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JAGUAR AUTOMOBILIA COLLECTORCollecting E Type AutomobiliaIan Cooling suggests some themes for a single-model collection |
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A key element in any decision to collect Jaguar automobilia is usually the Jaguar(s) we drive. Either at the outset, or at some stage en route, we shall want to pick up some items related to our car. In its jubilee year, the choice of the E-type for this targeted article is, in my sons' elegant phrase, "a no-brainer"! Both the range and variety of automobilia related to the three series of E-types are huge. This is especially so if you venture beyond Britain. The likes of the USA, Canada, Australia and certain European countries all produced brochures of their own local design. Also, the larger markets outside the English-speaking countries often used the basic brochures translated into their own language, especially for the Series 1 cars. Similar variety can be seen within other collecting themes. Show-room posters include local productions as well as the standard Browns Lane editions translated into other languages. Books are another group of collectables that also vary from country to country and there is a huge range of E-type models produced in a wide range of scales and in many different countries. In one of my earlier articles I mentioned a chum of mine who had a collection of well over 1000 E-type models. At a quick count, over 20 different countries had contributed models to his collection. As before, this article is a modified version of my offering in the October issue of "Jaguar Enthusiast". The words are only slightly changed but I have increased the number of illustrations and the "enlarge" facility (just click on the pictures!) is one of the advantages of on-line media. Let me know what you think. Please also let me have your suggestions for future articles. I'd be delighted to see what I can put together for you. Phone 01233 812416 or email IAN COOLING Over now to the pictures and the captions that carry the story. |
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No article on E-type automobilia would be complete without a mention of the iconic launch brochure. This remains one of the most striking and memorable images associated with the marque. It is the work of air-brush specialist John Beecham and the original artwork is held by Jaguar Heritage. John also created the images for most of Jaguar's official calendars during the 1980s and early 1990s. |
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There are four editions of the brochure with variations of bindings, the in/exclusion of road test reports and the layout of the printer's details on the last page. Add the language variations – French, German and Italian – and you have a nice little brochure collection to start with! |
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JAGUAR AUTOMOBILIA COLLECTORCollecting E Type AutomobiliaContinued ..... |
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The cover of the press pack for the launch of the Series 1 E-type also featured John Beecham's artwork. Unlike other press packs this one is a bound booklet containing the full specs of the car with various photos. However, if journalists wanted photos they had to write in and ask. Very different from today when all the details - words, pictures, the lot - are handed out on CDs or memory sticks! Note the Embargo label for 15 March 1961. This indicates an early pack as very few packs dished out after the launch had the label. |
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By way of a contrast, this is the press pack for the launch of the Series 3 car. The format of this one is a folder with six separate loose sections covering the likes of the car, specs, photos, etc. I always include press packs in any single-car collection as they always contain much more information than ever appears in the brochures. This particular pack is also noteworthy in containing the most comprehensive review of the V12 engine ever produced by the factory. |
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The V12 engine was launched in the Series 3 E-type, hence the coverage it was given in the launch press pack. This image is the original cut-away drawing of the quad-carb version of the V12 engine as fitted to the Series 3. The artwork is by Vic Berris, the Autocar staff artist, and copyright notices on the back record two publication dates – 23 Feb 1971 and 12 Sep 1974. 2011 sees the 50th anniversary of the launch of the V12 and my article next month will focus on the engine. |
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This illustration is from the launch brochure for the Series 3 E-type. I have highlighted it because there are distinct echoes of the launch of the XK120. As you can see, the brochure shows both the XK and the V12 engines. The car only went into production with the V12, yet thousands of these brochures were printed and distributed showing both engines. Similarly, the launch brochure for the XK120 was printed and circulated with details of both the XK120 and the still-born XK100. Clearly, some late decision-making here - twice! Click on any image to see the full screen version |
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JAGUAR AUTOMOBILIA COLLECTORCollecting E Type AutomobiliaContinued ..... |
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In my introduction, I mentioned that publicity material often appeared in the same basic design, but a variety of languages. This is a show-room poster for the launch of the 4.2 litre Series 1 car. The design and artwork (by Frank Wootton) was standard, but this version is in German and was used in Austria and Switzerland as well as Germany. Click on any image to see the full screen version |
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Books are a "must have" for anyone putting together a collection of automobilia. E-type enthusiasts are particularly well-supplied by the range of books on offer. A particular favourite of mine is this book by Denis Jenkinson, motor racing correspondent of "Motor Sport". He was an E Type driver himself and a substantial chunk of the book describes his own experiences travelling Europe reporting on the motor racing season. The writing is of course of the highest quality as befits the pen of one of the best motor racing writers of the post-war years – some would say the best! |
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There is much confusion about exactly what is and is not the first edition of the Series 1 parts list and workshop manual, especially on the likes of eBay and the autojumble circuit. This photo is of the first parts list produced by the factory for the Series 1 E-type and the workshop manual featured a similar cover design. XK150 owners will see a resemblance to the design of their parts lists and workshop manuals. |
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One of my favourite items of E-type automobilia. The E-type was the first Jaguar to appear on a British stamp and possibly elsewhere in the world too. Those two icons of the swinging sixties – the E-type and the Mini appeared together on one stamp in the "British Technology" set released in 1966. An extremely rare "missing colour" error eliminated the Minis totally leaving the E-type alone on the stamp. |
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Another hidden gem for the collector. The tale of the E-type launch at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961 after heroic overnight drives to deliver the demonstrators on time is well-known. What is less well-known is that this 1960 Earls Court Motor Show catalogue lists an anonymous "2-seater sports car" on the Jaguar stand No 127. The spec is quite detailed and closely reflects that of the Series 1 E-type. Was the original plan to launch the car six months earlier at the Earls Court Show? Click on any image to see the full screen version |
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While the E-types never enjoyed the competition success of their linear predecessors, the C-type and the D-type, the cars did perform creditably – the Lightweight specials at international level and tweaked private owner cars at national and club level. Strands in a collection of automobilia with such a focus could include company press material, event programmes, motor racing magazines, trophies and various items of hardware unique to the competition cars. This press release and photo serves as a reminder that the Series 3 racers run by Bob Tullius' Group 44 and Joe Huffacker's outfit kept Jaguar's competitive flag flying in the States when the minds of Browns Lane were elsewhere in the dark days of BL. |
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A final interesting oddity. Few attempts have been made to tweak the E-type in the way other Jaguars have suffered. This 4-page folder is for The Telegraph's "Pirana" - the 1967 Bertone styling exercise that was based on the Series 1 2+2 E-type. I think this is quite a successful effort with clear hints of the design that would eventually emerge as the Lamborghini Espada. |
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To enjoy THE JAGUAR ENTHUSIAST "hardcopy" version of this |
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