True classics never go out of style.
Jaguar may be winding down production of its petrol-powered cars, but that didn’t stop it from building two final E-Types. The roadsters feature unique jewelled details and rolled off the line 50 years after production of the beloved model ceased.
The two E-Type Commemoratives, as the new cars are being called, were commissioned by an unnamed collector described as a “loyal, discerning client in Southeast Asia.” The vehicles were hand-built by the marque’s Classics team and aren’t restoration jobs. Instead, they’re new “Works Bespoke” builds based on one of the final Series III E-Types, the 1-of-50 Commemorative Edition, from 1974, but which features several nods to earlier iterations of the sports car (production of the sports car began in 1961).
The E-Type Commemoratives are both drophead coupés or convertibles. One is finished in Signet Green, the other in Opal Black, both colours that were standard options in 1974. The sleek exteriors may wear different colours, but the interiors both feature Bridge of Weir tan leather seats, which feature a completely unique tactile woven finish, and matching black and tan leather trim. The cabins also feature an anodised aluminium centre console that is engraved with the early Series I E‑type blueprint.
The cars are also adorned with unique jewel details from Deakin & Francis, England’s oldest manufacturing jeweller. The nose of the vehicle features a badge finished in silver with guilloché mother of pearl and an 18-karat gold Jaguar logo. A similar badge can be found on the centre of the steering wheel and on top of the gear shifter.
Under the bonnet of the E-Type Commemorative, you’ll find a 3.8-liter inline-six. The period-appropriate mill features electronic fuel injection instead of the triple carburetor found on the original units. It’s also mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. Electronic fuel injection isn’t the new E-Types only modern convenience, though. The car also comes with a Bluetooth radio and a heated windshield.
Jaguar isn’t saying how much the pair of E-Type Commemoratives cost, but we’d be willing to bet their owner paid quite a bit. That’s because these represent the first new E-Types built since 1974. The E-Type Reborn from 2017 was just a restoration and it still cost £295,000 (RM1,663,400).
Photography: Jaguar
