Jaguar E-Type gets modern muscle and glamour in epic 3,500-hour restoration

No bolt was left untouched in the process.

1961 Jaguar E-type Roadster restomod

Photo by: E-Type UK

Angel Sergeev

By: Angel Sergeev

Oct 29, 2024 at 4:30am ET

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E-Type UK, the Kent-based Jaguar specialist, has wrapped up an extensive 3,500-hour restoration on a Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Roadster. This 1961 classic – famously labelled "the most beautiful car in the world" by Enzo Ferrari himself – has received not only a facelift but a complete reinvention. Now, it’s a sleek speedster, custom-fitted to burn rubber in style.

Originally, this left-hand drive E-Type had been living the high life in Puerto Rico before making its way back to the United Kingdom. Its current owner envisioned a “topless” makeover, so it’s entirely roof-free, transforming this iconic roadster into a true open-air ride. Who needs a soft top when you’re cruising through sun-drenched roads?

Gallery: 1961 Jaguar E-type Roadster restomod

1961 Jaguar E-type Roadster restomod

Source: E-Type UK

Starting with a bare shell, the team at E-Type UK stripped it down, assessing every last bolt and panel. While digging deep into the car's structure, they uncovered rust and corrosion – 60 years of hard living had left their mark. But this wasn’t just a problem to be fixed – it was an opportunity for refinement. The bodywork was de-seamed, de-chromed, and polished until it achieved a cleaner, more modern silhouette, complete with custom headlight covers and an interior door release that’s as sleek as it is subtle.

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This vintage beauty got more than just a makeover, though. It received a full performance upgrade. The 3.8-litre straight-six engine, re-engineered for "fast road" driving, now roars with a new zest, courtesy of high-lift cams, a balanced crankshaft, and an array of mechanical upgrades. The team even revamped the cooling system – ideal for those enthusiastic summer drives where this E-Type will reside. The package also includes a new five-speed manual gearbox.

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Inside, the vintage-meets-modern theme continues. Forget the worn interiors of the ’60s – this E-Type boasts red diamond-quilted leather on the seats and sills, plus a throwback aluminium dash that houses classic Smiths gauges. For those bringing along a furry co-pilot, E-Type UK even carved out a dedicated storage-and-lounge area in the rear, complete with a padded leather insert to keep pets cruising in style.

Source: E-Type UK

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