Jaguar E-Type

vs

Ferrari 275 GTS

UK vs Italy — 1961 vs 1965

Jaguar E-Type (1961)
Ferrari 275 GTS (1965)
Specifications
E-Type Series I 4.2 Coupe275 GTS
Horsepower265 hp260 hp
Torque283 lb-ft206 lb-ft
Engine Size4,235 cc3,286 cc
0-60 mph7.0 sec6.8 sec
Top Speed150 mph152 mph
¼ Mile15.0 sec15.0 sec
Weight2,701 lbs2,601 lbs
Wheelbase2,438 mm2,400 mm
Length4,445 mm4,325 mm
Units Produced72,507200
Original MSRP$5,595$14,400
Value (Excellent)$350,000$3,500,000
Collectibility10/109/10
Rarity5/109/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I 4.2 Coupe brings stronger collectibility, better value to the table, and the 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS answers with quicker acceleration, higher top speed, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

The rivalry between UK and Italy automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I 4.2 Coupe versus 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I 4.2 Coupe producing 265 hp and the 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS delivering 260 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Jaguar E-Type uses a Inline-6 DOHC (XK) displacing 4,235 cc, while the Ferrari 275 GTS relies on a V12 SOHC 24V with 3,286 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS edges ahead at 6.8 seconds versus 7.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 200 units built, the 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS is considerably scarcer than the Jaguar E-Type's 72,507 examples. On the collector market, the 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS commands a significant premium over the 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series I 4.2 Coupe, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.