Inside the 3,500-hour transformation of a 1961 Jaguar E-Type

In the realm of Jaguar restoration, countless shops claim expertise, particularly with the iconic E-Type, known stateside as the XK-E. Across the UK, you might spot classic Jags undergoing repairs or full restorations in garages and sheds. Yet few of these ventures can rival the artistry and craftsmanship behind a recent creation from E-Type UK, a bespoke Speedster that reimagines the classic while honoring its essence.

The specialists at E-Type UK have redefined what it means to restore and enhance a vintage automobile. This particular project, a commission destined for sunnier climates, involved an astonishing 3,500 hours of meticulous labor. The result? A vehicle so transformed it feels simultaneously like an homage to Jaguar’s roots and a vision of what might have been if the factory had ever dreamed this bold.

The journey began with a bare-metal restoration, an approach that underscores the seriousness of the endeavor. Every inch of this 1961 Series 1 E-Type was assessed, stripped down, and reimagined. Key design elements were altered to enhance the car’s sleekness and sophistication. Gone are the factory seams on the bonnet and boot—now hood and trunk lid—replaced by seamless panels that exude refinement. Chrome trim, once a hallmark of the E-Type, was stripped away entirely, save for select accents like the windshield surround and wheels, lending the car a contemporary, minimalist aesthetic.

The front end received special attention, including a redesigned clamshell and bumperless nose that evoke the rare factory Lightweight racers. These subtle yet impactful changes give the Speedster a uniquely aggressive stance while preserving its unmistakable Jaguar identity.

One of the most striking updates is the removal of door handles, replaced with discreet poppers that further clean up the car’s silhouette. Covered headlights, a signature of early E-Types, remain, but their covers are bespoke and seamlessly integrated, a nod to the model’s origins yet distinctly modern in execution. The paintwork, a deep Opalescent Gunmetal, demanded 400 hours of work alone, contrasting beautifully with the quilted red leather interior.

Underneath the elegant exterior lies a machine designed to deliver performance as exceptional as its looks. The original 3.8-liter straight-six engine has been rebuilt with precision, incorporating new cams and refurbished carburetors to breathe fresh life into the classic powerplant. E-Type UK added a modern five-speed manual gearbox, replacing the stock four-speed, a change that enhances drivability while maintaining the car’s vintage charm. According to E-Type UK, these upgrades give the engine “a new urgency,” though the overall power output remains faithful to the original. It’s a thoughtful balance, ensuring the car drives as wonderfully as it looks without venturing too far from its roots.

While performance was a priority, this Speedster was also designed with its owner’s lifestyle in mind. Behind the driver, a custom shelf has been installed to accommodate the owner’s pets. The thoughtful inclusion even features a removable padded section, ensuring the Speedster is as pet-friendly as it is driver-focused. Few restorations can claim such a unique detail, adding an unexpected layer of charm and functionality to the car.

This project also serves as a reminder of Jaguar’s rich history and enduring appeal. From its beginnings as the Swallow Sidecar Company in 1922 to its modern reinvention as an electric luxury automaker, Jaguar has consistently captured the imagination of car enthusiasts. The E-Type, first launched in 1961, remains one of the most celebrated designs in automotive history.