Yes, you already love it. We do too. The original Jaguar E-Type, brilliantly updated by former Jaguar and Aston Martin designer Ian Callum and presented here as a virtual concept. It’s a daring and bold idea, since the 1961 classic defined an era and heralded the Swinging Sixties. Not just that, but classic Jaguar buffs are a demanding lot and any messing with heritage is going to bring out the snarls.
Not this time. The Jaguar Drivers’ Club were quick to endorse the project: "This concept,” they’ve said, "stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the E-Type and the creative possibilities that arise when tradition meets innovation.” Ian Callum is a significant name in contemporary British car design. And it shows in the subtle, yet striking, respectful E-Type restomod that you see here.
The designer has form in this field. His company, Callum Designs, already offers a subtle but significant restomod of one of his own designs, the Aston Martin Vanquish. Presented as the Vanquish 25, it’s the landmark Aston as its designer wanted it to be, and as a sports car with all of today’s technology in what amounts to a bespoke build. Then there’s his take on the classic Mini, already attracting orders.
Stance of the E-Type Concept is even lower than the car that wowed the crowds at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show. Stance is wider. Broader arches house 19-inch aero-disc wheels, paying homage to the wire wheels of the 1960s car. Minimalist approach emphasises the genius of Malcolm Sayer’s original design, but with less to distract the eye. Chrome trim has disappeared. Twin exhaust pipes sitting between new smaller tail lights speak of power. There’s nothing extraneous here.
Inside the look is analogue, even if those dials are digital. No powertrain has been announced but the gear shift is obviously manual, which is an E-Type performance essential in our book. Gear knob is machined aluminium. Toggle switches speak of Jaguar's past, too. Wood rimmed steering wheel could have seen service down the King’s Road in period.
What would be under the famously long bonnet? The Jaguar Drivers’ Club have been having a wistful think: "possibly an inline-six,” they suggest referencing the hallowed XK powerplant, "or V12, aligning with the E-Type’s performance heritage”. Callum Design describe their philosophy - whether it’s this concept, or the Vanquish 25 - in one single inspiring sentence. "We endeavour,” they say, "to create work that gives joy and pleasure to others without explanation.” Job done with the E-Type concept, we’d say.
Since this concept is, for the moment, virtual, there’s no news on pricing. But Ian Callum’s Vanquish 25 project will cost you a hefty £550,000. So if his company does decide to go ahead with this E-Type, you’re going to need more than half a million to add one to your collection. Why not get a classic E-Type for a back-to-back comparison? Now there’s a two-car garage to relish.
Next up: The 10 best British car brands.
