TIMELESS BEAUTY: MEGAN FOX UNVEILS 2012 JAGUAR XKR AT 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE JAGAUR E-TYPE

The Beatles provided the tunes; models wore oversized glasses and retro heels, and a beautiful forest‑green Series 1 Jaguar E‑Type sat perched atop a white platform. Inside of the Frank Gehry‑designed IAC building in Chelsea Wednesday night (April 20), it was very much the ’60s, as Jaguar paid tribute to its storied legacy with a celebration curated by fashion icon, Simon Doonan, marking the 50th anniversary of the E‑Type.

However, the past soon gave way to the future. “Great visual architecture, beautiful lines, and pure surfacing—that’s what makes this car so beautiful,” said Design Director for Jaguar Cars, Ian Callum, toasting the ’61 vintage in front of a throng of guests, before continuing, “And it’s those points ‑ those values ‑ that we still use today when we design Jaguar cars.” After describing the iconic car, he called upon another “beautiful icon,” actress Megan Fox, and together, they introduced the all‑new 2012 Jaguar XKR Coupe. Almost immediately, guests became photographers as a sea of smartphones and point‑and‑shoot cameras took to the air to capture this incredible moment.

Earlier in the day, the build‑up to the event began back in Midtown at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, site of the 2011 New York International Automobile Show. A rally of E‑Type models, driven by their respective owners, led a convoy of Jaguar XJ vehicles southbound down the scenic West Side Highway, ending at The Park restaurant, where rally participants and luminaries enjoyed cocktails and a meal.

Though for some, the Jaguar cars still commanded all of their attention. “It’s one of the most beautiful cars ever designed,” remarked Dennis Mamchur, owner of a 1971 E‑Type that participated in the rally. “As much as I love the car, it’s a bit of an issue for me to drive because I’m quite tall at 6'5,” he countered with a smile, right before hopping in for yet another spin through the streets of Chelsea.

At one point during the drive, a New York City taxicab began to cruise up beside Mamchur’s E‑Type as he tried to change lanes. Yet, with the flash of a signal, the stereotypically aggressive New York cabbie almost slowed to a halt in what seemed like a sign of respect, allowing Mamchur’s E‑Type to pass. Seconds later, kids on the sidewalk waved at the passing Jag.

“It turns heads,” said Mamchur, beaming yet again.