Jaguar Classic to sell restored E-types

Jaguar Classic is giving the E-type the ‘Reborn’ treatment. The firm will initially offer a small batch of ten ‘expertly sourced and comprehensively restored’ examples. They are for sale direct from the new Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works

E-type Reborn offers enthusiasts the chance to buy an original E-type that has been restored by the original manufacturer. The launch of E-type Reborn is a first for Jaguar but follows the path previously laid for Land Rover’s Series I and Range Rover Classic models.

The E-types for sale have been restored according to the company’s original 1960s factory specification. Technicians have unique access to build records and original drawings held by the Jaguar Heritage Trust, and the team’s decades of experience in building concours-winning cars ensures authenticity. Jaguar Classic Parts are used throughout, to maximise the vehicle’s quality, longevity, and collectability.

Tim Hannig, director Jaguar Land Rover Classic, said, ‘The resources and information available to Jaguar Classic’s expert technicians are unrivalled, which results in the most authentic E-type restorations possible.’

The first vehicle to go through the complete E-type Reborn process is an Opalescent Gunmetal Grey Series 1 4.2-litre Fixed Head Coupe. Originally exported to California in May 1965, the car recorded 78,000 miles before being stored in 1983. It retains its original matching numbers bodyshell, engine and gearbox, all of which have been completely rebuilt by Jaguar Classic technicians.

As much of the original vehicle as possible is retained or refurbished to correct specifications, while any safety-critical parts are replaced with new items from Jaguar Classic Parts. Body panels from Jaguar Classic’s reverse-engineered panel programme are fitted where necessary. The E-type Reborn team’s attention to detail even extends to recreating the correct type of spot-welding when refitting those panels.

Several sympathetic upgrades from later E-types can be incorporated into the restoration process at extra cost, including improved cooling (using Lightweight E-type-derived parts), all-synchromesh gearbox (if not fitted to the vehicle originally), and Series 2 front brake calipers.

Prices for E-type Reborn restorations from Jaguar Classic start from £285,000.