E-Type Stars at Vegas Premiere of the New Major Motion Picture The Mechanic

A Jaguar E‑Type made one spectacular entrance at the Las Vegas Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino last month.

After a run down The Strip, the Regency Red E‑Type came to rest under the casino’s grand marquee. Leaping from behind the wheel of the classic Jaguar was actor Jason Stratham, the star of the new film, The Mechanic.

Photo courtesy of Las Vegas Sun

When you imagine a “star car” at the launch of a major motion picture, you would naturally think of a manufacturer’s latest model. Not so with this premiere – the classic E‑Type was specifically cast in this film.

The Series II E‑Type Fixed Head Coupe, owned by Jaguar Clubs of North America member Bill Streitenberger, was there to represent the Series I E‑Type FHC that appears in the movie. (Unfortunately, the movie car meets with a rather unfortunate end.)

You can view the pictures of the show‑stopping E‑Type on the Las Vegas Sun’s web site at http://www.lasvegassun.com/photos/galleries/2011/jan/27/mechanic‑premiere‑planet‑hollywood‑las‑vegas and read the full story on the Examiner.com site at http://www.examiner.com/event‑photography‑in‑las‑vegas/planet‑hollywood‑hosts‑las‑vegas‑premiere‑of‑cbs‑films‑the‑mechanic

Photo courtesy of Planet Hollywood

You can also view the film trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMklQNn0OH0 , but be forewarned, the scene with the E‑Type may break your heart!

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the iconic Jaguar E‑Type or XKE as it was often referred to in North America. First revealed at the Geneva International Auto Show, it was the unquestioned hit of the week‑long event. The North American debut took place at the New York International Auto Show on April 1st, 1961.