For a carmaker, it isn’t too difficult to design something unique if the client has deep pockets. But, that job becomes all the more challenging when the demand is for a rare specimen that was originally conceived over 50 years ago. One such project was recently completed by Jaguar Classic and was showcased at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant on June 5, 2022. It was a 1965 Series 1 E-type Roadster.
The client who commissioned this blue-coloured beauty has some specific requirements. One of them was to find a Roadster produced in the year he was born. So Jaguar got to work and found a Series 1 E-type manufactured only two days after the customer’s date of birth. Over the 12 months that followed, the car went through a complete rebuild inside and out.
The result was this – a classic British sports car finished in metallic blue paintwork (new blue) inspired by the Union Jack. Indoors, the open-top two-seater features leather upholstery in the shade reminiscent of the British pillar boxes. On the other hand, the engineering team replaced the original 4.2-litre straight-six powerplant with a punchier 4.7-litre engine. The new heart propels the car using a five-speed gearbox. At the same time, the uprated suspension, wider wheels and upgraded brakes do their bit for well-rounded driving dynamics. The icing on the cake is a sports exhaust.
The car also features a Classic Infotainment system that offers touchscreen controls, satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. The car also has LED headlights, a massive and much-needed upgrade for safer night driving. And of course, there are other embellishments in the package, including a unique plate and dash plaque.
At the event, the unique E-type stood alongside fifteen other Jaguar models. The list included an I-Pace eTrophy race car and seven convertibles, all carrying famous Dames. Jaguar says that while most of the project in question was a one-off practice, certain elements are available for all E-type owners. And yes, the five-speed transmission and the Infotainment system are part of that list.
