It’s not exactly usual for a mythical car brand to build just two units of a given model, especially when it does so half a century after the last car of that model left the production line.
But that’s exactly what British Jaguar did, with two commemorative Jaguar Classic E-Type Series I models, exclusively for a “demanding and obstinate” customer from Southeast Asia, to pay tribute to this iconic sports car, reveals the brand in a statement.
“Artisanal production” cars
According to the brand, the two Jaguar Classic E-Type commemorative creations close the circle of the E-Type’s history, “as they are inspired by the last 50 commemorative editions from 1974 and will never be produced again in the Jaguar Classic workshop”.
These commemorative versions of the Jaguar Classic E-Type “perfectly” represent the spirit of the E-Type, with exclusive specifications “of artisanal production that transform each vehicle into a true collector’s item”, can also be read in the press release.
Every interior and exterior detail has been meticulously designed by the experts at Jaguar Classic, including carefully considered upgrades that required more than 2,000 hours of work.
Both cars are convertible
Lennard Hoornik, commercial director of Jaguar Land Rover, said, regarding the reissue of these two units, that “the Jaguar Classic team was faced with the challenge of improving a design that was already practically perfect.”
Both Jaguar Classic E-Type commemorative vehicles are convertibles, but each incorporates unique specifications. One of them has the exterior color called Signet Greenand the other Opal Blackboth updated from the original 1974 palette.
The elegant exterior is complemented by a timeless interior featuring brown seats handcrafted in the Jaguar Classic studio, with matching brown and black leather stitching and coverings.
This finish features a unique texture “never before offered by Jaguar Classic and combines traditional techniques and design inspiration with a contemporary aesthetic”, assures the British company.
Interior filled with personalized details
The interior is decorated with personalized details, where the anodized aluminum center console incorporates a completely unique engraving from an old sketch of the E-Type Series I discovered in the brand’s archives. This sketch was displayed, according to Jaguar, in conjunction with the E-Type at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York.
Each commemorative version of the E-Type is adorned with mother-of-pearl, distinctive solid silver and 18-carat gold accents.
Gold, silver and mother-of-pearl finishes
At the front, the logo on the decorative bar features a silver finish with guilloche in mother of pearl and an icon Growler in 18 carat gold. On the back, the logos are produced in enamelled sterling silver.
Inside, the horn button on the steering wheel features a silver finish with a logo Growler 18-carat and mother-of-pearl, while the gear selector lever is in sterling silver with details Growler in mother-of-pearl and 18-carat gold, “creates a sumptuous tactile finish”, emphasizes the brand.
Under the hood of each commemorative E-Type model there is a 3.8 engine, now with electronic injection and Jaguar Classic’s five-speed manual transmission.
The vehicles have also been updated for the 21st century with Jaguar Classic’s discreet Bluetooth radio and a heated windscreen that, according to Jaguar, “delivers modern performance without losing the character and authenticity of an E-Type interior”.
