This V12-Powered Jaguar E-Type Could be the World’s Most Beautiful Restomod
It doesn’t get better than this.
The Jaguar E-Type is regarded as the world’s most beautiful car (the opinion of Enzo Ferrari), but the car dates to its debut at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, and so driving one in 2018 can fall short of an owner’s expectations.
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To bring the classic roadster up to modern requirements, English restoration shop E-Type UK can apply full restomod techniques to the E-Type. They’ve demonstrated with a car they pronounce “the highest-spec E-Type ever,” and it looks like they have a strong case for the claim.
The chosen restoration candidate is a V12-powered 1974 Series 3 example, which is stretched 9 inches compared to the original design. This leaves the chassis weaker, so E-Type UK’s first step was to weld in reinforcing steel tubes to give the frame the strength to let upgraded suspension and steering work effectively.
The “highest-spec” E-Type features adjustable sports suspension mounted with stiffer polyurethane bushings and four-piston AP Racing brake calipers with vented and grooved discs.
The E-Type’s V12 engine is enlarged to 6.1 liters from the original 5.3 liters, with electronic fuel injection that eliminates finicky carburetors. The engine breathes cold, dense air through the extended row of louver vents in the hood.
Naturally, there are electronic upgrades, with LED headlights and daytime running lights, electric windows, mirrors and a remote central-locking system are all installed.
The original seats have been replaced by more comfortable ones from an early XJS that are modified to fit in the lowered floors to give a much sportier seating position, with the modern update of seat heaters.
And yep, that an illuminated start button just above the radio for a completely modern feel. This car has already been delivered to its happy owner, but E-Type UK stands ready to build an even more over-the-top “highest-spec” E-Type.
Bring money.