Jaguar is certainly celebrating a few anniversaries in 2021. Their continuation program has already revealed that the Jaguar C-Type is getting a new limited production run, but now another Jaguar legend is set to get some special editions. The Jaguar E-Type is celebrating its 60th anniversary and Jaguar is to launch 12 expertly restored and uprated 3.8-litre versions of the car, marking 60 years since the car made its world debut in Geneva in Switzerland back on March 15th, 1961.
Six Matched Pairs Of E-Types
The Jaguar E-Type of course, is one of the most desired classic cars in the world, and these modern iterations will be snapped up pretty quickly. There are to be six limited edition matched pairs of 3.8 E-Types, inspired by both the 9600 HP and the 77 RW examples. The six 9600 HP editions are fixed-head coupes finished in a unique "Flat Out Grey" paintwork with a gorgeous smooth black leather interior, and various 1961 tribute details. The six others are E-Type roadsters that mirror the 77 RW and are finished in a unique "Drop Everything Green" paintwork, with a unique suede green leather interior and, like the 9600 HP editions, 1961 tribute details.
Stunning Custom Features And A Beautiful Five-Speed Gearbox
There are interesting custom features on the cars. There are center consoles designed by artist King Nerd, to celebrate the epic road trips undertaken by Jaguar test driver Norman Dewis and PR man Bob Perry, who got the E-Types to the 1961 launch. Every E-Type 60 will have a close-ratio five-speed manual gearbox, mated to an in-line six-cylinder Jaguar XK engine. To bring the cars up to modern standards, subtle enhancements will feature Jaguar's Classic Infotainment System with satellite navigation and Bluetooth. Other modern upgrades include electronic ignition, stainless steel exhaust system, and a cooling upgrade with an alloy radiator.
The customers of the cars will be invited to a Coventry-to-Geneva drive to experience their cars in the Summer of 2022. The 3.8-liter engine will produce 265 hp, while, in another modern upgrade, the gearboxes will feature synchromesh on all the ratios plus helical cut gears and a reinforced cast aluminum casing for greater reliability and durability.
Stylized Maps Will Feature on The Interiors
Each model features interior engravings that take 100 hours to produce. The Coupes will have a stylized route map plotting Bob Perry's key locations on his route, with the words “I thought you’d never get here” and an overhead sketch of the E-Type. The words referenceJaguars founder Sir William Lyons' comments when to Bob Perry when he arrived at Geneva. The roadster's engravings will feature the route taken by Dewis, a last-minute trip, along with an E-Type sketch, and another Lyons quote, which were instructions to Dewis that simply read “Drop everything and bring the open top E-Type over”.
While the idea of manufacturers doing anniversary tribute models is nothing new, it is difficult to recall any such model with this much dedication and attention to the actual anniversary. But if any car deserves such a tribute, it is the Jaguar E-Type.
Source: Jaguar