Jaguar Classic has announced its first Reborn model – the Series 1 E-type. Offering a similar service to its Land Rover stablemate, Jaguar’s official heritage division recently confirmed a ten-car run of ‘comprehensively restored’ cars at Techno Classica Essen.
An example of its handiwork – a Series 1 4.2-litre fixed-head coupé (FHC) – appeared on display with a Land Rover Series I and Range Rover Classic from Land Rover Classic’s Reborn programme.
To date, Jaguar Classic has sold highly specialised ‘continuation’ E-type Lightweights and XKSSs – effectively new cars built on consecutive chassis numbers.
Like these cars, Reborn will be sold directly from Jaguar Classic itself; sourced secondhand by its team, cars, retaining their original identity and paperwork, will then be restored to each customer’s requirements. Jaguar Classic’s Reborn Series 1 E-types remain old cars – albeit old cars renovated to the highest standards claimed possible.
As much of the original E-type is kept during the restoration as feasible; where parts have to be replaced, Reborn technicians replicate finishes and panel fits and factory spot welds. Tasteful modifications (like uprated cooling, all-synchromesh gearboxes and stronger Series 2 derived brakes) can be specified, but xenon headlights and satellite navigation systems are definitely off the menu.
Reborn’s Series 1 E-type had a colourful history before Jaguar Classic ‘took it home’. It left the factory for California in May 1965, sprayed in Opalescent Gunmetal Grey. Before it was laid up in 1983, it clocked up 78,000 miles. It retains its original (numbers matching) bodyshell, engine and gearbox, all of which were rebuilt by Jaguar Classic technicians.
“Unique access to build records and original drawings held by the Jaguar Heritage Trust, and the team’s decades of experience in restoration up to concours-winning standard, ensure absolute authenticity,” a Jaguar Classic spokesperson said. “Jaguar Classic Parts are used throughout, to maximise the vehicle’s quality, longevity and collectability,” they added.
Tim Hannig, director of Jaguar Land Rover Classic, added: “The launch of E-type Reborn is a hugely exciting development for Jaguar Classic. The E-type is the most iconic sports car of all time, so we are delighted to be able to give new life to expertly selected examples for discerning customers around the world to own and enjoy. The resources and information available to Jaguar Classic’s expert technicians are unrivalled, which results in the most authentic E-type restorations possible.”
