to an accident during the second qualifying session. However, the car was repaired in time for the main race, where it briefly held third place before technical problems caused it to drop to tenth. Eventually, the E2A was retired from the race. Afterward, the car was returned to the Jaguar factory for further work.

The 1960 Jaguar E2A Prototype uses all-alloy fuel injection three-liter engine, so it can give off power of 293 bhp at 6,750 rpm and 230 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm. (Picture from: FavCars)

In the following months, the Jaguar E2A continued to race in the United States under the Briggs Cunningham team. It was driven by legendary figures such as Sir Jack Brabham, Bruce McLaren, and Dan Gurney in various prestigious events. Once its racing career came to an end, the prototype was returned to the UK, where it was stored and used in the development of the Jaguar XJ13 project. The E2A’s tail fin was removed, and the car served as a decoy to divert attention from the secret XJ13 project.

The 1960 Jaguar E2A Prototype is said to be capable of speeding to a top speed of more than 160 mph. (Picture from: FavCars)

Though the E2A was slated for disposal, it was saved by Guy Griffiths, a renowned Jaguar collector. Under the agreement, Jaguar refurbished the car, restoring it to its original white and blue Cunningham livery. Although initially sold without an engine, Griffiths later installed a 3.8-liter unit, which was eventually replaced with the original three-liter fuel-injected engine supplied by Jaguar.

The Jaguar E2A remains a significant part of Jaguar’s rich history, bridging the gap between the legendary D-type and the iconic E-type. Its contributions to motorsport and engineering innovation helped shape the future of Jaguar’s production models, leaving a lasting legacy for car enthusiasts around the world. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS | NEW ATLAS | SUPERCARNOSTALGIA ]

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