The ageless, sublimely beautiful E-type Jaguar was introduced, initially for export only, in March 1961. The domestic UK market launch came four months later in July 1961.

Following the Series 1 there was a transitional series of cars built in 1967–68, unofficially called "Series 1½", which are externally similar to Series 1 cars.  Essentially these cars were built using more of the parts destined for the Series 2 vehicles.  Later cars in general have more of the Series 2 features.

Of the 6726 Series 1½ cars built, just under 2000 were built as fixed head coupes (FHC). The vast majority of these (1565) were exported to the US.

Due to American pressure the new features included open headlights, different switches (the originals were deemed unsafe), and some de-tuning (with a downgrade of twin Zenith-Stromberg carbs from the original triple SU carbs) for US models. Some Series 1½ cars also have twin cooling fans and adjustable seat backs; mine has both of these features. Series 2 features were gradually introduced into the Series 1, creating the unofficial Series 1½ cars, but always with the Series 1 body style.