Jaguar Classic’s 60TH Anniversary Of Their Iconic E-Type

Rejoicing in the 60th anniversary of their iconic E-Type, Jaguar Classic has remastered six limited-edition matched pairs of the classic Jaguar E-Type coupe and Jaguar E-Type roadster.

First pair of the Jaguar E-Type 60 Collection was uncaged by Jaguar Classic on March 15th of this year and they have coined the remastered duo as E-Type 60 Edition coupe and E-Type 60 Edition roadster.

Since the E-Type 60 Collection has already been purchased by six clients, and you can’t own one without the other, therefore the production will see a total of 12 expertly restored Jaguar E-Type 60 Editions altogether.

Initially, also on March 15th, the iconic Jaguar E-Type made its world debut with just the coupe, back in 1961. However due to the public’s frenzied interest, the brand immediately rushed for a second production of the E-Type, a roadster, which was delivered to the launching in Switzerland overnight.

Jaguar Classic’s director Dan Pink said, “Sixty years after its unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961, the talented team at Jaguar Classic are releasing the ultimate birthday present to the E-Type, the E-Type 60 Collection. The attention to detail demonstrates how this project has been a labour of love for our designers, engineers, craftspeople and partners. Exquisite detailing combined with enhanced usability ensure these E-Types will be coveted and enjoyed for decades to come by their discerning owners, starting with a once-in-a-lifetime Coventry to Geneva pilgrimage for our six customers and their guests in Summer 2022.”

On the visual side, the E-type 60 Collection, consisting of one E-Type 60 Edition coupe and one E-Type 60 Edition roadster, is cloaked in an exclusive ‘Flat Out Grey’ and ‘Drop Everything Green’ paint hues respectively. It was inspired by its 1961 colours and these shades will not be used on any other Jaguar.

Adding on to the bespoke aesthetic, is an intricate detailing of the E-Type 60 logo featuring the years ‘1961-2021’, which can be seen placed on the hood badge, clock face within the tachometer, fuel cap and chassis plate.

The highlight however, is a significant piece of metal engraving by prominent artist, Johnny ‘King Nerd’ Dowell. He has inscribed the stainless-steel centre consoles of the 12 masterpieces with an engraving specific to each E-Type 60 Edition. Handcrafted, each of the art pieces takes 100 hours to complete.

Engravings for each of the smooth black leather-trimmed coupes features a stylized map plotting the key locations along the journey it took to drive the car to its launching back in 1961. Along with a sketch of the car and a quote from Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons, ‘I thought you’d never get here’.

As for the suede green leather-trimmed roadsters, the engraving features the mapping route taken on the last-minute delivery drive to the unveiling in Switzerland. Also paired with a sketch of the car and another quote from the founder, ‘Drop everything and bring the open top E-type over.’

Keeping it classy for the driver, a light beech-rimmed steering wheel just like the classic ones from the 1961 masterpieces are fitted for the remastered versions. Plus, adding to the sophistication, it is equipped with a 24-carat gold horn push. 

Moving to the performance side of things, significant to the E-Type 60 and developed in collaboration with Jaguar’s design director Julian Thomson, the Collection has gotten much improvements in terms of its usability and drivability.

Upmost noticeable performance upgrade is a custom-made 5-speed manual transmission, which features synchromesh on all ratios, helical cut gears and a reinforced cast aluminium casing. This is to enhance the reliability and durability, in turn allowing closer gear ratios and smoother changes.

Resting in the chassis of both Editions is a 3.8-litre, 6-cylinder XK engine, which has a maximum output of 265 hp. It profits from an authentic 1961-style alloy radiator with electric cooling fan and electronic ignition for everyday usability.

Also installed are new polished stainless-steel exhaust systems. However, even though it is dimensionally similar to the standard mild steel system, it is able to produce a slightly deeper tone and offers greater longevity. 

Jaguar Classic has equipped every E-Type 60 Edition masterpiece with a tailor-made E-type 60 car cover, tool roll and jack storage bags. This is to exemplify the extent and attention the brand puts into the details bestowed on each vehicle.

Next year in the summer, all six clients will be taking part in the ultimate E-Type road trip, where they will journey on from Coventry to Geneva in their brand-new remastered classics, to create their very own E-Type chronicles.