The Jaguar E-Type (also known as the XK-E in North America) was first introduced in 1961 and quickly became one of the most iconic sports cars of the 20th century. The 1962 model belongs to the Series 1, which was produced from 1961 to 1968.

The E-Type was developed as a road-going version of Jaguar’s successful D-Type race car, which had won Le Mans three times in the 1950s. It featured a monocoque construction with a front subframe, independent rear suspension, and disc brakes all around — advanced technology for its time.

The 1962 Roadster (also known as the Open Two-Seater or OTS) was powered by a 3.8-litre inline-six engine producing 265 horsepower, paired with a 4-speed manual gearbox. Performance was remarkable, with a top speed of around 150 mph and 0-60 mph acceleration in under 7 seconds — rivalling much more expensive Italian sports cars.

Design by Malcolm Sayer combined aerodynamics with aesthetics, and the E-Type’s long hood, covered headlamps, and flowing lines made it an instant classic. Enzo Ferrari reportedly called it “the most beautiful car ever made.”

Notable features of the 1962 Series 1 E-Type include:

• Glass-covered headlights
• Small “mouth” front grille
• Signal lights and rear lights above the bumpers
• Aluminium centre console and dash
• Leather-trimmed interior
• Smiths gauges and toggle switches

The 3.8-litre models (1961–1964) are especially prized among collectors due to their purity of design and early production status. In 1964, the engine was enlarged to 4.2 litres, and over the years, various changes led to less minimalist styling and different performance characteristics.

The 1962 E-Type Roadster remains a symbol of 1960s British automotive engineering and design excellence. Its blend of speed, beauty, and relatively affordable price helped cement Jaguar’s reputation on the global stage.