Coventry, UK – In an unparalleled celebration of British automotive heritage, Jaguar Classic has released two ultra-exclusive, commemorative E-Type Series I models, precisely 50 years after the final E-Type left the assembly line in 1974. Commissioned for a private collector in Southeast Asia, these one-of-a-kind masterpieces merge heritage with luxury, honoring the final 50 Commemorative Editions from 1974 while incorporating design enhancements suited for the modern era.
Each vehicle encapsulates Jaguar’s enduring design legacy, from its meticulously handcrafted finishes to bespoke jewelry-inspired detailing, creating what may be the closest automotive equivalent to wearable art. Both cars, drophead coupes in unique hues of Signet Green and Opal Black, celebrate E-Type’s original spirit, but with intricate updates executed over 2,000 hours by Jaguar’s bespoke workshop.
A Jewel in Every Detail
Jaguar Classic partnered with the renowned British jeweler Deakin & Francis to elevate the E-Type Commemorative interior with sterling silver, mother of pearl, and 18-carat gold accents. The steering wheel horn push, gear knob, and even the car’s emblematic badges have been reimagined with precious materials, merging high craft with automotive function. Deakin & Francis, established in 1786, infused each piece with techniques honed over generations, pushing design boundaries for an extraordinary tactile experience.
“Collaborating on these E-Type Commemorative vehicles has been nothing short of inspiring,” said Henry Deakin, Managing Director of Deakin & Francis. “We’re blending the worlds of automotive and jewelry craftsmanship to create vehicles that are as much precious metal as they are engineering marvels.”
Inside and Out, A Singular Craft
Stepping into either E-Type Commemorative is akin to entering a sanctuary of bespoke luxury. The cabin features handwoven Bridge of Weir tan leather seating in a woven finish unique to Jaguar Classic, merging heritage craftsmanship with a modern sensibility. An anodized aluminum console engraved with the original Series I E-Type blueprint – sourced from Jaguar’s archives – ties the car to its historic roots, grounding it as a modern homage to a celebrated design.
Performance Meets Tradition
Under the bonnet lies Jaguar’s celebrated 3.8-liter engine, outfitted with Electronic Fuel Injection for enhanced drivability and paired with a custom Jaguar Classic five-speed manual gearbox. These upgrades, alongside discreet modern comforts like a heated windscreen and Bluetooth capability, balance E-Type’s iconic aesthetic with practical, contemporary enhancements.
An Icon Reinvented for Today’s Connoisseurs
Jaguar Classic’s Chief Commercial Officer Lennard Hoornik noted, “Our goal was not merely to recreate the E-Type but to elevate it in a way only the original creators could – by blending our automotive heritage with the refined intricacies of luxury design. The result is an E-Type like no other, a true collector’s dream.”
With only these two models crafted, Jaguar’s E-Type Commemorative represents more than a nod to history; it is a symbol of British design prowess and a testament to Jaguar’s continued commitment to artistry, precision, and the soul of the original E-Type.
