Known by many as the “Favourite Feline of the Sports-Car World”, this iconic sports car has been a favourite ofmany since it was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961. Sir William Lyons, founder of Jaguar, didn’t like ‘the open car’ as he called it, and thought the FHC was more aesthetically pleasing.

The car we have available for Gilpin guests is a model for the true purist with covered headlamps, and flick switches on the dash – ‘Edward’ as the car is known, is finished in Carmen Red with Chrome Wire Wheels and Biscuit Connelly Leather seats. This car gets a lot of admiration wherever he goes, and a good blast in the country sees him at his peak. 7,670 of this model were made; 1559 were right hand drive of which this is a genuine UK right hand drive car, no. 871 off the production line.

For fifty years this has been a fantasy car for many – so indulge yourselves with this historic classic car and explore the Lake District National Park in style! Rates below are until 31st October 2012 and include 2 nights bed and breakfast at Gilpin or the Lake House, and ‘Edward’ from 10.30am to 3.30pm (full day hire and chauffeur services also available):

Dinner, Bed & Breakfast

Bed & Breakfast

* Prices are per room per stay for double occupancy, including 2 nights at Gilpin or the Lake House, and ‘Edward’ from 10.30am to 3.00pm. Please note a minimum of a two nights’ stay is usually required when staying on a Friday or Saturday night. Above rates available until 31.10.12, subject to availability; supplement applicable on bank holidays. Summer rates run from April to October, Winter rates run from November to March. Please also note there is a returnable deposit for the car of £750 (£1,500 for non UK residents).

Jaguar E-Type — Favorite Feline of the Sports-Car World — by David Bellm

It was pure lust on wheels. Jaguar’s voluptuous E-type had car enthusiasts’ tongues hanging down to their knees when it was introduced. And to this day the car commands head-spinning attention whenever it makes the scene.

First conceived in 1956, the E-Type was originally intended as a replacement for the Coventry, England firm’s mighty D-Type endurance racers. Jaguar quit racing shortly after the E-Type’s development began, but work on the car continued nonetheless, culminating in a production roadgoing version introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March, 1961.

Offered as a two-seat coupe or convertible, it was an immediate hit. Among the car’s revolutionary features was independent rear suspension, a first for Jaguar, at a time when almost all streetable sports cars still used a more primitive solid-axle setup. But the E-Type’s most compelling claim at the time was its speed.

The car’s smooth aerodynamics and 265-hp 3.8-liter inline six allowed it a top speed of 150 mph — strictly the domain of race cars and ultra-pricey exotics back then. Although not cheap, the E-Type offered such thrills for far less money than similar-performing machines. To ensure the E-Type’s continuing sales appeal, Jaguar gave the car a succession of changes over the years. The 3.8-liter six was replaced for 1965 by a 4.2-liter version that had more torque. The following year, a 2+2 bodystyle was introduced. In 1971, Jaguar launched the final iteration of the E-Type, powered by a 314-hp 5.3-liter V12. The last of the 72,507 E-Types left the plant in early 1975. Today, experts invariably list the E-Type as one of the world’s most beautiful cars.

Combine that appealing design with the car’s pleasing road manners and sporty smooth exhaust purr, and you’ve got one of the finest sensory delights known to man.

David Bellm

David Bellm is a seasoned automotive writer and historian. His work has been featured in a wide variety of online and print publications. For more articles on vintage sports cars, along with drive-test articles on today’s hottest performance cars, go to http://www.autiv.com/

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About the author

Zoe Cunliffe
Zoë 'Chief Chatterer' Cunliffe joined in 2001 with husband Barney. After years of working through the departments as a sort of family apprentice, Zoë’s chief talents have finally been rewarded with a role that encompasses her métiers - talking and writing! You will now mostly find her harassing guests in reception and the restaurants, and writing/editing Gilpin Life. Jasper Gerrard of the Telegraph wrote that Gilpin was "friendly informality, personified by Zoë Cunliffe and her smile that speaks of crumpets by the fire and earthy humour."

2 Comments for Classic Jaguar Gift Package

Pauline Frank

Many thanks for the very interesting news letter. I have looked at all the features in detail. The only one that I can’t seem to find any details about is the Author……that seems to be blank???!!!

It was, by the way, the best Christmas ever.

Love from us both

P.

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Zoe Cunliffe

Glad you enjoyed it – it was fun wasn’t it? I’ve now been suitably chastised & we’ve added a bit on the author, yup, me! Lots of love to you both, Zoe x

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