Jaguar celebrates the anniversary of the eternally-sexy E-Type’s U.S. introduction at the 1961 New York International Auto Show.
In honor of the anniversary of the debut of the E-Type at the 1961 New York Auto Show, Jaguar revisited fifty years of groundbreaking design with a fantastic fete at the IAC building, designed by Frank Gehry, on 18th Street and the Chelsea Piers, above photos. Iconic Jaguars plus Megan Fox, accompanied by her husband actor Brian Austin Green, kept the paparazzi snapping.
Jaguar’s award-winning Design Director, Ian Callum, above, who welcomed A-List media, celebs and guests, hosted the evening. Following his remarks lauding the iconic design of the 1961 E-Type displayed onstage, guests witnessed the global debut of the 2012 Jaguar XKR coupe. The dramatic reveal included a surprise appearance by actress Megan Fox, who added even more glamour to the occasion. The 2012 Jaguar XKR coupe is a sleek and muscular GT powered by a supercharged 510-horsepower V8. For 2012, the Jaguar XKR receives interior and exterior styling updates to further complement its real world GT performance.
To animate a closer look at Jaguar design iconography from the 1960s, passionate E-Type enthusiast Simon Doonan, the British-born Creative Ambassador for Barney’s New York, created the environment. Arriving guests posed on the red carpet with a one-of-a-kind life-size, interpretation of an E-Type, above, emblazoned with a decoupage of original period fashion and lifestyle photography. During the first hour of the evening guests were whisked back to 1961, to a swinging party capturing the spirit of the time. Original Bombay Sapphire cocktails were served while models dressed in early 1960s fashions lounged within a custom-made tableau vivant, below, decorated with period E-type iconography.
Introduced to the North American media and public on March 15, 1961 at the New York International Auto Show, Jaguar’s XK-E was an instant success. The first year’s production was sold out within days! Many icons of the era – Brigitte Bardot, Steve McQueen, Tony Curtis, Keith Richards and Brit soccer star George Best – drove XK-Es. In 1996, reflecting the car’s iconic design, the E-Type was selected by the Museum of Modern Art for its permanent collection as one of only six automobiles to be so honored.
“As a design statement and as an automobile, the E-Type, above, is a landmark and for me it’s pure Jaguar and an inspiration for the work we do today,” said Ian Callum, Design Director for Jaguar Cars. “It is a thrill to celebrate the 50th birthday of the iconic E-Type here in New York where it made its debut 50 years ago.”
To follow the initial 1960s interlude, by way of a second curtain reveal, guests were welcomed back to 2011 where they were able to interact with a spectacular display of Jaguar’s newest models. The high-profile anniversary party was attended by media and international Jaguar guests attending the New York International Auto Show, Jaguar owners, design-industry influencers and high-profile Manhattan socials including Chris Mack, Natasha Silver, Jennifer Creel, Julie Macklowe, Lesley Schulhof, Amalia Keramitsis, Lindsey Wheat, Lindsay Fox, Gilles Mendelm and Jack Yeaton.
“The E-Type, above, brought together the worlds of pure design, style and fashion. And Jaguar is at it again today with XJ and the XK. This celebration is about the through lines, that same confluence of architecture, style and fashion, said Simon Doonan.”
NOTE: In 1961 I was Editor of Custom Rodder and CAR, Speed & Style magazines and attended the XK-E’s North American introduction at the New York International Auto Show. It was the sexiest car at the show and, 50 years later, remains one of the sexiest cars in the world. It still personifies the art of long-hood, short-deck styling!
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For more information about the New York International Auto Show, please visit, http://www.autoshowny.com/