As Jaguar transitions to an all-electric lineup, some enthusiasts still crave the elegance of the past. Catering to this desire, Jaguar Classic has hand-built two remarkable E-Types from scratch for a discerning client in Southeast Asia. These unique creations, known as the Jaguar E-Type Commemorative, celebrate the iconic roadster 50 years after it ceased production, offering a fresh take on the beloved classic.
Inspired by the original Commemorative Editions that marked the end of E-Type production in 1974, these two cars are the only E-Types built in this special configuration. Jaguar Classic used original blueprints from the Series I through Series III models, blending vintage design with modern engineering. One vehicle is finished in Signet Green, while the other sports Opal Black, paying homage to the color palette of the 1970s models.
Under the hood, both cars are powered by a 3.8-liter inline-six engine, enhanced with electronic fuel injection in place of the classic triple carburetors. The original four-speed gearbox has been replaced by a modern five-speed manual, ensuring a smoother driving experience. Jaguar Classic invested more than 2,000 hours of meticulous craftsmanship to complete these cars, incorporating features such as a heated windscreen and Bluetooth radio for modern comfort.
The interiors are a true masterpiece, featuring hand-woven Bridge of Weir tan leather seats, a first for Jaguar Classic. Complementing the luxurious seats are black and tan leather trims and an anodized aluminum center console with an engraving of the Series I blueprint. Custom jewelry details by Deakin & Francis—Britain’s oldest jeweler—add a touch of elegance, with solid silver and 18-carat gold components enhancing the instrument panel switches.
These handcrafted E-Types are more than just a nostalgic nod to the past. According to JLR’s commercial boss Lennard Hoornik, Jaguar’s unique heritage allowed them to integrate decades of knowledge and skill into these cars, blending aesthetics and engineering to create what he called “driveable precious metal.”
While Jaguar has not disclosed the exact price of these two cars, it’s likely they cost significantly more than the E-Type Reborn project from 2017, which restored existing E-Types and started at £295,000 (around $383,000 today). Given that these Commemorative models are built entirely from scratch, they represent the ultimate expression of Jaguar’s craftsmanship.
This is not the first time Jaguar Classic has revisited the legendary E-Type. In 2021, they celebrated the car’s 60th anniversary with the E-Type 60 Collection, which consisted of six coupes and six roadsters, all meticulously restored to echo the original launch cars from the 1961 Geneva Motor Show.
As Jaguar prepares for its electric future, these two E-Type Commemorative models stand as a testament to the brand’s storied legacy and timeless appeal. They serve as a reminder that even as the automotive world moves toward electrification, some classics are simply too iconic to forget.