New "restomods" ex works
10/31/2024
Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised, but we were a little taken aback by Jaguar's latest press release. We had already become somewhat accustomed to newly created C and D-Types, as well as factory-built new cars such as the Goldfinger DB5 and Lightweight E-Type.
Now, however, Jaguar built two "commemorative vehicles" for a good and probably very solvent customer in Southeast Asia, namely two "Jaguar Classic Works E-Type Series 1".
In principle, the two E-Types were based on the original Series 1 blueprints, but the color scheme is based on the final 50 "Commemorative Editions" from 1974.
However, they did not want to leave it at copying, the "almost perfect design" was to be further refined. "As the inventors of the E-Type, we are in a unique position to integrate both aesthetic and technical improvements based on decades of knowledge, skill and passion," Lennard Hoornick, Chief Commercial Officer at JLR, was quoted as saying.
Although the engine is the famous 3.8-liter XK six-cylinder, it has been "refined" with electronic fuel injection and combined with a Jaguar Classic five-speed gearbox. A heated windshield, air conditioning and an "unobtrusive" Bluetooth radio also ensure contemporary comfort on board.
In any case, the interior was given more freedom, with sterling silver and mother-of-pearl as well as leather variations that William Lyons could hardly have imagined at the time.
In principle, the result is reminiscent of a "restomod", but as a new car ex works. Whether the result can be registered for road use in South-East Asia is beyond our knowledge; in this country it is likely to be more difficult. And we ourselves still prefer an early and original Series 1 E-Type with Moss gearbox (and without "bells and whistles") to all other variants.
But as we all know, everything is a matter of taste. And if you would also like a reinterpreted E-Type, you can simply contact the European JLR Classic Center in Essen ...
