Famously described by Enzo Ferrari as “the most beautiful car ever made,” the Jaguar E-Type boasts an elegant, timeless design that still resonates with auto enthusiasts despite the better part of a century having come and gone since its debut. In fact, the demand for classic E-Types has become so substantial that Jaguar Classic has actually started churning out its own official factory replicas and continuation cars on a made-to-order basis. And the latest continuation creation from Jaguar’s Classics division is a pair of absolutely stunning, meticulously-built E-Type specimens each born out of several thousand hours of expert labor.
Built for a particularly discerning client based in Southeast Asia, this pair of twin vehicles is known as the Jaguar Classic E-Type Commemorative — with the title being a reference to the fact that it’s been 50 years since the last E-Type left the factory. The very epitome of a spare-no-expense build, both cars feature a host of meticulous, bespoke details that make them just as, if not even more special than the original cars.
To bring this pair of drophead coupes to life, Jaguar Classic called on England’s oldest manufacturing jeweler, Deakin & Francis, tasking the Birmingham-based business — which dates back to 1786 — with using its expertise to handcraft a series of gold, mother of pearl, and sterling silver elements for the vehicles.
Representing the only examples ever being built, the two Classic E-Type Commemorative editions come cloaked in Signet Green and Opal Black paint jobs. Both specimens ride on period-correct recreations of Curly Hub-style wheels with a chrome finish, matching the exterior’s bumpers and trim elements. Rounding out the exterior is a Jaguar hood emblem crafted by D&F from mother of pearl and 18-carat gold, and a trunk lid emblem worked from sterling silver.
Though there’s a lot to appreciate about this pair of E-Type builds, I’d argue their main highlight has got to be their interiors. Upholstered in super premium leather from the UK’s Bridge of Weir, the interior features brown leather seats with hand-woven leather inserts. The steering wheel, shift knob, and dash switches were all carefully crafted by Deakin & Francis and all sport D&F logos. Made from anodized-aluminum, the center consoles also feature design/patent illustrations of the E-type. And, while the cabins look period correct, though subtly been bestowed with a modern Bluetooth stereo and a heated windscreen.
Those familiar with the Series 1 E-Type won’t be at all surprised to hear that the Commemorative editions come fitted with the model’s standard 3.8-liter straight-six, which has been treated to modern electronic fuel injection. The powertrain’s original four-speed manual gearbox has also been jettisoned in favor of a five-speed unit.
Class: Continuation Cars
Brand: Jaguar Classic
Model: E-Type Commemorative
Engine: 3.8L Straight-Six
Transmission: Five-Speed Manual
Upholstery: Bridge of Weir Leather
Production: 2 Examples
The two Jaguar Classic E-Type Commemorative Editions are already spoken for and aren’t for sale, though interested parties can still commission their own continuation cars from the British marque’s Classics division.
A particularly discerning client commissions a pair of E-Type continuation cars from Jaguar Classic, celebrating half-a-century since the final E-Type rolled off the assembly line.
