It's turning into a year of motoring anniversaries, with Rolls-Royce, Ford and Toyota celebrating various landmarks in their respective histories.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of one of the most famous and desirable cars in automotive history - the Jaguar E-Type.

Jaguar will be celebrating this special anniversary year at high-profile motoring events throughout 2011.

The company will mark the anniversary at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and go on to celebrate at Goodwood's Revival and Festival of Speed, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the Nurburgring Old Timer Grand Prix and a host of Jaguar customer, dealer and lifestyle events worldwide.

The E-Type set new standards in automotive design and performance when it was launched in 1961 and its influence is still apparent in Jaguar's' modern range.

Commenting on the car, Mike O'Driscoll, Managing Director Jaguar Cars said: "Half a century of progress has not diminished the significance of the E-Type. It was a sensation when it was launched, and remains Jaguar's most enduring and iconic symbol. The E-Type is simply one of the most exciting cars ever created and a legacy to the genius of Jaguar's founder, Sir William Lyons."

Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961, Jaguar's E-Type caused a sensation. Capable of achieving 150mph, but costing a fraction of the price of rivals with similar performance, it was the affordable supercar and became an instant icon - remaining on sale for 14 years.