CELEBRATING AN ICON

More than 700 invited guests turned out for a night of stylish Jaguar hospitality and a chance to celebrate 50 years of the iconic Jaguar E‑type at Pebble Beach last night.

Some of the most‑prized E‑type models in the world, including the famous 1961 Geneva and New York Auto Show cars, were lined up in the courtyard of The Beach & Tennis Club at The Lodge at Pebble Beach for Jaguar's traditional Thursday night Pebble Beach Kick Off Party.

"What better way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the E‑type than by bringing together some of the most gorgeous, most significant examples," said Jaguar Design Director, Ian Callum.

Guests, who included Pebble Beach judges and concours entrants, industry executives, Jaguar club members and media, were able to get an up‑close look at cars like the famous 1959 E2A prototype that inspired the E‑type, the thundering green‑and‑white 1974 Group 44 racing Series 3 V12, plus a line‑up of owner E‑type cars.

"Our annual event here at Pebble Beach is such a great way to kick‑off an important event in the automotive calendar," said David Pryor, Brand Vice President, Jaguar North America. "Jaguar has a major presence at Pebble Beach and at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion this weekend, and the Jaguar Pebble Beach Kick Off party is really the start of all the action."

The event wasn't just a celebration of Jaguar's heritage; it was also a look towards its future. On display was the stunning new Jaguar C‑X75 hybrid supercar, which debuted at this year's Paris Auto Show, and is now due to go into production within the next two years.