Jaguar E-Type Reimagined as 1960s SUV
As far as styling is concerned, the car that left the biggest impact on me is the first generation of the E-TYPE There’s something about that coupe and convertible that I can’t put into words, a timeless elegance that makes enthusiasts and designers alike blush with admiration.
Coming courtesy of Kolesa.ru, the following rendering has left me intrigued for all the wrong reasons. Based on the 2+2 fastback coupe that I greatly dislike because it’s an abomination in comparison to the fixed-head coupe and soft-top convertible, the design study is a “what if” of sorts.
What if the first-ever Jaguar SUV came out in the 1960s instead of 2016, the year the F-Pace rolled out to great critical acclaim and commercial success? As opposed to the contemporary model, the E-Type SUV may not have been received too well because sporty SUVs weren’t a thing back then.
The 1935 Chevrolet Carryall Suburban can be considered as the starting point for utility vehicles, the 1961 International Harvester Scout paved the way for off-roaders that weren’t based on military vehicles, and the 1966 Ford Bronco set the stage for modern SUVs such as the 1983 Jeep Cherokee.
We also have to remember that 1960s United Kingdom wasn’t all that interested in SUVs. There is, however, an exception in the guise of the Land Rover, which is heavily inspired by the Willys MB Military Jeep from World War II. Last, but certainly not least, Jaguar’s straight-six engine wouldn’t be suitable with a two-speed transfer case and four-wheel drive.
Even the 5.3-liter V12 introduced in 1971 with the Series III is a notoriously problematic powerplant, and mechanical issues would only be exacerbated by Lucas electrics. As such, the rendering before your eyes would have made no sense at all six decades ago when the E-TYPE was launched.
While on the subject of SUVs, the Leaping Cat has three to its name at the present moment. The F-Pace was followed by the E-Pace and I-Pace in 2017 and 2018, and Jaguar doesn’t plan to stop here. Expected to share its platform and all-electric powertrain with the all-new XJ, the J-Pace may be revealed this year as Jaguar’s new flagship utility vehicle.
Source autoevolution.com
