The ‘most beautiful car ever made’ joins Lakeland Motor Museum collection

Enzo Ferrari called the E-Type the most beautiful car in the world.

Lakeland Motor Museum has welcomed a new car to the fold, one described by the renowned racing driver Enzo Ferrari as ‘the most beautiful car ever made’ – The 1967 Jaguar E-Type.

This classic red, British sports car is renowned for its stunning design and impressive performance. It’s 4.2 litre DOHC (double overhead cam) inline six cylinder engine saw the vehicle enjoy an impressive top speed of 150mph, achieving 0-60mph in seven seconds, an impressive feat for its day.

Originally introduced in 1961, the Jaguar E-Type featured a four-speed manual gearbox with this 1967 model being fully synchronized for smoother shifting than its predecessors. The 4.2 litre inline-six engine was introduced in 1964, having evolved from the initial 3.8 litre.

Kindly placed on loan to the Museum by local owner Gordon Aylmore of Storrs, Bowness-on-Windermere, the vehicle is in pristine condition and is on display for enthusiasts to enjoy.

Celebrated for a combination of elegance and performance, the car was relatively affordable in its time, making it an iconic example of 1960s motoring and the era of Grand Tourers.

The engine of this much-loved model produced around 265 horsepower at 5,400 RPM and 283 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 RPM and featured three SU carburettors for fuel delivery.

Praised for its easy handling, smooth driving and impressive stopping power, the E-Type boasted independent front and rear suspension, with torsion bars up front and coil springs at the rear and paired with four-wheel disc brakes.

While this particular model on show at the museum is a fixed head coupe, the 1967 E-Type 4.2 was also available as a convertible. The vehicle’s sleek lines are instantly recognisable with its long, low hood, compact cabin and distinctive elliptical grille. The car also features the 15-inch wire-spoke wheels, which added to the unique vintage style.

Perfectly complimenting the car’s luscious exterior, the interior features leather upholstery, a wood rimmed steering wheel, toggle switches and analogue gauges.

Commenting on the acquisition, museum curator Chris Lowe said: “We love all vehicles that come into the museum, but sometimes a car like this arrives and you cannot help but view it in awe. Enzo Ferrari wasn’t wrong when he declared it to be beautiful, I’d challenge anyone not to be overawed by the beauty of the vehicle, which is embodied by its classic Racing Red colour.”

Mr Aylmore said: “I’ve loved this car since I purchased it in 2015, however, was no longer driving it regularly, I wanted it to be kept somewhere that not only I could visit and enjoy it, but also to bring that joy to others. It’s a car that has always received compliments whenever I drove it, so it would be a shame to have it hidden away in a garage. I hope visitors to the museum enjoy its beauty as much as I have.”

The car, along with all of Lakeland Motor Museum’s other vehicles is available for visitors to enjoy daily. Entry to the museum is free for under 5s, £7.50 for children from 5-15 and £12.50 for adults. Dogs are welcome free of charge and there is free on-site parking, plus an on-site café and gift shop.