jaguar is restoring 12 e-type sports cars for its 60th anniversary

the swinging sixties are, well, swinging back around. jaguar classic reveals the e-type 60 collection – a tribute to their iconic sports car six decades after its world debut at the 1961 geneva motor show. the diamond anniversary models celebrate its famed design with a faithful recreation as well as bespoke details, accessories and modern day upgrades. inspired by the original coupe and convertible models – the 9600 HP and 77 RW – only 12 restorations will be made in total, split into six pairs.

to mark the diamond anniversary, the experts at jaguar classic faithfully restored and refined 12 sports car for the e-type 60 collection. six 9600 HP-inspired e-type 60 edition fixed-head coupes are finished in unique flat out grey paintwork with smooth black interior. six e-type 60 edition roadsters mirror the 77 RW with unique drop everything green paintwork and a suede green leather interior. each are coated in unique paints that reference the original 1961 colors. the results combine flawless quality and exceptional engineering know-how.

bespoke design elements embellish the restored models throughout, magnifying the style synonymous to the swinging sixties. a highlight is the commemorative e-type 60 logo which adorns the hood badge, fuel cap, chassis plate and clock face in the tachometer. inside, light beech-rimmed steering wheel, as fitted to the 1961 vehicles, features a 24-carat gold horn button. the years 1961-2021 adorn the dashboard. finally, a tailor-made e-type car cover, tool roll and jack storage bags complete the design.

subtle enhancements have been made across the restorations to improve drivability and meet modern-day needs. the most significant mechanical upgrade is a specially developed, five-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh, helical cut gears, and a reinforced cast aluminum casing designed to deliver enhanced reliability and greater durability, as well as closer ratios and smoother gear changes. this is mated to the 265 hp, 3.8-liter six-cylinder jaguar XK engine, which benefits from an authentic, 1961-style alloy radiator, electric cooling fan and electronic ignition for everyday usability. the new stainless steel exhaust, dimensionally identical to the old system, recreates its deep sound. lastly, an infotainment system with satellite navigation and bluetooth connectivity has also be added.

each model features a custom-designed, engraved center console by artist johnny dowell aka king nerd. each piece of art takes more than 100 hours to create by hand. the coupe engraving depicts the route taken by driver bob berry with an overhead sketch of the e-type and the phrase, ‘I thought you’d never get here,’ recalling the reaction of jaguar founder sir william lyons to his arrival in geneva. the roadster, whereas, has an engraving that tracks the route taken by norman dewis on his last-minute drive to switzerland with a sketch of the vehicle and an instruction by lyons to dewis: ‘drop everything and bring the open top e-type over’.

collection info:

brand: jaguar classic

collection: e-type 60

editions: 12 (six pairs)

artist: johnny dowell aka king nerd