Discover the Ultimate List of Sports Cars That Start With E From Classic to Modern

I still remember the first time I drove an E-Type Jaguar—that long, graceful hood stretching before me like a promise. There's something magical about sports cars beginning with E, a blend of engineering excellence and emotional appeal that transcends generations. Having spent years in automotive journalism and even dabbling in amateur racing, I've developed particular affection for this unique category. The way these machines balance heritage with innovation fascinates me, much like how athletes moving between teams must balance loyalty with new opportunities. Speaking of team dynamics, I can't help but think about that recent basketball trade where a player felt awkward facing his former team—that same bittersweet tension exists when car enthusiasts transition between automotive brands, especially within the E-named sports car family.

Let's start with the undeniable legend—the Jaguar E-Type. Launched in 1961, this British masterpiece featured a 3.8-liter straight-six engine producing 265 horsepower, which was staggering for its time. Enzo Ferrari himself called it the most beautiful car ever made, and having driven three different models over the years, I must agree. The Series 1, with its glass-covered headlights and toggle switches, remains my personal favorite, though its value has skyrocketed to over $200,000 for pristine examples. What many don't realize is how technologically advanced it was—monocoque construction and four-wheel independent suspension were groundbreaking in the early 60s. I once took a 1967 Series 1 on California's Pacific Coast Highway, and the way it handled those coastal curves still gives me chills.

Moving to German engineering, the BMW E9 coupes, particularly the 3.0 CSL "Batmobile," represent another pinnacle. Produced between 1968 and 1975, these cars combined luxury with track capability in ways that still impress me. The 3.0 CSL homologation special weighed just 2,866 pounds thanks to extensive use of aluminum panels and plastic windows. Its 3.2-liter straight-six delivered 206 horsepower, pushing it to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds—remarkable for the era. I've always preferred the earlier carbureted versions over the fuel-injected models—there's a raw, mechanical honesty to them that modern cars often lack. The current auction prices hovering around $500,000 for good CSL examples show I'm not alone in this appreciation.

The 90s brought us the Eagle Talon, which I'll admit isn't everyone's first thought for sports cars starting with E, but hear me out. The all-wheel-drive Talon TSi, essentially a rebadged Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX, delivered incredible performance for its $18,000 price tag. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produced 210 horsepower in the 1995-1998 models, launching it to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds. I owned a 1997 model for two years and modified it extensively—the aftermarket support was incredible. While purists might scoff, the Talon represented accessible performance that introduced countless enthusiasts, including myself, to the world of sports cars.

Contemporary offerings like the Lotus Emira continue the E-legacy brilliantly. Having driven the prototype at Silverstone last year, I can confirm it's possibly the best-handling car under $100,000 today. The supercharged 3.5-liter V6 develops 400 horsepower, but it's the chassis balance that truly impresses—typical Lotus magic. The Emira replaces the Elise, Exige, and Evora, serving as Lotus's final internal combustion sports car before going fully electric. There's a poetic significance there—the end of an era, much like athletes transitioning between teams or retiring altogether. The interior quality finally matches German rivals, addressing my long-standing complaint about Lotus cabins.

What strikes me about these E-named sports cars is how they reflect their eras while maintaining core sporting principles. The Jaguar E-Type embodied 60s optimism and technical innovation, the BMW E9 represented 70s motorsport engineering filtered through luxury, the Eagle Talon captured 90s tuner culture, and the Lotus Emira exemplifies modern precision while honoring heritage. Each car has its personality—something I find lacking in many contemporary sports cars that feel too homogenized. My personal ranking would place the E-Type first for emotional impact, followed closely by the Emira for its astonishing capabilities, then the E9 for its timeless design, and finally the Talon for its democratic performance appeal.

Looking forward, the electric revolution brings new E-possibilities. The upcoming electric MG Cyberster, rumored to have an "E" variant, could continue this tradition with estimated 536 horsepower and 0-60 mph in under 3.5 seconds. While I'll miss combustion engines, the performance potential excites me. Throughout automotive history, these E-badged sports cars have consistently pushed boundaries while maintaining distinctive characters. They remind me that progression doesn't require abandoning heritage—whether in car design or professional sports transitions. Each vehicle represents a moment in time while contributing to an ongoing narrative of automotive excellence, and I feel privileged to have experienced so many of them firsthand.