Customer Reviews

Jaguar E-Type: The Definitive History (Foulis Motoring Book)

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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Rarely does a book's title reflect accurately on its contents, as does Phillip Porter's "Jaguar E-type, The definitive history". One's initial impression is of physical presence, for this is a massive work in all respects. Leafing through the book for the first time, one is immediately struck by a sense of awe that this could possibly represent the work of one man. There can be no doubt this is Porter's legacy, for which he laboured long and hard and gave much of himself.

The foreword is written by sportsman Briggs Cunningham, hinting that the car's racing heritage will figure prominently within. This is indeed the case, for fully a third of the content is dedicated to competition. The greater volume of the book, however, deals with the production car, against an historical timeline that begins with its evolution and conception and extends, rather than ends, with the E-type as it continues to exist today.

It is clear that Porter is unabashedly passionate about this greatest of all sportscars, but he masterfully avoids what could have been a eulogy and creates both a powerful reference work and an entertaining read. "The definitive history" brings together a multitude of colourful personalities and anecdotes and weaves these into a framework of facts, insights and specifications. There are literally hundreds of photographs and illustrations, some of which will be familiar to those who have read other books on the subject but the vast majority of which have never been published before.

History and objectivity are often mutually exclusive and if there can be fault found in this work it would be historian's soft disdain for cars which diverged from the pure lines of the Series 1 two-seaters. This, however, does nothing to detract from what is an otherwise magnificient accomplishment. There will be no other comprehensive histories written about the legendary Jaguar E-type, for none could possibly better this one.

Nick Saltarelli 1968 E-type OTS

Phillip Porter's reference on the Jaguar E-Type that other authors cite as their source. This is a must read if you are at all interested in E-Types. Some of it may not be too flattering to Sir Wm Lyons or Jaguar but it tells the story as only an insider could. You will learn about the inspiration, design, developement, manufacture and end of production of the model

A massive effort. One of the most complete references ever to E-Type history. Hundreds of black and white and color illustrations. Insights into design, manufacturing, marketing and service. Production counts, export statistics, model specifications. This is not a repair book. It is a comprehensive history.

This book is a beautiful book; however Amazon.com shipped a damaged used copy not once, but twice! When I inquired on how to fix this issue I was told, "ordering another book is not an option". Because they sent the issue to the investigation area I could not have another replacement book shipped. Really? I would think they would have found an undamaged book and sent it to me free of charge. NO MORE AMAZON.COM for me. Louise Lane

Both books had scratched covers, dog ears, ruffled through pages, and broken bindings. For a special book, this is NOT exceptable. It is like buying a new car with a scratch down the hood. You would not accept it, nor would the dealer accept it from the distribution.

This book has proven to be of invaluable information about these vehicles. Have had a world of opportunity to learn about this classic vehicle which Enzo Ferrari admired.

This book certainly lives up to its name, and other E-Type history books fall fairly short. The downside is that being out of print, it is extremely expensive - I was lucky enough to be able to borrow a copy from a friend.

Wow. What feast for the enthusiast! The photo compendium alone is worth the hefty price, but all of the stories and details gives one a real inside look at a great marquee in its glory days. A little too much competitive discussion for my taste (in that there should have been an equal amount of commercial detail), but I would consider this a must-have book for anyone who owns or is considering the purchase of an E-Type (despite the lack of a model year and feature table).

This book is huge! Anyone who loves these E-types will love this book.From concept to the series 111 this book covers the lot and in great detail.Beautiful b&w and colour photos and an amazing story and in so many glossy pages make this the ultimate book on these Jaguars.If you want to buy a real gift for the E-type lover this book is it.They'll love you for it.