TL;DR
- The 1961 Jaguar E-Type S1 is a Class C, front-engine, RWD classic sports car in Forza Horizon 6.
- It is rated as the top C Class pick in FH6 thanks to strong engine swap potential and excellent top-end speed.
- Powered by a 3.8-litre DOHC inline-six, it was considered a supercar in its era.
- Best suited for sprint races, scenic road events, and classic car challenges in Japan.
- Available from the Autoshow in Forza Horizon 6.
Jaguar E-Type S1 in Forza Horizon 6
The 1961 Jaguar E-Type S1 is one of the most iconic classic cars in Forza Horizon 6. It sits in Class C, making it a solid choice for early-to-mid game progression and dedicated C Class events. It was officially revealed for FH6 on April 10, 2026, and confirmed as part of the game’s launch roster.
The E-Type S1 is a front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car. It is one of the most visually stunning cars in the game and also one of the most capable in its class when upgraded. Its strong engine swap potential means it can be built into a genuine threat at the top of C Class. If you enjoy classic cars that look great on Japan’s scenic roads and still win races, this is one of the best picks in the entire game.
It was ranked as the best C Class car in FH6 by multiple community sources at launch, praised for its excellent top-end pull and sprint race performance. It also has a classic look that fits Japan’s mountain roads, coastal stretches, and urban routes perfectly.
To understand all the regions and routes in FH6, check out the full Forza Horizon 6 Japan map guide. Many of the game’s most scenic roads are ideal for the E-Type’s RWD character and classic styling.
Jaguar E-Type S1 – Class and Performance Overview
Here is a breakdown of the Jaguar E-Type S1’s confirmed specs in Forza Horizon 6:
- Class: C
- Drivetrain: RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive)
- Engine: 3.8-litre DOHC Inline-Six
- Body Type: Classic Sports Car / Retro Sports Car
- Engine Position: Front
- Country of Origin: United Kingdom
The E-Type S1 is the original Series 1 variant of the Jaguar E-Type, the version that debuted at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show. It carries the car’s most iconic design — the long bonnet, sleek fastback roofline, and covered headlights that defined the model’s look for decades.
In terms of in-game performance character, the E-Type S1 has a strong pull through the mid and upper rev range. Its handling is rewarding but demands precision — this is an RWD car from the 1960s, and it behaves like one. Push it too hard into a corner and it will rotate. Get the balance right and it feels alive in a way that few C Class cars can match.
About the Real 1961 Jaguar E-Type S1
The Jaguar E-Type is one of the most celebrated sports cars ever built. When it debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961, it caused an immediate sensation. Enzo Ferrari is famously said to have described it as the most beautiful car ever made. Whether or not he said exactly that, the reaction from the public was clear — Jaguar was swamped with orders it could not fill fast enough.
The Series 1 (S1) is the original and most iconic version of the E-Type. It uses a 3.8-litre DOHC inline-six engine that was developed directly from Jaguar’s D-Type racing car. At the time of launch, the car claimed a top speed of around 150 mph and could reach 60 mph in under seven seconds. For the equivalent price of a mid-range executive saloon, buyers were getting supercar performance in one of the most beautiful bodies ever styled.
The S1 was designed by aerodynamicist Malcolm Sayer. It features fully independent rear suspension — advanced for 1961 — and disc brakes at all four corners. The car weighs around 1,315 kg (2,899 lbs), which was extremely light for its size. That low weight is a big part of why it handles so well both in real life and in game.
The E-Type remained in production until 1974, eventually evolving through the Series 2 and Series 3 versions. But the Series 1 remains the most sought-after and visually distinctive of them all.
How to Get the Jaguar E-Type S1 in Forza Horizon 6
The 1961 Jaguar E-Type S1 is available to buy from the Autoshow in Forza Horizon 6. You can purchase it directly using in-game credits without needing any specific DLC or pack.
It is a C Class car, so the purchase price is accessible even in the early stages of the game. If you are working on building a strong C Class garage, the E-Type S1 is one of the first cars worth prioritising.
If you need more credits to buy it or other cars, check out our guide on how to earn credits fast in Forza Horizon 6. You can also find tips on how to level up fast to unlock more events and progression rewards.
What Is the Jaguar E-Type S1 Best For?
The E-Type S1 is the top C Class car in FH6. Here is where it performs best:
Sprint Races and Road Events
The E-Type’s strong engine swap potential and excellent top-end pull make it dangerous on sprint races and longer road sections. Once upgraded, it can pull away from most C Class rivals on open straights and fast sweeping corners. Japan’s expressways and mountain road stretches give the E-Type room to use its top-end speed effectively.
Explore the best roads, mountain passes, expressways, and rural routes in FH6 to find where the E-Type feels most at home.
Classic Car Events and Festival Challenges
As a Retro Classic car, the E-Type S1 qualifies for class-specific and era-specific events. These come up regularly in the seasonal events and Festival Playlist. Having the E-Type in your garage means you are always ready when a classic car event appears in the weekly schedule.
Photo Mode and Scenic Drives
The E-Type S1 is one of the most photogenic cars in the game. Its long bonnet, sweeping lines, and classic British colour options look stunning against Japan’s cherry blossom-lined roads, mountain backdrops, and coastal scenery. If you enjoy photo mode, this car is a must-have for your garage.
