Jaguar-- This manufacturer offered unequaled value for the money
XK120
1948-1954 production:
12,078 units Aluminum body roadster, Jaguar only planned to sell 240 units
but it’s price, performance and looks caused quite a stir, which led Jaguar
to reengineer the car with a steel body. The car will do 0-60 in 10 seconds.
Jaguar couldn’t make them fast enough. A drophead coupe was offered also
starting in 1953.
C
Type
1951-1953 production:
53 units A reworked XK120(c) for racing with a more streamlined body.
The first 3 units produced were Jaguar’s entries in the 1951 Le Mans and
one of them won!
XK140
1954-1957 production: 8884 units This updated 120 offered 3 models- the
roadster, coupe, and drophead coupe. Overdrive was an option and some
late models had automatic transmission, larger bumpers and roomier interior.
The car would do 0-60 in 8.4 seconds. It was also better handling and
had better brakes than the 120, with less of a tendency to overheat.
XK150
1957-1961 production: 9395 units This, the last XK sportscar, was heavier
than previous models but also the most popular. Available in roadster,
coupe and drophead coupe. Automatic transmission was a popular option
as most of the cars came to the U.S. It also had disc brakes on all 4
wheels.
XKSS
1957 production: 16 units
This car was built using surplus D Type parts from racing. It has an aluminum
body with disc brakes on all 4. Advanced aerodynamics, the fastest and
best handling of its day. Only 16 were built due to a factory fire.
E
Type 3.8 1961-1964
production: 15,490 units An icon of the 1960’s with new independent suspension.
The car would do 0-60 in 7.2 seconds. 
Available
in roadster and coupe. Unfortunately, rust would become a big problem.
Lightweight
E Type 1962-1964
production: 15 units These were special cars for selected buyers used
to race. An aluminum body, 5 speed gearbox, D Type cylinder head, fuel
injection by Lucas, improved brakes. Each one was hand made to the buyers
specs.
E
Type 4.2 1965-1968
production: 17,320 units Roadsters were 9550 units and coupes 7770 units
Most of these came to the U.S. and had more comfortable seats, radial
tires and a 4 speed gearbox.
E
Type 4.2 2+2
1966-1968 production:
5600 units E Type style for the entire family, although it has a very
small rear seat area. Made only as a coupe with a 6 cylinder engine and
automatic transmission.
E
Type 4.2 Series II
1969-1971 production:
18,808 units Performance was restored by the first mass produced V12 engine
in over 20 years. 5343cc engine would do 0-60 in 6.8 seconds. power steering
was standard and an automatic transmission was an option.
