Following its announcement of the project 7 months ago, Jaguar Classic has completed its first matched pair of E-type 60 Collection cars, revealing full specifications for the 12 expertly restored and sympathetically uprated units of the 3.8-litre E-type model.
The two cars have been unveiled in time for the 60th anniversary of the iconic British sportscar which made its world debut in Switzerland on March 15, 1961. Public reaction to the single coupe available for test drives was so strong that Jaguar rushed a second E-type, a roadster, from Coventry to Geneva overnight.
Six decades later, the E-type 60 Collection pays tribute to these two legendary cars: the Opalescent Gunmetal Grey coupe ‘9600 HP’, driven ‘flat out’ by Bob Berry for the launch itself, and the British Racing Green roadster ’77 RW’, driven by Norman Dewis who was told to ‘drop everything’ to get to Geneva the next day, hence the pairing of cars in the project.
Jaguar is offering the E-type 60 Collection cars only in pairs (one coupe and one roadster) are finished in exclusive Flat Out Grey and Drop Everything Green paint colours, respectively. These colour formulations are inspired by the original 1961 colours and won’t be used on any other Jaguar.
The cars also feature a range of unique E-type 60 design, subtle enhancements for improved usability and driveability including a manual gearbox and enhanced cooling. However, they also have modern technology with the Jaguar Classic Infotainment System that includes satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity.
“Sixty years after its unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1961, the talented team at Jaguar Classic are releasing the ultimate birthday present to the E-type: The E-type 60 Collection. The attention to detail demonstrates how this project has been a labour of love for our designers, engineers, craftspeople and partners. Exquisite detailing combined with enhanced usability ensure these E-types will be coveted and enjoyed for decades to come by their discerning owners, starting with a once-in-a-lifetime Coventry to Geneva pilgrimage for our six customers and their guests in summer 2022,” said Dan Pink, Director of Jaguar Classic.
Restored and refined by the experts at Jaguar Classic in Coventry, the E-type 60 Collection cars combine flawless quality and exceptional engineering know-how. The most significant mechanical upgrade is a specially-developed 5-speed manual gearbox which features synchromesh on all ratios, helical cut gears and a reinforced cast aluminium casing for enhanced reliability and greater durability as well as closer gear ratios and smoother changes.
The 265 bhp 3.8-litre 6-cylinder XK engine benefits from an authentic 1961-style alloy radiator, with electric cooling fan and electronic ignition for everyday usability, as well as a polished stainless steel exhaust system. This new exhaust system is dimensionally identical to the standard mild steel system but produces a slightly deeper tone and offers greater longevity.
The highlight of the visual enhancements is a unique piece of metal engraving created by a prominent artist and world-leading engraver, King Nerd. On the stainless steel centre consoles of each of the 12 cars is a bespoke etching showing the drive routes from Coventry to Geneva of those original cars. Each piece of art takes more than 100 hours to create by hand, in consultation with the owner.
The etching in the coupe version includes the words, ‘I thought you’d never get here’, recalling the reaction of Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons to Bob’s arrival just minutes before the unveiling. For the six Suede Green leather-trimmed roadsters, the engraving tracks the route taken to Switzerland, with a sketch of the car and another Lyons’ quote – this time his instructions to Norman: ‘Drop everything and bring the open top E-type over.’
In addition to the centre console, the bonnet badge, clock face within the tachometer, fuel cap and chassis plate are all finished with a commemorative E-type 60 logo created by Jaguar Design, featuring the years ‘1961-2021’. A light beech-rimmed steering wheel, as fitted to 1961 cars, features a 24-carat gold horn push.
Every car is also supplied with a tailor-made E-type 60 car cover, tool roll and jack storage bags to complete the enhancements and exemplify the attention to the original details lavished on each vehicle. [Click here to read more about the original Jaguar toolkit]
Next year, the 6 customers and their guests will take part in the ultimate E-type pilgrimage: a Coventry-to-Geneva drive experience with their cars to create their own E-type memories along the iconic Alpine passes. Hopefully, the pandemic will have eased by then and intercontinental travel is permitted.
Limited-edition Jaguar F-TYPE Heritage 60 Edition to celebrate E-Type’s 60th anniversary
