What makes this moment particularly fascinating is that the Shah test drove the car—and did not like it.
This reaction surprises many modern observers, especially those who view the E-Type as nearly flawless. Yet from the Shah’s perspective, the criticism was not about beauty but performance. The six-cylinder engine, impressive by normal standards, felt sluggish when compared to the far more powerful machines already in his possession. For a man accustomed to high-performance engines, the Jaguar simply did not meet expectations.
This moment reveals an important aspect of the Shah’s character: his standards were uncompromising. He judged technology not by reputation or aesthetics alone, but by measurable capability. Beauty without power was not enough.
The Triumph TR-3: A Passing Glance
The next vehicle in the photographic sequence is the Triumph TR-3, a British sports car that enjoyed popularity among enthusiasts for its simplicity and rugged charm. However, the Shah’s reaction is telling: he barely pauses.
In the images, he appears to be merely passing by, offering little more than a cursory glance. This indifference speaks volumes. The Triumph TR-3 was not designed to impress royalty accustomed to cutting-edge innovation. It was practical, affordable by sports-car standards, and mechanically straightforward—but it lacked ambition.
