The Jaguar E-type convertible easily tops my list of coveted classic cars. The list of cars I would love to have is a lengthy one, filled with cars as diverse as Ferraris, Dodges and bug-eyed Sprites, but the E-type occupies a special place at the top.

My love for this car began at the bus stop, of all places. When I was young, our neighbor Mr. Ruby, had an E-type that he drove daily. The sight and sound of that car accelerating past is embossed in my memory. The novelty of that car in a rural area of Pennsylvania probably played no small part in catching a young man's fancy as well.

As I got older, my interest in cars grew. While my own possibilities were limited to the old Fords and Chryslers I found sitting around, the romantic ideal that the Jaguar represented never left me. I spent a lot of time consuming Jaguar lore and the admiration only deepened.

Technically, the E-type represents the creation of what was then a relatively affordable production vehicle with the pedigree of a successful race car. The C-type that Jaguar created in the early fifties was quite successful on the race track and won the 24 Hours of Lemans the first time out. The D-type that followed was very successful on the track as well and in the early sixties Jaguar built upon this reputation to introduce the E-type. Many of the mechanical innovations and design attributes that made these race cars a winning force at the track eventually made their way into the production E-type. It was in many respects a revolutionary car for its time.

The most notable feature of the E-type in many people's opinions, however, is its styling. I will admit that I am one of them. It is one of those cars that I find pleasure in just looking at. The graceful lines and long hood are for me the definition of automotive beauty. The coupe is beautiful, but the convertible has always been the stuff of my dreams. As car designs have become more and more homogenous, the seductive E-type stands out more than ever.

Unlike Mr. Ruby, my daily transportation consists of sedans and minivans. In my perfect world, however, I would pull out each morning in my E-type and maybe even give the kid down the street a ride.

Learn more about this author, Eric Wolf.
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