Jaguar is paying homage to the first E-Types to win competition races, with a pair of special new-old classics. Sold as a pair, just 14 of the classic cars will be sold to seven buyers to celebrate the very special history of what is perhaps the brand’s most famous car.
Lightly modified for modern usability, the cars are inspired by the two E-Types that were driven to victory by Graham Hill and Roy Salvadori in 1961. Sent into competition almost as soon as the car was revealed, the first car, known by its registration number ECD 400, was driven to victory by Hill at Oulton Park.
In its honor, the body is painted Oulton Blue, and features a range of exterior details inspired by the race-winner, including white roundels and “lipstick,” as well a black hood. Like the racer, the motif bar and front overriders were removed.
It retains its chrome bumpers, wire wheels, and gains wheel spinners that bear the Jaguar Heritage logo. Inside, it has a beech wood steering wheel, period-correct Hardura trim, and red leather upholstery by Bridge of Weir.
Read: Jaguar Classic Shows Stunning Pair Of Factory Restored E-Type 60 Collection Editions
It also has a golden growler horn push, and engraving by master artist Johnny “King Nerd” Dowell. He engraved the car’s silhouette, the Oulton Park layout, and a start-finish flag in the vehicle. Graham Hill’s famous quote, “In a race my car becomes part of me, and I become part of it,” is also included in the car.
Other not-quite-accurate design elements include the ZP logos that are featured on the leather hood retention straps, the fuel filler cap, and elsewhere. These are inspired by the name of the project that led to the creation of the original racecars, Project ZP.
The car also has a half-wreath engraved within, the other of which is found in the second Project ZP car. This one departs even more from the original, because it is a “fixed-head” coupe, whereas all of the original racecars were dropheads.
Jaguar decided to go with the hardtop so that owners would get a car in each body style. In honor of the racecar that was driven to first place at Crystal Palace just a few weeks after Hill’s victory at Oulton Park, it is finished in Crystal Grey.
It also features a variety of nods to the original, such as the white roundels, and the removal of the motif bar. It gets special badges crafted by jewelers Vaughtons to mimic the racing stickers that drivers frequently stuck to their cars at the time.
Inside, it gets Dark Navy leather upholstery by Bridge of Weir, with its own engravings, such as the outline of the Crystal Palace racetrack, and a Salvadori’s nickname, the “King of the Airfields.”
Under the hood, both cars feature a period-correct 3.8-liter engine that features a 1961-style alloy radiator, and makes 265 hp (198 kW/269 PS). It also gets an electric cooling fan and electronic ignition for everyday usability, and a specially-developed five-speed transmission with syncromesh on all ratios and helical cut gears for quieter operation.
Each Took 2,000 Hours To Complete
Other modifications include a Jaguar Classic infotainment system, with DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and navigation. Each will also come with a specially crafted vintage style helmet inspired by Hill and Salvadori, and a tailored leather storage bag to match the vehicle’s interior.
“The E-type ZP Collection is the ultimate tribute to the E-type’s triumphant racing debut, in itself part of Jaguar’s rich motorsport history,” said Paul Barritt, director of Jaguar Classic. “With 2,000 hours lovingly spent on each vehicle by the craftspeople at Jaguar Classic, our discerning clients will be able to enjoy a unique tribute to two of the greatest cars in the E-type’s history.”
In addition to these very special E-Types, Jaguar plans to unveil a pair of F-Type ZP Editions inspired by these E-Types. Also produced in pairs, they will be powered by a 5.0-liter V8, and will be reserved for E-Type ZP Collection clients. Expect to see more on them later this year.
