- Jaguar has built two classic E-Type sports cars
- The duo of Jaguar Classic E‑type Commemorative vehicles celebrate 50 years since the end of E-Type production in 1974
- The vehicles were commissioned by a well-heeled buyer in Southeast Asia and produced by the ‘Works Bespoke’ department within Jaguar Classic
The Jaguar E-Type is back. Again. Sort of. Half a century after the end of the production run of the iconic E-Type in 1974, the British marque has created a duo of unique vehicles. Commissioned by a well-heeled buyer from Southeast Asia, the duo was built by the Works Bespoke department of Jaguar Classic using the original blueprints for the E-Type.
Both vehicles are drophead coupes and have been handbuilt to the buyer’s specifications, with the models inspired by the 50 commemorative editions produced in 1974. The first is finished in Signet Green with the other dressed in Opal Black, both of which represent updates of original colour schemes from 1974.
Inside, both drophead coupes feature Bridge of Weir tan leather seats, with a matching black and tan leather trim. The tactile handwoven finish marries traditional skills and design inspiration with a contemporary aesthetic.
The centre console is crafted from anodised aluminium and is adorned with an engraving of genuine Series I E‑type blueprint sourced from the Jaguar archives. The blueprint was previously displayed alongside E‑type at the New York Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), with the anodised aluminium centre console becoming a hallmark of each E‑type produced at Jaguar Classic.
Several jewellery inspired touches also feature throughout, with each E‑type Commemorative embellished with mother-of-pearl, hallmarked solid silver, and 18ct gold details. The motif bar badge in the front is finished in silver with guilloche mother of pearl and an 18ct gold Growler icon, while the rear badges are enamelled sterling silver.
Inside, the three-spoke steering wheel is finished with a horn push bedecked in silver with a gold Growler badge and mother-of-pearl inlay, while a sterling silver gear knob with mother-of-pearl and gold Growler details and knurled silver instrument panel switches complement the anodised aluminium central console.
Both drophead coupes are driven by a modernised version of the 3.8‑litre straight six engine, which now features electronic fuel injection in lieu of the Series I’s carburettors.
Words by Henry Blake
