1961 Jaguar E-Type from Austin Powers

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery is one of the funniest movies I enjoy. It's probably Mike Meyer's best work since he left Saturday Night Live. Wayne's World is another one with a car in it. Maybe I'll get around to posting something on Wayne's AMC Pacer. But for now, let's talk about the Shaguar. Yeah baby, yeah!

The 1961 Jaguar E-Type is prominently seen during the intro of the movie. Austin uses it to get away from his frenzied fans after somersaulting onto the convertible chassis. See the video clip of Austin Powers 1 opening scene below:

After doing some quick research on the Jaguar E-Type, I come to find out that the US version was designated Jaguar XK-E. But it seems like most US car buffs do not refer to the car that way. A quick search on eBay reveals many more Jaguar E-Type listings than Jaguar XK-E listings and these are cars located in the US.


Also, since the movie was filmed here in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, even using the Riverside Community College marching band in the opening sequence, maybe the car is a Jaguar XK-E. But then again, the driver is on the right hand side...

Nevertheles, the Jaguar E-Type is considered by many, including the legendary Enzo Ferrari, as "[t]he most beautiful car ever made."  Sports Car International Magazine places the Jaguar E-Type 3rd in the All-Time list of beautiful cars.

I've been fascinated with the Jaguar E-Type and other roadsters. Sometimes I'd catch a 60's spy movie other than James Bond, such as Matt Helm or In Like Flynt and I'd see these roadsters. My neighbor when I was growing up had a blue convertible Triumph when I was growing up. He had it under a car cover the whole time and was his precious.

Pictures of Jaguar E-Type