By Rob Hull
Updated: 01:18 AEDT, 26 October 2024
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Jaguar's greatest ever creation, the E-Type, has made a shock comeback half a century after production of the iconic sports car came to a close.
The British brand has built two completely new examples from the ground up for a deep-pocketed customer in South East Asia, using the original blueprints of the model once described by Enzo Ferrari as 'the most beautiful car ever made'.
So, just how much would it cost to commission Jaguar to make you an entirely new E-Type today?
The E-Type is back...sort of: These are the two 'brand new' models built from the ground up by Jaguar's Classics division. They have both been produced for a well-heeled client in South East Asia
Both are drophead coupés, one finished in Signet Green and the other in Opal Black - variations of colour schemes that were on the options list in 1974
The two models have been created by the company's in-house historic vehicles division, Jaguar Classic.
Both cars made for the same customers are based on the original Series I E-Type specification.
However, Jag says they have also taken inspiration from the run-out Series III 'Reborn' models launched in 2017 as well as the six pairs of celebration models created to mark the E-Type's 60th year back in 2021, which strictly had to be purchased as a set of two for £650,000.
But while the Reborn E-Types from recent years were all heavily-restored existing cars - each costing in the region of £285,000 for those fortunate to buy - the two new models revealed this week are the only 'new' E-Types ever to leave the Jaguar Classic workshop.
Given these are two completely new creations, we expect the cost for each to be well in excess of the £300k mark of the Reborn versions - and a far cry from the £2,250 (which, taking into account historical inflation, translates to £61,680 by today's standards) a Series I cost when new in the early sixties.
The pair of cars have been made using the original blueprints of the model once described by Enzo Ferrari as 'the most beautiful car ever made'
The two models have been created by the company's in-house historic vehicles division, Jaguar Classic
Both cars made for the same customers are based on the original Series I E-Type specification
The two new models revealed this week are the only 'new' E-Types ever to leave the Jaguar Classic workshop
Jaguar says: 'Every detail – inside and out – receives the careful attention of the dedicated Jaguar Classic experts, with upgrades meticulously orchestrated over more than 2,000 hours'
Both are drophead coupés, one finished in Signet Green and the other in Opal Black - variations of colour schemes that were on the options list in 1974.
While the pair are powered by a period-correct 3.8-litre straight six engine like the cars built between 1961 to 1964, they instead have modern electronic fuel injection rather than the triple SU carburetted original.
Another major difference is the gearbox, with the two new models getting a five-speed 'box instead of the four-speed transmission fitted to original cars over six decades ago.
Jaguar has not given an official power figure for the 2024 E-Types, but expect them to exceed the Series I's first-quoted 265bhp.
The cars are also equipped with a 'discreet' Bluetooth radio and heated windscreen - additions to make their use more practical while not tampering with character and authenticity of the E‑Type's wonderful interior.
They also have air-conditioning.
Both cars have been tastefully modernised. They have 'discreet' Bluetooth radios and heated windscreens
The cars also have a switch to operate air-conditioning - a creature comfort E-Type buyers in 1961 would have loved
number of client-requested bespoke elements also adorn the cabin, with an anodised aluminium centre console bearing a unique engraving of a genuine early Series I E‑type blueprint sourced from within the archives
While the pair are powered by a period-correct 3.8-litre straight six engine like the cars built between 1961 to 1964, they instead have modern electronic fuel injection rather than the triple SU carburetted original
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Jaguar says the 'Classic E‑Type Commemorative vehicles are the ultimate expression of E‑Type, with a unique hand built specification making each one a truly individual collectors’ item.'
The brand adds: 'Every detail – inside and out – receives the careful attention of the dedicated Jaguar Classic experts, with upgrades meticulously orchestrated over more than 2,000 hours.'
The stunning exterior of both models is matched with timeless interior finishes, featuring Bridge of Weir tan leather seats hand‑woven and stitched in the Jaguar Classic trim shop – with matching black and tan leather trim.
A number of client-requested bespoke elements also adorn the cabin, with an anodised aluminium centre console bearing a unique engraving of a genuine early Series I E‑type blueprint sourced from within the archives.
Each car is also bejewelled inside and out with precious stones supplied by high-end supplier Deakin & Francis - England’s oldest manufacturing jeweller.
Inside, the steering wheel horn push is finished in silver with an 18ct Growler badge and mother of pearl inlay
At the front, the motif bar badge is finished in silver with guilloche mother of pearl and an 18ct gold Growler icon
Even the keys for each car are bedazzled with jewels supplied by high-end supplier Deakin & Francis, which is based in Birmingham
Both E-Types get mother of pearl, hallmarked solid silver and 18-carat gold details.
At the front, the motif bar badge is finished in silver with guilloche mother of pearl and an 18ct gold Growler icon, while at the rear, badges are enamelled sterling silver.
Inside, the steering wheel horn push is finished in silver with an 18ct Growler badge and mother of pearl inlay, while a sterling silver gear knob with mother of pearl and 18ct gold Growler detail provides decadent tactility.
'With E‑Type Commemorative, our Classic team set out to improve on an already near‑perfect design,' explains Jaguar's chief commercial officer, Lennard Hoornik.
'As the original creators of E‑Type, we are uniquely positioned to subtly integrate both aesthetic and engineering enhancements borne out of decades of knowledge, skill and passion.
'The unique specification and our collaboration with renowned jewellers Deakin & Francis has resulted in a machine as close to driveable precious metal as it is possible to conceive.'
Ironically, the pair of Commemorative E-Types have been built not long after Jaguar officially ended production of its spiritual successor, the F-Type sports car.
It, along with the XE and XF saloons and E-Pace, F-Pace and electric I-Pace SUVs have all stopped being made for the UK market in recent weeks as Jaguar prepares for its revolution to become an EV-only brand from 2025.
It is due to reveal a concept version of its first next-generation electric car – a £100.000-plus luxurious GT – in December.
However, the real thing won't arrive until late next year - and in the meantime, Jaguar will not produce a single car for the global market for the next 12 months.
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