JAGUAR’S LEGENDARY E-TYPE STILL TURNS HEADS AT 60

Described as one of the world's prettiest cars, the Jaguar E-Type that defined the Swinging Sixties has just celebrated its 60th birthday. As thrilling as ever, the long-bonneted legend has never really been out of the limelight, Thomas Geiger reported for Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa).

It was a cool March day in Geneva when British carmaker Jaguar unveiled its new E-Type sports car, but when the dust sheets came off at the motor show, visitors were hot under the collar with excitement as they craned for a glimpse.

Inspired by the successful D-Type racer, the alluring, pin-up shape was the star of the 1961 car show. The fixed-head coupe prototype had only turned up 20 minutes before the grand opening following a mad dash from the factory in Coventry. The engine was still warm.

The E-Type conquered the hearts of the High Society by storm and it still turns heads today. Designer Malcolm Sayer gave his creation a never-ending long bonnet, a compact cabin and a pert rear end. After the staid XK series, the new E-Type was a revelation. Sales exceeded all expectations.

The factory expected to move just 1,000 units but ended producing five times that number in the early years. Noted customers included US actor Steve McQueen, Brigitte Bardot, Frank Sinatra, George Harrison, Tony Curtis and Britt Ekland.

They all fell in love with a sexy car that typified the Swinging Sixties along with the Beatles and the mini skirt. The competition was bowled over too and Ferrari founder Enzo called the E-Type "the most beautiful car in the world." His verdict is clearly shared by the curators of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

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