Amsterdam, 19 March – 65 years ago this March, the Jaguar E-Type, once allegedly described by rival Enzo Ferrari as the most beautiful car ever made, debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, a historic stage for the world’s most important car debuts. To celebrate, Catawiki, the leading online marketplace for special objects, has put together a dedicated E-type auction and has looked at its data to understand the evolution of this iconic model. The numbers reveal something astonishing: the average price of an E-type sold on the platform has risen by +87% over the years. Interest in the model shows no signs of slowing down. Part of this surge can be explained by the alternative asset universe, explains Franco Vigorito, classic cars expert at Catawiki. In essence, alternative assets are usually less liquid, more specialised, and often collectible or tangible items that tend to be held for diversification or long term value. ”Over the past decade, collector cars have increasingly been viewed as alternative assets, joining categories such as art, watches and fine wine in wealth reports that track the performance of so-called ‘passion investments.” The 1960s icon is not only stunning but is remarkable for its performance. Once released, the E-type was the fastest production car with a landmark 241 km/h, while the average car at the time was reaching their top speed at 112 km/h – far less than half. Loved by musical legends such as Frank Sinatra, Mick Jagger, Elton John and George Harrison, the car quickly achieved celebrity status. Instantly recognisable, the E-Type was the ultimate symbol of the Swinging Sixties lifestyle; stylish, tasteful and slightly rebellious. Decades later, the sportscar is still every bit as cool as the famous owners who once drove them. From the garage to the world Jaguar’s story begins far more modestly than its later reputation might suggest. Long before the iconic E-Type or its association with James Bond villains, the company began by building motorcycle sidecars. Jaguar was founded in 1922 in England by William Lyons and William Walmsley. The two young English men intended to create a luxury car at a relatively attainable price point. When Lyons later sought a name that encapsulated the qualities of their cars; “feline grace, elegance, power, and agility,” he chose Jaguar. Despite Jaguar’s accessibility purpose, some classic models have appreciated in price like no other and remain sound investment pieces. “The Jaguar E-Type has remained highly sought after because it is a rare combination of design excellence, technical innovation and cultural relevance” says Franco. “At its launch in 1961, it brought race-derived engineering to a road car and offered performance that rivalled much more expensive models. Decades later, collectors still value the E-Type not only for its iconic design, but for its lasting influence on the sports car world.” The dedicated Jaguar auction is live now until 22 March exclusively on Catawiki. Here are some of the auction’s highlights: Jaguar - E-type series 2 OTS - 1970 estimated at € 105,000 - € 120,000 Jaguar - E-Type 3.8 Series 1 - 1963 estimated at € 120,000 - € 135,000 Jaguar - E-Type Series 3 V12 OTS - 1973 estimated € 72,000 - € 80,000 Most expensive e-types sold on Catawiki: Jaguar - E-Type 4.2 OTS Series I - 1964 sold for € 167.000 in 2021 Jaguar - E-Type 3.8L Series 1 Flat Floor Convertible sold for € 132,000 in 2020 Jaguar - E-Type Serie I 4.2 O.T.S. - 1968 sold for € 120.000 in 2021 Jaguar - E-Type 4.2L Series 2 Roadster sold for €100,000 in 2019 Jaguar - E-Type V12 Series 3 - 1972 sold for € 100.000 in 2017
