"E" type 3.8
(1961-1964)
| The
"E" type 3.8 (in retrospect tagged 'series I')
was the first "E" type, announced in March
1961. It came in OTS (Open Two Seater) and FHC
(Fixed Head Coupe) versions. Introduced at the Geneva car show in
March 1961, it was a sensation. It inherited the triple-carburettor 3.8 litre XK engine from the XK150, but its sleek body (designed by aerodynamics engineer Malcolm Sayer) made it capable of nearly 150 MPH (240 KmH). It had diskbrakes all-round, and was fitted with IRS (Independent Rear Suspension) to give it the roadholding to match its performance. The 3.8 is now consired the most 'pure' of the "E" type breed and is certainly more sportcar than Grand Tourer, compared to later "E" types. Its many small drawbacks (uncomfortable bucket seats, ancient Moss gearbox, reflective aluminium dashboard, to name a few) are now seen as the features that make the 3.8 so special... |
| Images of a 3.8 coupe (top) and OTS (below), from the brochure. Note the black trim of the headlight covers on the pre-production OTS. This same car also featured on the cover of the May 1961 issue of 'Car and Driver'. |
 |
 |
 |
The announcement of the "E" type was considered frontpage news by the leading car magazines. |
The Museum of Modern Art in New
York has two scale-models on permanent display in their
design collection since 1964. |
 |
 |
A very early "E" type on its way to the USA, it's number one export market. |
 |
 The independent rear suspension |
| The interior of a 3.8, instantly recognisable by its aluminium dashboard and tunnel. |