Jaguar Classic Unveils E-Type Commemorative, Dedicated to 50 Years Since Production Ended

Unfortunately, we haven't heard a lot of good news concerning Jaguar Land Rover and its brands as of late, particularly Jaguar. In between models sent to car Valhalla (F-Type), new recalls, and even their robot guard dog falling down the stairs and breaking itself, JLR isn't able to catch a lucky break, it seems.

The Jaguar E-Type, also known as XK-E in North America, was a front-mid-engine sports car produced by Jaguar from 1961 to 1974. It remains one of the company's most legendary vehicles thanks to its sleek aerodynamic design, stylish aesthetics, great performance, advanced technologies, and even its competitive pricing at the time of release.

Today, it's revered as one of the most important motoring vehicles of the 20th century, and now – half a century since the last Jaguar E‑Type rolled off the production line in 1974, Jaguar Classic has created two Series I Jaguar Classic E‑Type Commemorative models. Both are not available, though, as they were commissioned by and sold to a client in Southeast Asia, and each of them celebrates the iconic sports car in new and unique ways.

Dubbed as Works Bespoke creations by Jaguar Classic, the pair are directly inspired by the final 50 Commemorative Editions produced in 1974, each hand-built to exact specifications and upgraded after 2,000 hours of careful work. Both are drophead coupes finished in Signet Green and Opal Black, mirroring the original shades from 1974 but upgraded for a contemporary finish.

"With E‑type Commemorative, our Classic team set out to improve on an already near‑perfect design. As the original creators of E‑type, we are uniquely positioned to subtly integrate both aesthetic and engineering enhancements borne out of decades of knowledge, skill, and passion," explained Lennard Hoornik, CCO (Chief Commercial Officer).

Inside, the two siblings have an anodized aluminum center console with unique engravings of an early Series I E‑Type blueprint taken from the archives and previously displayed at the New York Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). Additionally, both outside and inside, there's jewelry by Deakin & Francis, England's oldest manufacturing jeweler - mother of pearl, hallmarked solid silver, and 18-carat gold details.

The instrument panel switches are finished in knurled silver, and even the key cover is dressed in silver, matching the mother pearl and 18-carat gold. Additionally, under the hood sits the legendary 3.8-liter engine fitted with a few modern niceties like electronic fuel injection and linked to a Jaguar Classic five‑speed manual gearbox. To make them part of the 21st century, both Jaguars also got the Jaguar Classic Bluetooth radio and even a heated windscreen, "providing modern comforts while retaining all the character and authenticity of an E‑Type interior."