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

No bolt was left untouched in the process.

Photo by: E-Type UK

By: Angel Sergeev

Oct 29, 2024 at 4:30am ET

Add Motor1.com as a preferred source in Google

Comment

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

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.

What do you think?

View

Comments

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.

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