50-Strong Convoy Crosses London to Mark E-Type Anniversary

Have you grown tired of reading about tuned Golf GTIs and big alloy wheels? We’ve got just the thing: some really cool Jags! The unusual sight of 50 Jaguar E-types greeted Londoners today as a fleet of privately owned vehicles travelled in convoy through the Capital of Britain to the 2011 Motorexpo in Canary Wharf, marking 50 years of the sports car in style.

Organised by the Jaguar Drivers' Club, the convoy started its journey under police escort at Forbes House in central London, home of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The route covered so important landmarks, including Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square, before arriving at the final destination, where the cars lined up on display.

The Jaguar E-type was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961, but half a century has not dulled its look one bit.When launched its mix of daring design, advanced engineering and the ability to hit 150 mph caused a sensation.  The intervening years have seen it become one of the most acclaimed and sought-after sports cars of all time.

The same spirit of innovation and emphasis on design lives on in Jaguar today, with the latest XF, XK and XJ models making their UK debut at the Motorexpo. Also present will be the fastest Jaguar production car ever created, the 550 PS XKR-S.

“It's been a terrific day and a fitting tribute to the E-type – we are incredibly grateful to the police and all the owners for providing their support to make it possible. We all feel honoured to have taken part in such a key celebration of what was, and remains, a landmark car,” On arriving at Canary Wharf, Graeme Carver, CEO of Motorexpo, commented.

Leading the convoy was a team of professional cyclists joined by ex-Formula One World Champion Nigel Mansell, supporting Motorexpo's chosen charity, UK Youth.