Image of 1966 Jaguar Xke, Note: These illustrations use artistic license and may differ from actual historical models.

The Quintessential British Sports Car: 1966 Jaguar XKE

The 1966 Jaguar XKE, also known as the E-Type, is a vehicle that encapsulates the essence of classic British sports cars. This masterpiece of automotive design was born in Coventry, England, under the esteemed marque of Jaguar Cars Ltd. Its unveiling in 1961 marked a revolution in car design and performance, and by 1966, it had firmly established itself as an icon of the era. A testament to its impact, Enzo Ferrari himself called it "the most beautiful car ever made," a sentiment echoed by many enthusiasts to this day.

Design and Innovation

The XKE's exterior styling is nothing short of breathtaking. Its long, sculpted hood, glass-covered headlights, and sleek monocoque bodywork are hallmarks of a design that prioritizes aerodynamics and elegance. Inside, the cabin is a blend of luxury and sportiness with sumptuous leather and polished wood accents framing an array of classic Smiths gauges. Technological advancements for the time included independent rear suspension and all-round disc brakes which were rarities for production cars in the early '60s. The color palette for the XKE ranged from vibrant reds to deep blues, with British Racing Green being a particularly sought-after choice. Jaguar offered the XKE in several body styles: the two-seater Fixed Head Coupe (FHC), the two-seater Convertible Roadster (OTS), and eventually the 2+2 version. The Roadster remains one of the most iconic and desirable variants to this day.

Historical Significance

The 1966 Jaguar XKE set new standards for sports car performance and aesthetics. Its influence extended beyond its own era, inspiring automotive designers for generations to come. The combination of its beauty, high performance, and competitive pricing compared to its Italian counterparts positioned it as a remarkable value proposition within the sports car market.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its bonnet lies a potent 4.2-liter inline-six engine that delivers exhilarating performance. With a top speed of around 150 mph and an ability to sprint from 0-60 mph in under 7 seconds, the XKE was among the fastest production cars of its time. The driving experience is characterized by responsive steering and a well-tuned suspension that manages to balance sportiness with comfort. The sound of its straight-six engine is distinctive—a symphony for any petrolhead—while its four-speed manual gearbox provides an engaging driving experience.

Ownership Experience

The XKE was more than just a weekend joyride; it was also used as a daily driver by many owners. While maintenance can be more demanding than modern vehicles due to its age and complexity, there is a robust network of specialists who can support owners with repairs and restorations. Common criticisms included limited cabin space—particularly in early models—and overheating issues that were somewhat mitigated in later versions like the '66 model year.

Fun Facts

The XKE has graced many collections over the years, including those of celebrities such as Steve McQueen and Frank Sinatra. It has also made appearances in films like "Austin Powers" and "Mad Men." While not known for breaking speed records, it did set benchmarks for style and desirability.

Collector's Information

Today's collector market values a well-maintained or expertly restored 1966 Jaguar XKE highly. While production numbers were not as low as some exclusive exotics—with over 70,000 E-Types built across all variants—the finest examples can fetch upwards of $200,000 at auction depending on provenance, condition, originality, and specific model details. The value trend for an XKE has generally been appreciative over time, reflecting its status as one of the most collectible classic cars.

Conclusion

The 1966 Jaguar XKE stands as a paragon of automotive excellence—a blend of artistry, innovation, and performance that continues to captivate enthusiasts around the world. It remains not just a fixture in classic car lore but also a tangible piece of history that continues to appreciate both in value and esteem.

1966 Jaguar XKE Front Stabilizer Bar Bushing-BN 102Front Stabilizer Bar Bushing. 1-1/4" high X 1-3/4" wide X 2" long, with 3/4" I.D. Each

1966 Jaguar XKE Roll Bar Bushing. 1/2" high, with 1/2" hole. Each-BN 2Roll Bar Bushing. 1/2" high, with 1/2" hole. Each

1966 Jaguar XKE Auto Brake Pedal Pad. 3-1/4" wide X 5-1/2" long. Each-CB 75-BAuto Brake Pedal Pad. 3-1/4" wide X 5-1/2" long. Each

1966 Jaguar XKE Bonnet Bumper. Hollow center to snap over stud. 13/16" O-HA 10Bonnet Bumper. Hollow center to snap over stud. 13/16" O.D. X 7/16" high. Each

1966 Jaguar XKE Front Turn Signal Lens Gaskets. Pair-LG 3000-110Front Turn Signal Lens Gaskets. Pair

1966 Jaguar XKE Rear Turn Signal Lens Gaskets. Pair-LG 3000-112Rear Turn Signal Lens Gaskets. Pair

1966 Jaguar XKE Rear Bumper to Body Seal. 1" wide. Sold by the foot-LP 109-D/FTRear Bumper to Body Seal. 1" wide. Sold by the foot

1966 Jaguar XKE Front Turn Signal Mounting Base Pads, for Sedans. Pair-MB 35Front Turn Signal Mounting Base Pads, for Sedans. Pair

1966 Jaguar XKE Front Turn Signal Mounting Base Pads, for Sedans. Gray-MB 35-AFront Turn Signal Mounting Base Pads, for Sedans. Gray. Pair

1966 Jaguar XKE Tail-light Pads. For Convertible-MP 799-HHTail-light Pads. For Convertible. 3-3/8" wide X 11-1/4" long. Pair R&L

1966 Jaguar XKE ANTENA BASE PAD, JAGUAR XJ SERIES I & II ALSO E SERIES III-MP 799-NNANTENA BASE PAD, JAGUAR XJ SERIES I & II ALSO E SERIES III

1966 Jaguar XKE Tail-light Pads. For Coupe. Perfect reproduction-MP 799-TTTail-light Pads. For Coupe. Perfect reproduction. 3" wide X 11-1/2" long. Pair R&L

1966 Jaguar XKE Front Lens Seals. Grey sponge with adhesive back-MP 799-VVFront Lens Seals. Grey sponge with adhesive back. Perfect fit. Pair

1966 Jaguar XKE Front Light Pads. 2-5/8" wide X 10" long. Pair R&L-MP 799-XXFront Light Pads. 2-5/8" wide X 10" long. Pair R&L

1966 Jaguar XKE Spark plug wire boot. Exclusive Metro part-RP 1-KSpark plug wire boot. Exclusive Metro part. Fits on the distributor cap end. Note: looks similar to coil boot, but is physically smaller. Replaces OEM# CO 2609. Each.

1966 Jaguar XKE Shift Boot, for V-12 Engines-RP 33-XShift Boot, for V-12 Engines. Made of PVC vinyl like original. Each

1966 Jaguar XKE Spark Plug Wire Holder Insulation. Each-SM 30-JSpark Plug Wire Holder Insulation. Each

1966 Jaguar XKE Front Park Light Housing Mounting Gasket. 2-1/2" O.D., 2" I-UM 3000-100Front Park Light Housing Mounting Gasket. 2-1/2" O.D., 2" I.D. Pair