Jaguar E-Type named the best British car at Classic & Sports Car - The London Show

The Jaguar E-Type has been named the best-ever British car on the opening day of Classic & Sports Car - The London Show.

The E-Type saw off competition including the McLaren F1, Mini Cooper S, Bentley Speed Six and Lotus Seven to claim the title, which was voted for by the public. All 10 finalists are on display at the show, which takes place at Alexandra Palace in London.

Representing the E-Type at the show is '77 RW' - the oldest surviving example of the car, and the original model that Norman Dewis OBE drove from Coventry to Geneva for the E-Type's world debut in March 1961.

Read our history of the iconic Jaguar E-Type

As many as 100 key figures from the classic car world were polled to decide the final list, including the likes of McLaren F1 designer Gordon Murray, Lotus head of design Russell Carr, Pink Floyd drummer and classic car collector Nick Mason, Dire Straits frontman and classic car enthusiast Mark Knopfler, and motor racing author and commentator Simon Taylor.

The decision process was led by the Classic & Sports Car editorial team, and the discussion took in classics such as the Aston Martin DB5, Bristol 405, Ford Escort Mexico, Jaguar D-Type, Rover SD1 and even the Gordon Keeble.

Classic & Sports Car group editor James Elliott said: "The E-Type has it all: looks to stop traffic and a driving experience that has stood the test of time. When it was new you could not have bought more style and performance for the price. It is a car that continues to seduce young and old, and is a very worthy winner."

Over 300 classic cars will be presented to the public this weekend as part of the inaugural Classic & Sports Car - The London Show.

Among the models on display will be a Mercedes-Benz 300SL ‘Gullwing’, a 1973 Pontiac Trans Am and a Porsche 993 Carrera RS. Tickets can be bought here.

Some of the other notable classics on display at the show - including an Aston Martin DB4GT and a Ferrari 250GT California Spider - were featured as part of a line-up worth £18m to preview the show earlier this month.

Aston Martin is taking centre stage at the event, displaying its oldest surviving model - the 1921 A3. As well as the A3, which has recently undergone a three-year restoration, Aston Martin will be showcasing its newest models and unique examples from its historic collection, and celebrating its association with James Bond. The A3 is powered by a 1486cc monobloc engine and has been donated by the Aston Martin Heritage Trust.

Taking place from 30 October to 1 November, the event is being supported by private collectors, classic car dealers and motor manufacturers.

The show is timed to coincide with a number of classic motoring events taking place in the capital, including the London to Brighton veteran car run, the Regent Street motor show and the Bonhams veteran car auction.