The Jaguar E-Type was produced between 1961 and 1974, with a number of revisions and updates throughout. Its combination of beauty, high performance, and competitive pricing established the model as an icon of the motoring world. The E-Type's claimed 150 mph top speed, sub-7-second 0 to 60 mph acceleration, unitary construction, disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering, and independent front and rear suspension distinguished the car and spurred industry-wide changes, it was also cheaper than most of the competition. It was based on Jaguar's D-Type racing car, which had won the 24 Hours of Le Mans for three consecutive years beginning in 1955, the winning run ending only when the French FIA changed the rules to stop it competing.

It is rumoured that, on its release Enzo Ferrari called it "the most beautiful car ever made".

The car as modelled by Vanguards appears to be a late Series 1 as it has had the headlamp covers removed on some versions yet retains the rear lights above the bumper, they were relocated below the bumper on the Series 2.