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Jaguar E-Type to Turn 50 at Geneva 2011

Back in March 1961, one of the most famous and desirable cars in automotive history came to the world at the Geneva Motor Show: the Jaguar E-Type. Capable of achieving 150 mph (241 km/h), but bearing a price tag at a fraction than rivals with similar performance, it became an instant hit, and therefore managed to remain on sale for 14 years. Now, the E-Type will make a return to Geneva this March to mark its 50th anniversary, and go on to celebrate at Goodwood’s Revival and Festival of Speed, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the Nurburgring Old Timer Grand Prix, among others. “Half a century of progress has not diminished the significance of the E-Type,” said Mike O’Driscoll, Managing Director Jaguar Cars and Chairman Jaguar Heritage. “It was a sensation when it was launched, and remains Jaguar's most enduring and iconic symbol. The E-Type is simply one of the most exciting cars ever created and a legacy to the genius of Jaguar's founder, Sir William Lyons.” E-Type owners included celebrities such as George Best, Brigitte Bardot, Tony Curtis and Steve McQueen. Even Enzo Ferrari admitted it was “the most beautiful car in the world.” “It is impossible to overstate the impact the E-Type had when it was unveiled in 1961,” said Ian Callum, Jaguar Design Director. “Here was a car that encapsulated the spirit of the revolutionary era it came to symbolise. The E-Type is a design that even today continues to inform the work we do in styling the Jaguars of the future.” autoevolution will be attending the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, so stay tuned for some real up close and personal shots of the vehicles, as well as for first-hand details of the motorized contraptions presented at the event.
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