Variety, they say, is the spice of life but if you’re a new restomodder trying to break into a busy market, offering something different can be essential. That’s why Helm, the makers of this restomod E-Type, have focused more on luxury than performance.
Although there are modifications to the engine (the carbs are replaced with fuel injection) and to performance (the brakes have been modified), the real attention has been given to the interior.
Adorned in semi-aniline leather, which is less treated than normal automotive leather, the upholstery’s natural grain is allowed to shine through. It’s also remarkably soft and matched to suede to give the whole interior more of a sense of sumptuous comfort.
Read Also: Richard Hammond Drives His Jaguar XK150 For The First Time Since Restoring It
And even though production of these restomods is limited to just 20 examples, the fit and finish are exceptional. That’s because the interior has been made in collaboration with high-end leatherworker Bill Amberg.
“You don’t get the opportunity to work on an icon of British style and taste very often,” said Amberg when the car was released. “We used materials unusual in commercial car manufacture, a combination of the finest suede and leathers previously used only in luxury residential interiors. We also introduced hand-stitching and embossing for the steering wheel, toggle switches, and levers.”
The interior also comes with a matching leather luggage set made by Amberg all of which has been thoughtfully created to fit together both stylistically and physically. It’s an attention to detail that makes the car feel special every time you enter it. Whether you start the engine or not.
If you do start the engine, Carfection’s Henry Catchpole says that you will have a good time. Well modified to make it livable but not so much as to take away its character, the car is a charmer, if one that’s a bit small for the 6’5″ reviewer.
“This is not a car for if you really, really want the driving experience to be more modern, brought up to date, made quicker and more precise, this is not the e-type restomod for you. This is much more of a cruiser,” says Catchpole. “This is definitely a luxury item. It is bags of fun, though.”