The Oldtimer Grand Prix at Germany's Nurburgring, which starts today (August 12th) and runs until Sunday August 14th, will see Jaguar participate in a celebration marking 50 years of the brand's iconic E-type.
Vintage motor enthusiasts and policyholders of classic car insurance have long held the E-type in high esteem. For instance, the car was awarded with the prestigious title of Britain's favourite sports car last month in a poll by Silverstone Classic ahead of the Northamptonshire cicuit's classic motorsport festival.
However, the Nurburgring event is also one of Europe's most recognised historic racing festivals. The Jaguar's presence there is to be commanded by the company's former chief test driver Norman Dewis.
"I raced a D-Type at the Oldtimer Grand Prix in the 1950s. This year is the 15th time I have been with Jaguar and it's a fantastic event," Mr Dewis said.
"I just hope the renowned Nurburgring fog stays away."
Jaguar will also be displaying 36 examples of its celebrated collection of E-types at the festival, such as the original 1961 Geneva show car and one of the last models to come out in 1975 before production halted.
Meanwhile, a fine example of one of the later editions of the motor will be going under the hammer at the 2011 British heritage sale at Sandown Park on September 20th. Announced by Barons auctioneers, the car dates from 1974 and was one of just 50 special edition models to be manufactured by Jaguar to mark the end of an era.
However, the model is perhaps most famous for its shape and overall body design. Labelled as sensual, the car's shape is so iconic that it was granted a permanent spot in New York's Museum of Modern Art in 1996.
"The E-type captures the essential beauty, drama and passion of every Jaguar," explained Geoff Cousins, managing director of Jaguar UK, before adding that the manufacturer has "always been proud of its heritage".
Now in its 39th year, the Oldtimer Grand Prix event hosts ten races at Germany's Grand Prix track, playing host to 600 drivers across 20 nationalities.
