The Most Famous Car in the World: The Story of the First E-Type Jaguar

by Philip Porter

Dramatic good looks, a pure racing pedigree, and genuinely sensational when its prototype emerged from the factory's gates in 1961, the Jaguar 9600 HP set a new standard for automotive glory. Even now, nearly four decades later, its fame has endured. After a pre-release period of intense testing by leading magazines and distinguished international journalists (not to mention breaking speed barriers) this gunmetal gray roadster led an exciting life. It "modeled" for catalogs, was used for publicity stunts, belonged to a high-profile film director, passed to several auto enthusiasts, and finally, into the hands of author Philip Porter. In 1999, through the talents of Jaguar's most skilled specialists, the 9600 HP underwent a total, fanatical restorations-and now it is shared with all the world. Enjoy this tribute to a legend of the road-how it came to be, what it did, who owned it, and how it was restored to its former magnificence.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Philip Porter is the author of around 30 motoring books. In an action-packed life, he started competing in hillclimbs and sprints while still at school, winning 10 of his 12 events in 1970 in his full-race Sprite. Bitten by the classic car bug, he bought five Jaguar XKs in 1973 (four of which he still has) and his historic E-types (9600 HP, the oldest E-type which was the development, launch, press car, and 848 CRY, the '61 racer and roadster in the film The Italian Job) in 1976. He began writing articles and books in the mid-'80s. In parallel he began flying hot air balloons and airships competitively (European Airship Championships Silver Medallist) and was the first person ever to fly an airship in Africa. He has twice been Chairman of the Sherlock Holmes Society and in 1997 he and his wife Julie formed the International Jaguar XK Club, the Jaguar E-type Club following in 2004. In 2005, he created Porter Press International, which is now one of the world's leading motoring publishers thanks to the amazing team with which Philip is immensely proud to work.