A restored and rebuilt 1974 Jaguar E-Type might just be the highest performance E-Type of all time.
The E-Type is a classic car above all others. On the television series Mad Men, one of the characters was given an E-Type as a gift since it was then considered to be the most beautiful car ever made. Even today it ranks highly on top 10 and top 100 lists for aesthetically pleasing cars.
Now, thanks to classic car enthusiast site AutoClassics, we get a look at what might be the best ever E-Type ever produced.
What started life as a Series 3 Jaguar E-Type V12 has gone on an incredible journey to wind up as a restored and rebuilt classic that can give even some modern cars a run for their money. Originally built in 1974, this E-Type has been handed over to E-Type UK, an E-Type restoration and classic car company, to become the work of art that it is today.
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The original 5.3-L V12 has been bored out so that it’s now 6.1-L, going from 250 hp to 284 hp in the process. Along with the larger engine size, this E-Type has been given a downdraft injection system, Jenvey throttle bodies, an Emerald ECU, and a full custom wiring loom.
To handle the extra 34 ponies, the original 5-speed manual has been tossed in favor of a new one that’s made of aircraft-grade aluminum that is both stronger and lighter. The engine noise has been improved by a new stainless steel exhaust system, and AP Racing vented disk brakes now adorn each wheel.
Those wheels are likewise new, lightweight forged alloy models.
On the inside, the E-Type gets new heated seats, air conditioning, soundproofing, and a new sound system complete with Bluetooth connectivity and an aux jack. LED lighting illuminates the interior, although it looks like the E-Type retains its original headlights.
Best of all, the keyhole has been replaced by a big red engine start button.
We have no idea how much this would have cost to do, but with 3,000 man-hours clocked, you can do the math for your local mechanic.