Early Game Progression
The E-Type is a smart early buy if you enjoy classic cars or want a competitive C Class build. It is accessible, rewarding to drive, and competitive once upgraded. Newer players who want something with character and real race potential at C Class will find it one of the most satisfying choices in the Autoshow.
Check out our best starter cars guide and the full beginner’s guide from Tourist to Legend to plan your early garage build.
Jaguar E-Type S1 Upgrades and Tuning Tips
The E-Type S1 responds very well to upgrades. Here are the key areas to focus on:
Engine Swap – The Most Important Upgrade
The E-Type’s biggest strength in FH6 is its engine swap potential. Fitting a more modern engine dramatically increases its top-end pull and acceleration. This is the single best upgrade you can make to turn it into a genuinely fast C Class build. After an engine swap, the E-Type becomes a very different car — much faster down the straight while keeping its classic handling character.
Check the upgrade menu for available engine swaps and choose one that keeps you inside your target PI. For C Class competition, you want to max out your PI budget while keeping the car controlled and driveable. For full upgrade guidance, see our best car upgrades and bodykit presets guide.
Weight Reduction
The E-Type S1 is already relatively light at around 1,315 kg in real life. In FH6, weight reduction upgrades make it even sharper. Lighter cars turn faster, stop sooner, and accelerate harder. Max out weight reduction as far as your PI budget allows — it is always worth the PI cost on a car like this.
Suspension and Handling
Install Race Suspension to unlock full tuning access. Because this is an RWD car, pay attention to your rear anti-roll bar settings. Going slightly softer at the rear gives better rotation on corners without making the car snap loose. Tune the front springs to match the track type you are racing — softer for tight technical routes, stiffer for faster open roads.
Tyres
Upgrade to Sport or Race tyres depending on your PI budget. Street tyres are fine for casual play, but if you are competing seriously in C Class events, better tyre compounds give meaningful grip improvements on tarmac.
Brakes
The stock brakes on a 1960s car are not designed for the speeds FH6 can push. Upgrade to at least one tier above stock to avoid lockups under hard braking. This is especially important on mountain passes and tight urban circuits where late braking can make a real difference to lap times.
Jaguar E-Type S1 vs Other C Class Cars in FH6
The E-Type S1 sits at the top of the C Class tier in FH6. Here is how it compares to some alternatives:
- vs 1992 Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evo: The Lancia is also in C Class in FH6. It offers AWD grip and a more modern rally character. For dirt events the Lancia is easier to manage. For pure tarmac sprint races, the E-Type with a good engine swap is harder to beat at the class ceiling.
- vs Other Retro Classics: Most other C Class retro cars have less engine swap potential than the E-Type. Its combination of low weight, RWD balance, and upgrade headroom makes it stand out.
- vs the 1964 Jaguar Lightweight E-Type: The Lightweight E-Type is a more extreme, race-prepped variant of the same car. It is planned to appear in FH6 as well and will likely sit in a higher class. If you want the road-going version that stays at C Class, the S1 is your car.
For a full comparison of the best cars across every class, see our best cars in every class guide.
The Jaguar E-Type S1 in Forza History
The 1961 Jaguar E-Type S1 has appeared in every main Forza series title. It has been a fan favourite in Forza Horizon 4 and Forza Horizon 5, where it was also available as a Barn Find in FH4. In FH5 it featured in weekly Forzathon challenges. Its inclusion in FH6 continues a long tradition of the car appearing as one of Forza’s most iconic classic models.
In Forza Horizon 4, the car carried stats of 6.0 Speed, 5.0 Handling, 5.7 Acceleration, 7.0 Launch, and 4.7 Braking at its stock C539 PI rating. These figures are from the previous game and may differ in FH6 after the class rebalance.
If you are interested in other classic or collectible cars in FH6, here are some related guides worth checking out:
- All Barn Find Locations in Forza Horizon 6
- Legacy Cars and Loyalty Rewards – How to Claim
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR – Stats and Guide
Other Activities to Enjoy with the E-Type S1
Beyond racing, the Jaguar E-Type S1 is a great car to use across several FH6 activities. Take it out for scenic drives on Japan’s rural routes and mountain passes. Use it in Horizon Arcade events or bring it to seasonal playlist events when classic car requirements come up.
It is also worth having in your garage for the Reward Pass progression, where specific car types can unlock bonus rewards. Check your active challenges regularly to see if the E-Type qualifies for any weekly or seasonal bonuses.
Where to Buy Forza Horizon 6
You can get Forza Horizon 6 on the following platforms:
Ending With
The 1961 Jaguar E-Type S1 is one of the most rewarding cars to drive in Forza Horizon 6. It is the best C Class pick in the game, a genuine winner on sprint races and open roads, and one of the most beautiful cars in any Forza game to date.
Its engine swap potential means it can be built into a formidable C Class machine. Its low weight and RWD character make it feel alive in a way that budget hot hatches and slower classics cannot match. And on Japan’s varied map — from Tokyo’s city streets to the mountain passes of the Japanese Alps — it always looks and feels exactly right.
If you are building your FH6 garage and want a strong C Class car that also gives you one of the best driving experiences in the game, the Jaguar E-Type S1 is the one to get.
For more guides and tips, explore our best cars in every class, the full barn find locations guide, and our guide on how to sell cars if you need to clear garage space and earn extra credits.
