The Jaguar E-Type, British Motoring Masterpiece is the latest volume from automotive writer Lance Cole. Other books in his series of classic automobiles include the Bugati, Porsche 911, and the soon to be released Citroen DS.

While all three of those cars are iconic, the Jaguar E-Type still holds sway as the premier automotive design from the 1960's. An argument can be made that that design may still be the metric by which newer cars are measured.

The 11.5” x 8.5” soft cover volume from Pen and Sword books contains sixty-four pages with a myriad of photographs, drawings and profiles of the Jaguar E-type. Author Cole has divided his book on the Jaguar E-Type into:

• Origins
• Design and Detail
• Development
• Profiles
• Model Showcase

Cole begins by delving into the origins of the E-Type (XKE in America) from the initial design studies to styling cues borrowed from Jaguar's SS100 through their racing D-Type. Additional verbiage is devoted to the body design and structure of the E-Type and contributions made by the E-Type designer, Malcolm Sayer. [ Fun Fact: Malcolm Sayer was trained as an engineer and not an automobile designer.]

Space is also made in this chapter for information on the engine, drive train, suspension, and dynamics. There is also a developmental time line of the E-Type from 1961 introduction to the 1971 V12 5.3 litre engined cars.

A later section of the book includes a number of color three-view profiles on the E-Type from the initial S-1 E-Type as well as the Low Drag model, Lightweight E-Type, Fastback FHC-type design, 5343 cc 24 value V12 model and the 2+2 coupe.

The modeling section presents a large overview of the various pre-assembled models of the Jaguar E-Type that are available. An exquisite model from Amalgam Collection of the 1/8^th scale Jaguar roadster is a mere $13,000.00, in four interest free payments. Amalgam Collection does offer a 1/18^th scale jaguar E-Type for a paltry $800.00. At those terms you might as well get their coupe as well. Other offerings in various scales are presented from Auto Art, Cult Models (resin and photo-etched), White Box, Paragon, Century Dragon and a 1/43^rd scale model from Matrix. The later three manufacturers all produce die-cast models.

While there isn't a section on scale model kits available, it is interesting to note the variety of companies that are in the business of making collectible pre-assembled models. Many of which are beautiful, hand crafted works of art.

There are lovely and detailed images throughout this book of the E-Type in all its iterations. Closeup images of the engine, drive train, interior, headlamps, and doors will be a bonus to anyone thinking of modeling this iconic car. [Revell is soon to release a newly tooled XKE in 1/24^th scale that will be joining Heller and Airfix kits that are available now.]

The Jaguar E-Type by Lance Cole is a well written and researched look at one of the worlds' most beautiful cars. The photographs, profiles and historical images of this car will be of immeasurable help should you decide to build a scale model of the 'Jag' for your collection. Or you can always go the route of the 1/8^th scale masterpiece from Amalgam Collection. Don't forget to order the custom display case....

My thanks to Pen and Sword Publications and IPMS/USA for the review copy

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