Historic Milestone: Jaguar Classic Unveils Bespoke E-type Duo
October 31 2024,
Half a century after the final E-type departed Jaguar's production facility, the marque's Classic division unveils an extraordinary tribute through two handcrafted vehicles. These magnificent machines, commissioned by a Southeast Asian collector, honour the legacy of what Enzo Ferrari famously declared "the most beautiful car ever made."
British Heritage Reimagined
Each vehicle emerges as a testament to Jaguar's enduring commitment to excellence, echoing the spirit of the original fifty commemorative cars from 1974. Individually crafted through painstaking attention to detail, these two masterpieces bridge five decades of automotive evolution. The project marries historical authenticity with contemporary refinement, creating automotive art that pays homage to its predecessors while charting new territory in bespoke vehicle creation.
Masterful Engineering & Design Elements
The pair showcases distinct personalities through their carefully selected finishes. The first appears in sophisticated Signet Green, while its companion wears distinguished Opal Black - both selections drawing from Jaguar's heritage palette. These drophead coupes feature enhanced 3.8-litre powerplants with Electronic Fuel Injection, matched to specially developed five-speed manual transmissions. Each vehicle's exterior subtly communicates its elevated status through refined details that reward close inspection.
British Luxury Collaboration
A partnership with Birmingham's storied Deakin & Francis elevates these E-types beyond traditional automotive luxury. Dating back to 1786, these master jewelers have embedded their centuries-old expertise throughout both vehicles. The cockpit showcases hallmarked sterling silver controls, mother of pearl inlays, and 18ct gold accents. The iconic Jaguar Growler appears in precious metals across carefully selected touchpoints, while the gear selector and steering wheel center feature bespoke crafted elements. Bridge of Weir leather, woven in a pattern exclusive to these cars, adds another layer of tactile luxury.
Contemporary Classic Experience
While honoring tradition, these E-types embrace modern conveniences that enhance their usability. Discrete Bluetooth integration provides connectivity without compromising the cabin's classic aesthetics. A heated windscreen improves all-weather capability, while the enhanced powertrain delivers reliable performance for regular enjoyment. The cars feature custom-engraved center consoles displaying the original E-type blueprint - artwork previously exhibited at New York's Museum of Modern Art.
These remarkable vehicles represent the pinnacle of Jaguar Classic's capabilities, demanding over 2,000 hours of expert craftsmanship each. As the only two examples that will ever exist, they stand as ultimate expressions of British automotive artistry - where heritage meets innovation, and engineering excellence meets jewelry-grade precision.
This reimagined E-type pair transcends mere transportation, taking their place among the world's most exclusive automotive treasures. They embody a celebration of Jaguar's past while demonstrating the extraordinary possibilities available through the Classic Works program.